Mariallen Moore
News Editor

Everyone wants to be a part of something. Everyone wants to belong and to not feel left out of the group. This desire can be summed up in one word: inclusion.

Members of the organization that was formally known as the Gay-Straight Alliance on the MUW campus kept this single word in mind when it came to make the move for a name change.

Earlier this semester, the organization’s name was officially changed to Queer Space as a move for inclusivity within the group and on campus. The decision was initiated by current president Tori Choate. Once she made the initial suggestion of a name change, all active members agreed.

“The change was very essential,” Rose Cothran, an active member of the organization, said. “The old name didn’t really feel inclusive, and I think the umbrella term of queer for Queer Space is much more inclusive.”

This feeling was present among all members. The need for a name change that included all members of the LGBTQ community was an important part of continuing to push the organization forward. Members of the group appreciate the name change.

“The whole point is to promote greater inclusion and representation for all groups who are members of the organization, not just people who identify as gay,” Choate stated about her original idea for the new name. “I decided on space because people who are within the community need to have a space that is safe for them and that is supportive for them.”

Since the name has been changed, there has been a slight increase in number of members. Choate and other organization members want the community to continue to grow and are happy to see the member numbers increasing.

Along with their new name, the club plans to organize more events that are entertaining and educational for members and the public. In the coming spring semester, Choate plans to organize several events that all students can be a part of.

One of the recent advancements the organization has made is making gender and pronoun identification preference on Canvas available to all students. In the spring, students will be able to select which gender and pronoun they prefer to be identified as.

Queer Space is not only for those in the LGBTQ community, but also those who want to show their support for the community. Salina Rai is one of the current members that is a part of the organization to show her support.

“I have been very supportive about the queer movement,” Rai stated in support of the community. “The bottom line is I’m there for everyone.”

Those interested in the organization are welcome to attend the meetings in order to gain more information about the group.

The goal of Queer Space is to be inclusive for everyone on campus and to educate people about everything their organization represents.