1.Can you explain what OPEN is?
Open is the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Asexual, Allies (the list goes on) club at Clark.
2. What role does OPEN play on campus? On a larger scale?
Open is a social club but it is also a political club and a support group. People come to Open to learn about themselves and others who support them. We do different events on campus including Coming Out Stories (where you can come out as anything you want), Drag Ball on Halloween with fabulous drag performers and our Annual Month of Awareness that has multiple events planned to educate the community.
3. How did you first become involved in the club?
I knew I wanted to join the LGBTQIA club on campus when I got here. I was newly coming out and wanted to have support system and community to help me with this transition.
4. Has being a part of this club influenced your experience at Clark? How so?
Open has been such a big part of my Clark career. I’ve been on eboard for 2 years and every year I’m a part of it, Open takes a different approach to the LGBTQIA community depending on who our members are.
5. What is your favorite aspect of being involved in OPEN?
My favourite thing about Open is definitely the community that it’s created and the different people who’ve come together to celebrate this community together.
OPEN’s office is located on the 3rd Floor of the UC, and can be contacted at clarkuopen@gmail.com.