Students that are a part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community can find a safe, accepting environment with the Diverse Sexuality and Gender Alliance (D-SAGA).
“D-SAGA is an activism and support group for the LGBT community here on Ferris’ campus,” D-SAGA President Brandon Laninga said. “We do many events [during] the year including Pride Week, Transgender Day of Remembrance and our annual Drag Off.”
D-SAGA aims to create an alliance between its members that face similar challenges in everyday life.
We are a gay/straight alliance on campus,” D-SAGA Secretary Jackie Charette said. “We encourage students that are a part of the LGBT community to get involved with a group of people that share similar struggles as they do.”
D-SAGA benefits and supports over 20 members that are an active part of the organization.
“I feel D-SAGA affects students in a very positive way,” Laninga said. “Many of our members come to our meetings to find support and acceptance among their peers and that is exactly what they get. We offer unique support that the students cannot get anywhere else on campus.”
D-SAGA often holds panels to spread awareness, share valuable information and answer any questions related to the organization or the LGBT community.
“I enjoy being an outlet for students to be completely open while feeling safe,” D-SAGA Vice President Ryan Carson said. “There’s a lot about genders and orientations out there that people don’t know about. We want to let people know that we’re the same as them.”
D-SAGA is responsible for hosting Pride Week, which takes place Oct. 6-10. The events that are held during that week are Stop the Hate, Transgender Awareness Day, National Coming Out Day, Break the Stereotypes and the Day of Silence.
“D-SAGA is a way for me to actively advocate for equality against those who are marginalized,” Carson said.
On Thursday, Sept. 18 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Ferris will be showing the documentary film “Fagbug Nation” which is about the infamous rainbow Volkswagen beetle that was driven across the country by Erin Davies. From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. that day, students will also have the opportunity to meet Erin and see the Fagbug before the showing of her documentary.
D-SAGA will have a table set up at Bulldog Bananza, which takes place from 4 p.m to 7 p.m. They’ll be giving out candy and information related to the organization.
D-SAGA has regular meetings every Wednesday night from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., spending the first hour on RSO related discussion and ending with a social hour. The meetings are held in the College of Business in room 112.