A former OU Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered and Friends vice president is looking for more interaction between the university community and a new gay rights organization in Norman.
John Werner, political science and economics sophomore, said he would like to see Norman Queer Pride lobby for inclusion of sexual orientation on the university’s equal opportunity clause and more in-depth Residential Advisers training.
“Right now they have kind of a watered down version in the RA training and I’d like to see a push for an actual training session for RAs,” Werner said.
Werner said he attended the pride festival in Oklahoma City last year and said he’d like to get involved with the new Norman group.
Norman Queer Pride was founded by Keith Kimmel, Norman resident. The organization will hold its first meeting Saturday.
Kimmel said he wanted to start the organization because he’s lived in Norman for three years and there still wasn’t one. Kimmel said the Norman organization will provide a group closer to home, especially for students without cars who can’t drive to the city.
“I think it’s going to be something that’s a little more accessible,” Kimmel said.
Kami Day serves on the board as the interim president for Norman Queer Pride. Day said she plans to turn her position over once the organization has formal elections.
According to Day, the difference between the Norman Queer Pride and the Norman Queer Alliance is that the NQP “comes together specifically to plan and execute gay pride events, including a parade.”
Day said the organization is important to raise awareness about LGBT issues and make their population more “visible.”
“It’s partly political in that you want to be visible so you can work on the issues that are important to your community,” Day said. “But the other thing is we just want to celebrate who we are, and a parade is a great way to do that.”
Because the organization is still in the forming process, Kimmel said the organization doesn’t have many specifics about the event. He said once the organizers know their fundraising capabilities and how much money the group is working with, they’ll have more information on the event.
“Right now everything is focused on getting an annual event here,” Kimmel said. “That’s the goal. Obviously once we get up and running I’m sure that goal will be more defined and focused.”
Saturday’s meeting will allow members to get involved in decisions concerning the organization, including the possible membership fees and the future of the organization. Day said they wanted to get together and see what everyone’s ideas are.
Kimmel said although OU’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered and Friends organization is not involved officially, its members have helped in spreading the word.
The Norman Queer Pride’s first meeting will be Saturday. Those interested in attending should join the organization’s Facebook group.
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keithontap 2 years, 3 months ago
We'd love to see all of you at the meeting tonight. Its at 7 PM at Hideaway Pizza in Norman on Campus Corner. Just look for the table with all the cute people at it. 8-)
cketrick 2 years, 3 months ago
Thank you all for starting a Norman Queer Pride! This is awesome!