Spectrum raises $300 for Jay County gay-straight alliance

Spectrum ended its Spring Week with the annual spring Drag Show Saturday night.

Spectrum secretary Kyle Stepler said over 300 people attended Spectrum's International Haus of Drag.

"I'm really happy about the turnout," he said. "Normally attendance in the spring is smaller.

The event raised around $300 for Jay County's gay-straight alliance, Stepler said. The organization is having trouble getting funding and a sponsor so they can officially become a chapter at the high school.

Jay County High School freshman and GSA president Emily Morris said she was impressed by the drag show.

"It inspired me to have more events like this because they could help [my] community," she said.

Morris said Jay County's GSA board hasn't decided what to do with the money yet but will likely put it toward hosting events like a concert to raise awareness about GLBT issues.
"We want to educate the [Jay County] community," she said. "We've had protestors and mean comments on Facebook."

Morris said the organization hasn't been able to become an official chapter in her high school because of lack of funding and lack of a faculty member sponsor.

Morris said 50 students participated in the Day of Silence on Friday, some of which were harassed and pushed into lockers.

Stepler said having a GSA at the high school level is important for members in the gay community.

"[Jay County's GSA] is facing a lot of opposition and can't get funding," he said. "GSA gives people a place to come and talk about issues and have people who understand."
Stepler said he could relate to some of the issues Jay County is dealing with.

"I come from a small community too and I would've loved having a GSA in high school," he said. "A lot of kids face bullying and don't have people to talk to."

Sophomore English literature and Greek major Jeremy Carnes said the International Haus of Drag was the first drag show he had ever attended.

"I loved it and I thought it was amazing," he said. "I'm [a resident adviser] and knew some of the people in the show."

Carnes said as a straight ally, the Jay County GSA was an important cause to donate to.
"I think it's great to start [an alliance] early," he said.

Carnes said gay-straight alliances are helping reduce the amount of tension between the Christian and gay communities.

"I'm a Christian and it's great to come and show support," he said. "A lot of stuff is happening and the animosity [between Christians and the LGBT community] is disappearing. 


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