Students tackled the struggles and differences of being a member of the LGBTQ community while also being a person of color during a discussion hosted by the LGBTQ Student Center Wednesday. 

Through looking at black LGBTQ celebrities, such as Laverne Cox, Don Lemon and Wanda Sykes, as well as Kent State’s extensive black history, students explored and discussed Black History Month and sexuality.

“There was always a manual for being a black man but not for being a gay black man,” said Cameron Aloway, a freshman exploratory major and a LGBTQ Student Center intern.

The additional focus on Kent State’s impact within the creation of Black History Month and efforts made to equalize races on campus ensued interest within those in attendance.

“Kent State basically coined the term Black History Month,” said Patrick Ferguson, a junior sociology and psychology major and vice president of Black United Students.

Students watched videos including “Family Matters: On Race, Culture & Coming Out,” which details people’s stories of coming out to their families and “I’ma Be Me,” a stand-up comedy special by Wanda Sykes about what it would be like if she had to come out as black.

After watching “Lionel on ‘Dear White People’ is the Gay Black Man TV Needs” from NowThis about Netflix’s “Dear White People” about character Lionel Higgins and other representations of black LGBTQ characters, the discussion turned to talk about black representation in the media.  

“White men have so many characters to look to in the media,” said Katie Mattise, program coordinator at the LGBTQ Student Center.

This discussion was a part of month-long activities and events the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion hold to celebrate Black History Month.

Autumn Rietzel is the women’s and LGBTQ diversity reporter. Contact her at [email protected].