Murray State University is getting closer to their 1st LGBT Resource Center

Members of Alliance

I never thought this would happen, but my alma mater is moving forward in a great way. The MSU President stated his support of a LGBT Resource Center at the university.

Here's more:

President Randy Dunn announced Wednesday an LGBT Resource Center is a University priority, but acquiring funds to provide it could prove challenging.

Dunn held a reception Wednesday night for Murray State’s Alliance and allies, or friends of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

This reception was the second of its kind for Alliance and was held at Oakhurst, the president’s home.

President Dunn kept it real with the audience about raising money for the center:

“Right now we’re trying to figure out a way to get the LGBT Center. Right now money is the biggest concern. Challenging times are ahead for the University.”

I hope former alums reach out and help them. Murray State was a struggle, but with the love and support from the LGBT community, I came out and had a successful experience. I also served as co-chair of Alliance, so to see how far they have come does my heart some good.

 I'm so proud of the students, staff and faculty that supports the LGBT student community at Murray State.

You guys are awesome!

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Murray State Professor Resigns after making Racist Remarks

Remember the other day, when I posted the clip about the Murray State professor and his racist remark to a student?

Well, he resigned...

Mark Wattier, the Murray State Professor who was suspended without pay after he allegedly made racist remarks to a couple of students in August, is resigning.
In an email statement, he said that one reason he appealed the suspension was so that he could express his regret and apologize to Arlene Johnson, who filed a complaint with the Office of Equal Opportunity at the school. Wattier included a doctor's diagnosis for depression and generalized anxiety disorder, which he says he was battling at the time.

He is also appealing because he claims that only the Board of Regents can suspend someone for more than 30 days. However, Catherine Sivills, Assistant Vice-President of Communications for MSU, say that OEO grievance procedures supersede any other grievance mechanism, so the Board of Regents' decision would be irrelevant. Wattier says that's not true, and that any employer that would treat someone this way doesn't deserve that person's labor.

The student has said that Wattier started class early last semester and she questioned him about it after the class, for which she had arrived on time. The student says Wattier responded by saying slaves never showed up on time.

My friends tell me they are still hurt about this incident. They never thought that a professor would lose it so badly and publicly.

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Great Hera! Racism in the Classrooms of Murray State

What is really going on in my alma mater?

Interesting! Throughout my undergrad and grad years at Murray State, I never experienced something like that. How could a teacher say something like that? What an asshole!

Coming Home

Well, I laughed, danced off of songs I normally wouldn't, drank more than I have in 2 years, changed clothes multiple times in a 4 hour time span, stayed up waaay too late and performed Dreamgirls' 'I'm changing' in Cracker Barrel.

But like all good things, my vacation in Murray, Ky has come to an end. I will post pics of the madness tomorrow. However, right now I'm heading to the airport in Nashvegas.

Kentucky Fried Vacation

Hi All,

I'm off to Murray, Ky for Murray State Homecoming. It's also a reunion of sorts, I will be chillin' with my college friends from my undergrad and grad days.

And I will be posting as usual, so look out for crazy pics and maybe some MSU stories.

My College Friends doing Good in the Gayborhood

Some of you know that I moved to NYC right after I got my Master's in 2001. Two friends and I drove from Murray, KY to the Big Apple excited and broke.

Well, 10 years later, my college friends have found many avenues for success. Now, they have started a new web/media venture.

It's called In The Gayborhood and I think it's great. Here's a peek.

Go here for more.