The GLBT Center’s fourth annual GLBT Symposium hosted over 170 participants on Saturday, August 12, 2017. This half-day event is held during the move-in weekend as a way for incoming GLBT students to connect with one another, build community, learn about services and resources offered by the GLBT Center and find ways to get involved on campus.

Returning GLBT students welcomed new students to campus and participated in a panel discussion, sharing their experiences and ways that GLBT students can get connected at NC State. Dr. Mike Mullen, vice chancellor and dean of academic and student affairs, addressed the students to reinforce the university’s commitment to diversity. The GLBT Center staff also provided information about resources and upcoming events.

When asked to reflect on what they learned during the event, students stated that they “learned about the level of support the community has and the resources available,” students also expressed that they felt “a part of the community,” after participating in GLBT Symposium. One student also highlighted that GLBT Symposium “made me feel a lot better and less nervous about being out .”

GLBT Center Offers Six Student Organizations

New students also learned about the myriad of opportunities to connect with other GLBT students at NC State. This fall, new and returning GLBT students will be able to join six different GLBT student organizations.

• The GLBT Community Alliance (GLBTCA) is the primary social organization for GLBT students and their allies. GLBTCA meets every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m in Talley 3285; the first meeting of the semester will be held on August 22, 2017.
• Queer and Transgender People of Color (QTPOC) is a closed group for GLBT students of color (African American, Native American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, multiracial, etc.). QTPOC meets every other Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. in Talley 3221; the first meeting will be held on August 22, 2017.
• AcePack is a group for asexual and aromantic students. AcePack meets twice each month on Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m. in the GLBT Center Lounge; the first meeting will be held on August 23, 2017.
• Bi/Pan @ NCSU is a group for students on the bisexual and pansexual spectra. Bi/Pan @ NCSU meets twice a month on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. in the GLBT Center Lounge; the first meeting will be held on August 28, 2017.
• T-Files is a closed group for students on the trans spectrum (transgender, genderqueer, gender fluid, non-binary, gender questioning, etc.). T-Files meets every other Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. in the GLBT Center Lounge; the first meeting was held on August 16, 2017.
• Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (oSTEM) is the NC State chapter of the national professional organization. oSTEM events will be hosted through GLBTCA throughout the academic year.

Preston Keith is assistant director in the GLBT Center.