History major makes LGBTQ history

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (Exponent) - For one Boilermaker, simply studying history is not enough – Laura Blackburn feels the need to change it.

Laura Blackburn, a senior in the College of Liberal Arts, has been a key activist in creating change regarding the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Boilers at Purdue. Because of her work, there is now an LGBTQ center on campus, a non-discrimination policy covering LGBTQ issues and a LGBTQ minor becoming available next fall.

“I think that the University is becoming a more accepting place of these issues,” Blackburn said. “I have been able to see much change in the past three years, but there is still a need to educate others.”

The LGBTQ Resource Center, located in the Engineering Administration building, Room 301, opened in July 2012. Counselors are available to help LGBTQ youth once a week and it is a place of education for anyone who wants to know more about human issues. According to Blackburn, it is a place to be safe with who you are.

You can read the rest of this story at the Purdue Exponent website .