Club of the Week: Be Legit
There are a lot of clubs on campus, each one is a great safe place where different students can go and meet like minded people who are able to share their interests. This week's club that we’re recognizing is the Be LeGIT club. I had the opportunity to speak with their club president, Rylee Leavitt. When I asked about what the club does, Rylee responded, “ The Be LeGIT club helps to foster an environment of inclusivity for LGBT students on campus. The Be LeGIT club is working with the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Department, and working on hosting many fun events for people in the community as well as allies.” Being able to be a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ is the ultimate goal for anyone in the community, which is something that anyone of any background is wanting.
We all know that sometimes people aren’t the nicest, and so I asked what is something the Be LeGIT club faces from peers. Discrimination is one of the biggest issues that members face everyday when walking on campus. “During some of Be LeGIT's events in the past, some people in the student body thought it was funny to post videos of them burning and pulling down our posters and flags on their social media.” This is something that has happened more than once, and is something that members have to deal with on the daily. “The club is trying to combat this by providing opportunities for Safe Zone Training and advocating for the community with the help of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Safe Zone Training Provides an opportunity for respectful conversation and inquiry about the LGBT community.
This training also provides students and faculty a chance to learn more about what it is like to be a community member, coming out, and how people can be more supportive and respectful. We are also determined to make ourselves available and visible on campus. It is important for the Be LeGIT club to advocate for ourselves and others, provide safe spaces, and foster an inclusive environment at Western.” If you’re looking for a way to become a more involved member of the community and are wanting to make new friends, the Be LeGIT club is a great way to do all of that. We are all people at the end of the day, we’re all trying to do our best to get through our classes, and even if you’re not a member of the community, being an ally is great way to be involved.
