Current Students

LGBTQ

Recent research has revealed a growing LGBTQ population on college campuses across the nation.  This research has brought to light some of the needs of LGBTQ students.  The challenges LGBTQ students face are most recently documented in Campus Climate for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender People:  A National Perspective (2003) a study of 14 colleges and universities across the county that included over 1,600 respondents. The findings from the study for LGBTQ undergraduate students include:

 

  • More than one-third have experienced harassment on their campus in the past year.
  • Those experiencing harassment reported derogatory comments as the most frequent form of harassment (89%) and that students were often the source of the comments.
  • Many (51%) concealed their orientation or gender identity to avoid intimidation.
  • Gay, Lesbian and Bi-sexual students also have higher suicide risks than their heterosexual counterparts.
  • According to a 2004 report entitled Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Suicide in College University Settings by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, when risk was measured among all college students, LGBTQ students reported more depression, were lonelier, and had fewer reasons for living as compared to a control group. Those factors correlate positively with suicidal tendencies. Those students also reported experiencing more prejudice.

 

Doesn't this push a gay agenda on others?

This does not ask someone to change their personal values.  It merely educates participants on the needs of some of the students on our campus.  The reality is, LGBTQ students are a part of the Western community, and as staff and faculty we have a responsibility to make sure all our students are successful.

 

Why not include other minority populations?  Why just LGBTQ people?

Unlike other minority populations where you can look and find someone who is just like you, it is not always obvious who might be supportive, understanding and aware of the resources for LGBTQ students. Currently, there are no other programs that support this population of students.

 

People Respecting Individuality, Diversity, and Equality (P.R.I.D.E.)

 

The group, whose acronym stands for People Respecting Individuality, Diversity and Equality, was established to provide a safe, supportive atmosphere for all individuals, including those looking to explore and define their sexual identity.

The nearest PRIDE organization is in the Lawton/Ft Sill area.  They hold weekly meetings.  For more information contact:

                Gracie Fry (Co-Founder): Co-Chairman-

                580-609-4959 (home),

                580-678-0285 (cellphone)

              

 

                Deron Twohatchet (Co-Founder): Co-Chairman-

                405-694 6972 (cellphone)

               

 

                Amy Dolloff (Co-Founder): Treasurer-

                580-609-4959 (home),

                580-595-1049 (cellphone)

               

Helpful resources for LGBTQ students

LearnHowToBecome.org  is a comprehensive career resource with a mission to help students and aspiring professionals understand what it takes to land their perfect career.

The site provides useful resources including the following link with details about 20 scholarships for LGBTQ students and step-by-step advice to help them optimize their applications. There’s also information about other funding options and the common hurdles LGBTQ students face when applying for financial aid, with advice about how to overcome them. You can see it here:
 
Scholarships and Financial Aid for LGBTQ Students
https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/college/financial-aid-for-lgbtq/


LearnHowToBecome.org also provides the following link  ––Resources & Expert Advice for LGBTQ College Students–– whick has a wealth of resources to help LGBTQ students find support and deal with the challenges they face as well as sections about common concerns these students have. The guide also features informative expert advice. Here’s the link to it: https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/college/lgbtq-student-resources/

#wearewestern

What is Western Oklahoma State College?

  • About

    Western Oklahoma State College, established as Altus Junior College in 1926, is the oldest original municipal two-year college still in existence in Oklahoma...
    [About WOSC]
  • Vision

    Western Oklahoma State College aspires to be the outstanding and innovative community college known for its focus on student success and its service to community and regional development.
  • Mission

    The mission of Western Oklahoma State College is to provide high quality education while ensuring equity, supporting student success, and empowering individuals to become productive members of diverse local, regional, and global communities.