WSU Rainbow Alliance hosts Pride Rally

On Friday, Oct. 10, a rally hosted by Wright State’s Rainbow Alliance was held in the Student Union Atrium to celebrate GLBTQA pride and the community. During the event, students, faculty and members of other organizations sat in the Atrium to listen to various speakers. Much of the audience could be seen with the letters "NOH8"--No Hate--painted on their cheeks, as part of a marriage and gender equality silent protest that occurred earlier in the day.

The rally opened with Matt Boaz, WSU Director of Equity and Inclusion, who spoke about GLTBQ issues. Students and members of the community then spoke about what the rainbow flag means to them by reading poems, telling personal stories and discussing their experiences with gender and sexuality minorities. Topics correlated with the colors of the rainbow, such as red for sexuality and life, orange for healing and friendship and purple for spirit and gratitude. Secretary of the Rainbow Alliance Charmaine Griffith explained the main purpose of the rally.

“We are celebrating our community.” Griffith said. “It is a time for us all to come together and celebrate the diversity within our rainbow community.”

The rally also included informational tables for students on other organizations such as GLSEN Dayton, PFLAG Dayton, Counseling and Wellness, the GLBTQA Resource Room and the Women's Center.

President of the Rainbow Alliance Elizabeth Schoppelrei also talked about the importance of the rally.

“This event helps us celebrate our identities and our Pride as part of the community of gender and sexuality minorities and our allies.” Schoppelrei said.