Editorial: Patrick works towards unity, awareness

Her work has helped raise awareness and support for the LGBTQ community.

Published May 8, 2009

President of Gamma Rho Lambda and general campus activist Yantézia Patrick spent the year speaking for the rights and awareness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning community.

GRL is an all-inclusive sorority that acts as a safe haven for members of the LGBTQ community. Although they decided to break with their national organization, GRL focused and continues to focus on events benefiting the LGBTQ community in Columbia and at MU.

Patrick said she plans to keep active, but wants to work toward a broader range of goals to truly become the face of social justice at MU.

Patrick was an instrumental part in the events of pride month, especially the protest against Brother Jed Smock.

The protest showed neither the LGBTQ community or MU students would tolerate hate speech. A group formed holding hands around Smock in Speakers Circle, and Patrick said she was happy and surprised to see the large crowd gathering, holding hands in protest.