Supportive film released today
LGBT Programs of USC’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs is releasing a video today titled “It Gets Better,” which focuses on the importance of accepting members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and questioning community.
“This video is important because it’s the first video that USC has released of this kind,” said Zac Baker, president of USC’s Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Straight Alliance.
Baker emphasized that the true spirit of the video was not to represent any one particular group on campus, such as BGLSA or LGBT Programs. Instead, it intends to show that USC is inclusive in support of diversity, specifically LGBT students.
“It’s not BGSLA or LGBT programs releasing this. It’s from the actual university, and it’s a statement from the top coming all the way from President (Harris) Pastides in saying that we’re not going to stand for bullying, and we’re not going to stand for people not respecting or tolerating those who are different,” Baker said.
“It Gets Better” is a nationwide campaign that places value on the voices of leaders, students and the public in support of the LGBT community.
Baker believes USC’s deep south movement toward gay acceptance is representative of the rest of the state and the country.
“Our culture is changing,” Baker said. “People’s hearts are changing, and their minds as well. I think the people of South Carolina and Columbia, and especially those of this university — they don’t want to be on the wrong side of history. This is definitely a historic movement of this university because we’re doing it right.”
USC’s “It Gets Better” video features several of the most notable members of the university, including President Harris Pastides, former Student Body President Joe Wright and Vice Provost Dennis Pruitt, as well as members of Carolina’s LGBT community. Though the video informs current students that there are resources available to help them through tough times, it is also tells high school students that although USC is located in the deep south, it is still an accepting and welcoming place for all people.
“We hope to achieve a sense of community here on campus for students already here,” said USC LGBT Coordinator Devin Moss. “They’re not in their struggle for identity alone. But we also want students who are coming to the university to know that the University of South Carolina is an inclusive environment, and we’re welcoming students who are LGBT here. We are at a point where we’re saying USC is a great place for LBGT individuals, and we want them to come if they have what it takes academically, that’s all that really matters and we’ll support them.”