Ashley Bland, a senior hospitality management major from Merrillville, In., has taken the time to contribute to several amazing organizations on MU’s campus, including Ivy League, SPEAK Community Theater and QPOC. A big advocate of mental health and being exactly who you are, Ashley is a great example of what being a leader and making a difference is all about.
Her Campus Mizzou: I know you’re an active member of QPOC. What is QPOC and what role do you play in it?
Ashley Bland: QPOC (Queer People of Color) is a social organization for LGBTQ students of color and their allies. We are about creating a safe, supportive and inspiring space for those whose identities intersect at the planes of race/ethnicity and queerness. QPOC thrives on the principles of education, awareness and dialogue in a fun environment. I joined QPOC with my friends this year and next year I will be the communications director.
HCM: What other organizations, besides the ones listed above, are you involved with?
AB: I am also a member of Griffiths Leadership Society for Women and I hope I will have the time to devote more attention to mental health issues during this last semester. I may get involved with Active Minds or the Wellness Resource Center.
HCM: What sparked your interest in all of the organizations you’re involved in, especially QPOC?
AB: During these past two years I have been finding my voice and truly coming into the person that I want to be. Opportunities kept opening up for me to dabble in different social justice areas, and those opportunities made me more aware of issues that I thought should be discussed more often. That is what made me begin my own organization, Ivy League Innovators Group (@ILIGMizzou), which focuses on showing high school students that a formal education can be their’s. I also joined SPEAK Community Theater (@SPEAKCT), which teaches youth in the community how to use different artistic mediums as a means for social change. Through SPEAK I have been learning how important it is to be vocal about issues you see important. QPOC was something I joined out of personal need. I wanted a place or group where I could engage with people in my specific community, and that’s what QPOC has been. All of my organizations are my safe spaces though.
HCM: What has been the most important thing you’ve taken away from being involved with QPOC?
AB: Oh wow, so much. Joining that type of organization — all of them really — gives you a new lens to look at your world through. You become more aware of everyday micro-aggressions. Your ears perk up anytime someone utters, “That’s gay” or “That’s sus.” You start paying more attention to reports on the education system. You just become very aware of things. And because of that new sensitivity you learn to correct people, choose your battles and teach by setting an example. QPOC specifically has taught me a lot about the leaders in the community that came before us, like the Audre Lordes, Bayard Rustins, Silvia Riveras, etc. Also, [it has taught me] that QPOC issues are not specifically “Black gay” issues, but multicultural topics. Seeing those cultural differences has been so thought provoking and rewarding.
HCM: How can readers get involved in QPOC, or where can they find more information?
AB: QPOC usually meets every Monday at 6 p.m. (that time may change!) in the LGBTQ Resource Center. We can be found on twitter (@MizzouQPOC) and Facebook. Come join us sometime! We’d love to meet you.
HCM: I know you’re a big advocate of being yourself and mental health. What do you have to say to our readers on both of those topics?
AB: Being in love with who you are is, shockingly, a hard concept. It’s something that I struggle with still and I am open about it because I want somebody to know they are not alone. I’m learning that sometimes, being who you are and living your life truthfully can be your impact. Somebody, somewhere needs to see someone like YOU, doing what you’re doing. Somebody is looking up to you as an example or inspiration. Remember that and it’s hard to feel down on yourself for too long.
HCM: One last question! What is your favorite Mizzou memory?
AB: 1) The first time I danced at Fall Fest 2) Taking the huge group picture with all my ILIG members (it’s our header photo) 3) My girlfriend’s probate last fall and my dear friend being tapped a few weeks ago (I still get misty eyed thinking about those. I cheated, I know).