About Us

FIRST TIME HERE?

We at Keweenaw Pride are a friendly, open, dynamic group of (mostly) undergrads, but also grad students, MTU staff and local community members. Since most of our resources come from MTU's undergraduate student fees, student body and staff, much of our focus is devoted to helping young students succeed through what is often the most challenging time of their lives. However, we welcome all – straight or queer – who wish to show support for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people and issues.

By the fact that you are reading this, we can assume that you are interested in learning more about Keweenaw Pride and what we do. Keweenaw Pride has, essentially, three core purposes.

Michigan Tech's Commitment to Diversity:

Michigan Tech is committed to preparing our students to create the future. Part of that future includes entering a global work force that understands, appreciates, and thrives on its diversity. Companies that hire Michigan Tech graduates consistently look for people who are ready for this diverse world.

MTU's commitment to diversity often comes from its own students in the form of student organizations. For example, Keweenaw Pride is the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Straight Ally Organization of Michigan Tech and the Keweenaw. We are a student group for GLBT people, their straight allies and friends. We seek to provide a safe place for those in need of support. We also put on educational presentations and forums for ourselves and the campus community. We do all this to help the University promote a "queer positive" atmosphere on our campus.Through its focus on support, activism and social involvement, KP has become one of the most visible and well-known groups on campus. We stay active in the campus community by participating in events such as Winter Carnival, Spring Fling, K-Day, Student Organizations Fair, Pride Week and many other activities. Keweenaw Pride is partially funded by the USG and our fantastic Alumni.

SUPPORT
Keweenaw Pride provides caring and understanding support for our members. We know that GLBTA people have a lot on their plate, and try to be there (both physically and emotionally) for those that need a hand. Nobody should have to go through all of this alone, and if you need help it is available to you, in a safe setting. This is why we work hard to maintain quality educational resources and, of course, Safeplace @ MTU. Both of these can be of use to those who know they need help, but are afraid to let themselves "out of the shell" and become visible. For others who want in-depth counseling in a confidential environment, we have teamed up with MTU Counseling Services to provide a GLBT support group.

ACTIVISM
There is a lot of road left until GLBTA people can be fully embraced in our contemporary society. And Keweenaw Pride tries to do its part by sharing our stories and experiences with the world. We have a strong voice on the Michigan Tech campus, and work hard to make sure that our voice is heard. We spend time on publications to make sure we are heard (as well as seen), and also maintain polls (both online and otherwise) to try to grasp the campus atmosphere and where we need to go from here.

SOCIAL
We are college students, after all. We like to have fun! We get together and have fun as a group, in a safe and enjoyable setting, throughout the year. Members of Keweenaw Pride watch movies, go bowling, take off on trips, or just go to a coffee shop and chat. We are involved with K-Day, Spring Fling, and - of course - Pride Week. We spend time together in lots of ways, and enjoy each other's company. To that end, we also reach out in ways like guestbooks and email lists or forums.

Other Opportunities to support the GLBTQ Community:

In addition to Keweenaw Pride, the MTU Safe Place Program is a university-led project to provide straight allies as well as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people with areas around campus that are visibly "safe". Numerous members of MTU faculty, staff, and students have joined the Safe Place Program, including MTU President Dr. Glenn Mroz, helping Michigan Tech to become a safer place for all students. For more information about the MTU Safe Place Program, please click the safeplace logo to visit their website.