bsjkki Posted April 29, 2017 Posted April 29, 2017 I was so happy to see this. http://www.sltrib.com/news/5230363-155/lgbtq-students-discuss-challenges-faced-at?fullpage=1 "The event was the first campuswide, school-sanctioned event held specifically to discuss the challenges and experiences of LGBTQ students. The article went on to say, "BYU Counseling Center Director Steven Smith served as the panel's moderator and said that after 25 years of working with students — many of whom identified as gay or lesbian — he believes it is important to raise awareness of the LGBTQ student population. That the school's administration sanctioned the forum also sends an important message to LGBTQ students. The event says "you have a place here. I think it says you are important to us," said Smiths, a psychologist. "I think it says we want to hear from you and about your experience." I think it is a positive sign at BYU that the event was 'easily' approved. "The hourlong discussion was honest, sometimes humorous and powerfully emotional, Smith said. The panelists shared their struggles with depression and loneliness, the acceptance or rejection they have felt from family, the need for campus-based resources and ways in which straight students could be more welcoming. "I thought they were really brave folks to get up and talk about their struggles," he said. "I got teary more than once." 4
Recommended Posts