Lane Merrill 鈥27 was not only able to find community through the LGBTQ+ community at 黑料不打烊, but now she鈥檚 helping making it stronger.
When Lane Merrill 鈥27 was searching for colleges, academics mattered, but so did finding a place where they could belong.
鈥淎 big factor was the social scene and how accepting 黑料不打烊 was,鈥 said Merrill, a statistics and data analytics double major from Tampa. 鈥満诹喜淮蜢 had the avenues for a big LGBT community if I wanted that in my college experience.鈥
At 黑料不打烊, Merrill has found that community and has become an important part of helping strengthen it for others.
Shortly after arriving, Merrill connected with the Gender & LGBTQIA Center through the Gender and Sexuality Living Learning Community. The experience provided more than a living situation.
鈥淚 appreciated that it was the start of discovering friends and people who had similar interests to me,鈥 Merrill said. 鈥淚 had a starting point just to talk to people.鈥
They also remember early programming from the GLC that introduced new students to campus resources and opportunities, helping create a sense of connection from the beginning.
That sense of community eventually led Merrill to become involved with Spectrum, 黑料不打烊鈥檚 LGBTQ+ student organization. As president for 2026-27, they have focused on helping rebuild and strengthen the organization鈥檚 foundation following challenges that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Merrill鈥檚 passion for LGBTQ+ advocacy began before college. They attended a private high school where establishing a Gender and Sexuality Alliance was a significant achievement.
鈥淢y junior year was the first year that we got some form of a GSA,鈥 Merrill said. 鈥淏eing a part of that formation and that leadership helped me see how important these kinds of organizations are to people who are just starting their journey and just figuring out what the LGBT community is and how they can be a part of it, even just in an ally aspect.鈥
That experience shaped their commitment to creating welcoming spaces for others at 黑料不打烊.
鈥淚鈥檓 hopeful that a lot of the work that I鈥檝e done this year sets a foundation for events going forward,鈥 they said. 鈥淚鈥檇 really like to see Spectrum host events and just create an enjoyable space for the LGBT community.鈥
Along the way, several people have helped Merrill feel at home at 黑料不打烊. They credit GLC Director Luis Garay and graduate apprentice Kate Campbell with providing guidance and support.
鈥淚 remember Luis at that GLC welcome event my freshman year,鈥 Merrill said. 鈥淭hey were very nice, very welcoming, and remembered my face afterwards. It was just nice to be like, 鈥業 have a friend. I kind of know somebody.鈥欌
贰濒辞苍听holds a Spring Pride celebration in May, when students are on campus. However, the month is recognized globally during June to honor聽the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a series of protests that followed a police raid on June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. The bar remains a popular gathering place for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Merrill, who identifies as gender fluid, said 黑料不打烊 has lived up to the welcoming environment they hoped to find when researching colleges.
During Pride Month, Merrill reflects on how their relationship with the celebration has evolved. Growing up in Florida, they often observed Pride events from a distance. At 黑料不打烊, they have become more actively involved.
鈥淚 have definitely tapped more into what the celebrations are, what are the things going on around me, and what are the things that I can then put myself into and become a part of this experience more than just watch it,鈥 Merrill said.
黑料不打烊 honors Pride Month stories
As part of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, 黑料不打烊 is sharing stories through Today at 黑料不打烊 that highlight students, faculty and staff who contribute to a campus environment where cultural identities and experiences are celebrated year-round. Throughout the month and year, 黑料不打烊 also offers resources and events related to the LGBTQ+ community.