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The independent news website of The Kent Stater & KSTV

KentStater

The independent news website of The Kent Stater & KSTV

KentStater

The independent news website of The Kent Stater & KSTV

KentStater

Rainbow Weekend lights up Kent

Grace Claxon and Jillian Flack October 11, 2024

Kent’s Rainbow Weekend returns Oct. 11 and 12 to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month with a colorful lineup of events. Rainbow Weekend, first celebrated in 2020, intends to uplift the queer community and...

Illustration by Bailey Bowles.

Caught between worlds: LGBTQ+ community battles bisexual stereotypes

Grace Claxon, Reporter September 18, 2024

Despite growing acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, those who identify as bisexual often find themselves caught between worlds.  Bisexual Awareness Week, from Sept. 16 to Sept. 23, sheds light on the...

Out Support Medina volunteers and guests at a pride event in July, 2023. 
(Courtesy of Out Support Medina)

LGBTQ+ activists unpack life before same sex marriage was legalized

Savana Capp, Reporter June 1, 2024

A tacky plastic flower arch covered in a thick layer of dust in front of a clerk of courts is not everyone’s dream wedding. Before same-sex marriage was legalized, it was Ken Ditlevson's legal marriage....

Kent State graduating senior Austin Brewster says a few words as she takes the stage before receiving her stole during the Lavender Graduation May 5, 2023.

Kent State celebrates LGBTQ+ graduates at Lavender Graduation

Aden Graves, Reporter May 6, 2023

Messages of empowerment, inclusiveness and love filled the Kent Student Center Ballroom Friday for Lavender Graduation, an event honoring and celebrating the accomplishments of LGBTQ+ graduates. Guests...

LGBTQ+ Center presents ‘ So Your Kid Came Out as LGBTQ+ Now What?’ panel

Annalexis Davis, Reporter April 5, 2023

Emmett Drugan and Sandy Varndell shared their experiences and advice to parents at "So Your Kid Came Out as LGBTQ+, Now What?," a virtual event hosted by Director of LGBTQ+ Center Ken Ditlevson Tuesday. Emmett...

The LGBTQ+ Center is located on the lower floor of Kent State's Student Center and is open to any and all students.

Kent State recognized as one of ‘Best of the Best’ colleges and universities for LGBTQ+ students

Mariah Alanskas, Reporter September 9, 2022

In late August, Kent State received a five out of five-star rating measuring the campus’s safety, inclusiveness and resources for LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff. The rating was measured and awarded...

The Kirkbid family attends the sixth annual Rainbow Run on Oct. 8, 2021.

LGBTQ+ Center hosts sixth annual Rainbow Run

Serena Shortridge Reporter October 10, 2021

East Main Street became a rainbow of color amidst glow sticks, bracelets and more during the sixth annual Rainbow Run on Friday. The Rainbow Run is an annual fundraising event to raise money for the LGBTQ...

LGBTQ Flag2.jpg

Kent State receives Campus Pride award for second consecutive year

Serena Shortridge Reporter October 5, 2021

Kent State has gained national attention for the second year in a row as one of the “Best of the Best” LGBTQ-friendly universities according to Campus Pride.Campus Pride is a non-profit organization...

The annual Rainbow Run will begin October 13th at 7 p.m. at the Risman Plaza.

LGBTQ+ Center to host sixth annual Rainbow Run Friday

Serena Shortridge October 2, 2021

The Rainbow Run 5K is set to take place this Friday at 7 p.m. in Risman Plaza. All event proceeds go toward the LGBTQ Emergency Fund. Participation is $20 for students and $25 for non-students. Participants...

Exploring sexuality in college

Natalia Hernandez Maceira September 29, 2021

For many students, college is the first time to take control of their sexual health. It’s also how students start exploring their sexuality and expand their identities, according to the Act for Youth...

Korb Hall has reopened its LGBTQ+ living learning community.

LGBTQ+ Living-Learning community returns to Korb Hall

Serena Shortridge September 15, 2021

Since the Living-Learning communities' original debut five years ago, there has been growing interest from LGBTQ+ students.This interest comes in spite of the Halls’ sudden closure last semester, showing...

The Kent State LGBTQ+ Student Center is located in the lower level of the Kent Student Center and provides educational events and programs aimed at creating an inclusive environment on campus.

What Pride Month means to Kent State’s LGBTQ+ Center

Izzy Stewart Reporter June 18, 2021

The Kent State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Plus Center celebrates the LGBTQ+ community year-round, but the month of June has a special meaning.June is home to Pride Month which honors...