SPECTRUM Club aims to increase presence on campus

     When a rainbow appears in the sky after a storm, some of the first feelings a person experiences are hope and awe of the beauty and diversity of colors. The SPECTRUM Club has a similar mission and message of hope and diversity for students.

     The SPECTRUM Club, according to the club’s mission statement, is “an open forum on sexuality, sex and gender at UCCS, aimed bringing together individuals from the across the LGBTQQIA spectrum to foster a greater understanding and acceptance on campus while addressing LGBTQQIA issues.”

     “The club is open to all,” said Deanna Kitchen, club president. “We are very welcoming of everyone.”

     When asked why the club was formed, Kitchen said, “The SPECTRUM Club was made to be a voice for those in the LGBT community.  It was started to have a forum for discussion of LGBT issues and just to be a friendly ear for those who need someone to talk to.”

      The SPECTRUM Club is in a transitional period this year.  The officers of the club are trying to reboot the club and increase their presence on campus.

     “We hope to create a new atmosphere within the club for students to feel safe,” said Sandra Parcher, the club secretary. “We hope to educate others about the LGBT population as a whole and generally provide support to those who need it.”

     Parcher, a member of the club since June, has enjoyed her time in the group mainly because of its welcoming members. “I love this new group of students. They have a lot of energy and are ambitious. But most importantly they care about other students.  It has allowed us to create a team atmosphere which I truly enjoy.”

     The SPECTRUM Club has begun planning several events for the school year, including National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11 and The Sun Palace Project Nov. 1-3, which it’s sponsoring.

     The club has two different meeting times in an effort to make it more accessible for students. It will meet every first and third Friday at 3 p.m. and every second and fourth Sunday at 5 p.m. in the ROAR Office.