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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

Kent volunteers decorate Main Street Bridge for LGBTQ History Month

Jonathan Beard, KSTV Reporter October 11, 2024

Volunteers from Kent State University and community members decorated the Main Street Bridge for Rainbow Weekend, a partnership between the university's LGBTQ+ Center and the nonprofit organization Main...

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....

The university's LGBTQ+ Center is located in room 024 on the lower level of the Kent State Student Center.

LGBTQ+ Center expresses concerns over Senate Bill 83

Michael Neenan, Beat Reporter February 23, 2024

Members of the LGBTQ+ Center have spoken out about protecting members of the LGBTQ+ community.  In May, Ohio Senate Bill 83 passed the senate after it was revised to exclude people of all sexual orientations,...

The university's LGBTQ+ Center is located in room 024 on the lower level of the Kent State Student Center.

Final LGBTQ+ Center Poetry Workshop celebrates queer experiences

Sofia Giotti-Teixeria, Reporter November 4, 2023

The Wick Poetry Center and the LGBTQ+ Center concluded its one-hour informal creative writing workshop series Friday. This was the last of the three workshops happening this month. The workshops aimed...

LGBTQ+ Center highlights Hispanic Heritage Month in round table discussion

LGBTQ+ Center highlights Hispanic Heritage Month in round table discussion

Sofia Giotti-Teixeria, Reporter October 2, 2023

The LGBTQ+ Center's a one-hour round table discussion Thursday, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, aimed to provide a safe space for dialogue and reflection, highlighting the intersectionality of these...

The university's LGBTQ+ Center is located in room 024 on the lower level of the Kent State Student Center.

LGBTQ+ Center continues its ‘Gay Agenda’ of events for fall semester

Sofia Giotti-Teixeria, Reporter September 28, 2023

The LGBTQ+ Center has a mission to support an inclusive environment on all KSU campuses. "We are welcome to everyone," Meghan Schwind, assistant director for the LGBTQ+ Center, said. The Center...

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...

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

LGBTQ+ Center panel discusses navigating professional world

Faith Fistler, Reporter April 19, 2023

A diverse panel of speakers shared their experiences on how to navigate the workplace authentically at the “Being LGBTQ+ in the Professional World” virtual event Wednesday. The LGBTQ+ Center presented...

A picture posted to the public Kent State University 2024 Snapchat story. The campus rock was painted with a trans flag shortly after the Kent State College Republicans painted it.

‘It’s not about free speech’: Members of LGBTQ+ community speak out against anti-trans message (FUSION COLLAB)

Jillian Flack and Molly Hoffer April 18, 2023

This article is in collaboration with Fusion Magazine.  “What Is a Woman?” That was the question painted on the large rock located at the front of campus March 20. It is also the name of...

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...

Jacob Nash and members of the LGBTQ+ Center gather together at the Transgender Day of Visibility event.

Trans students celebrate visibility

Irene Bowser, Reporter April 3, 2023

In May, Jacob Nash will celebrate 25 years of coming out as a transgender man. He celebrates his differences and challenges by supporting others who are beginning their journey of visibility. Nash said...

Josie Vano (left) with her husband Jeff Vano (middle), step-son Kyan (right) and daughter Nyx (bottom left). Josie and her family live in Mentor, Ohio.

Vano, mother of two, returns to Kent to receive bachelor’s degree

Luke Trupo, Reporter March 8, 2023

The current social norm for attending higher education happens right out of high school, without much transition time in between. Many college students are not able to attend school that early due to other...