A few students huddled in a square of couches, getting ready for the first 100% Society meeting of the year. They were excited to formally meet the 100% Society\u2019s new adviser, Dr. John DeFelice. The meeting began. Everyone was a bit nervous about the change in advisers, but ready to dive in.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The 100% Society has a reputation. Since it is the LGBT+ support and activism group, people tend to think that they have to be gay or otherwise part of the LGBT+ community in order to join. That is not true. All are welcome. The \u201cA\u201d in LGBTQIA stands for (among many other things) ally.<\/p>\n
The 100% Society prides itself on being a safe space for the diverse community on UMPI\u2019s campus. The 100% Society gained its name for a reason. They \u201caccept 100% of people and there is 100% no judgment,\u201d club president, Kirsta Willhide, said. By accepting everyone and being a safe space, the 100% Society aims to build community, to make people feel less alone by realizing that there are people like them on campus, be it gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual or an ally.<\/p>\n
Back when the 100% Society was still looking for an advisor, according to Willhide, finding \u201csomeone who is understanding, supportive and likes to build community\u201d was a top priority. And they found that person in DeFelice, who sees the 100% Society as a way to \u201cprovide support and communication for the community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Community is what it is all about. The 100% Society does numerous activities throughout the year, including their main community building event. That is, annually, that the 100% Society attends the Rainbow Ball, held this year at the University of Maine at Machias. The Rainbow Ball is a series of talks and workshops about LGBT+ issues and diversity. Groups from all over the state attend, connecting people and universities in new and unexpected ways.<\/p>\n
By making people feel connected, they are part of a community. When people feel as though they are part of a community, they open up and allow themselves to become their true selves and are happier for it.<\/p>\n
The 100% Society meets Mondays from 4-5 p.m. For more information, contact Kirsta Willhide at kirstawillhide@gmail.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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