By Elise Ramos / The Jambar
An anti-LGBTQ+ protest at Youngstown State University on Feb. 10 led to a counter demonstration by students that drew police presence outside Kilcawley Center.
The protester stood near the student center with a sign that read, “Homo-sex is a threat to national security. Jude 1:7” on one side and “Repent and believe the gospel. Mark 1:15” on the other.
In response, students quickly organized a rally, and gathered with pride flags and rainbow fans around the protestor.
YSU Police Chief Shawn Varso said the station received a call regarding an individual who appeared to be preaching on campus, and officers were dispatched to investigate.
“Our officers responded to the scene to investigate,” Varso said. “Once it was determined what the situation was, our officers remained and monitored the situation.”
David Taylor, first year middle-school education major, said the students brought signs such as “Homo sex is awesome” and “Love is Love.” Other students circulated photos and videos of the incident online.
Sierrah Green, junior mechanical engineering technology major, said those who condemn others based on beliefs should love all and promote inclusivity.
“I am a Christian. I believe in the fact that God had way worse things to worry about than to judge the fate of [same-sex] marriages, homosexuality as a whole and those who don’t love thy neighbor because of their beliefs in this being a sin, should grow up!” Green said.
Axel Catanzaro, first year theatre major, said during the protest they felt targeted because the protester was shouting slurs at bystanders.
“Even though we’re an open campus, I feel like the university could take more steps to prevent these protests and protect the students from these types of things happening,” Catanzaro said.
Rayvin Gorrell, YSUnity president and senior anthropology major, said the exhibited behavior by the protester was unacceptable.
“There is no room for hate on this campus. Yelling slurs and insults at students literally just trying to go to class shouldn’t be tolerated by us and I am so happy to see that it wasn’t,” Gorrell said.
Caralyn Grossman, the secretary of YSUnity, a student-run organization that fosters awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, commented on the incident via email.
“We’ve collectively experienced all different types of people respond to our community with their own opinions. This is not new to us. However, it doesn’t mean that we are not all impacted in one way or another,” Grossman stated. “Though we don’t agree with the animosity portrayed on Monday afternoon, we emphasize the importance of the safety and security for all of YSU.”
Grossman also stated that YSUnity observed students coming together in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Despite our differences, our community stands for the love and acceptance of all people. If our solidarity to protect the rights of those who are unable to express themselves is unfavorable, then we are proud to be wrong,” Grossman stated.
YSU offers a variety of resources to support LGBTQ+ students. The LGBTQ+ Alumni Association & Emergency Fund offers support and emergency financial assistance to LGBTQ+ students.
External resources for The Trevor Project, located on the first floor of Kilcawley Center, are also available.
Since 2016, the university has held Safe Zone Training sessions throughout the spring and fall semesters. Sessions for the spring semester will be held Feb. 25 and March 20 to educate participants on how to create inclusive and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals.
At YSU, LGBTQ+ Awareness Week is scheduled for March 10-14 and will feature workshops, panel discussions and social activities aimed at promoting awareness and inclusion of LGBTQ+ issues on campus.