On Oct. 6, 2026, the Health Communication Club (HCC) collaborated with multiple community organizations, both on and off campus, to host their LGBTQIA+ Health History Panel. The panel was held for two hours: student organizations presented on health history, mental health awareness, and resources, then the panelists went through a facilitated discussion led by Max Poku-Kankam, editor-in-chief of The Western Carolinian, and concluded with an audience Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Five panelists spoke about their expertise from AIDS advocacy services and research to Sylva Pride. Panelists from Western Carolina University included Scott Eldredge, Communication Department Head; Needham Yancey Gulley, professor in the Higher Education Student Affairs Program; and Travis Rountree, professor in the English Department. The Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP) panelists were Steven Jaslow, Pharmacy Services Administrator, and John Chaffin, Community Health Coordinator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Multiple organizations collaborated to help plan, promote, and participate in the event outside of the Health Communication Club, including the Trans Student Union, Students Against Sexual Assault, and multiple Communication Department organizations: The Western Carolinian, Whee-TV, and the Society of Professional Journalists. This panel was a representation across a diverse variety of WCU student life, who all shared the same goal of LGBTQIA+ health advocacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Community engagement events bring together students across different departments and academic disciplines to build skills in marketing, promotion and journalism by being able to partake in the execution of events like these that are fully student-led and planned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Olivia Bridges, public relations & marketing for the HCC, stated \u201cBy applying my marketing skills to help promote this event, I was able to contribute to raising awareness and creating opportunities for others to learn about the importance of LGBTQIA+ health, education, and community support.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the panel, panelists guided the audience through the changes to LGBTQIA+ legislation across history and recent changes under our university. Gulley noted how the Safe Zone is no longer recognized on our campus. He also explained that panels like these must be started and run by students, as staff and faculty are no longer able to plan events that surround \u201ccontroversial or partisan topics,” which LGBTQIA+ discussions would fall under. These changes follow new restrictions that came in early 2026 under the University of North Carolina System (UNC System) to clarify rules around teaching controversial topics. Highlighting why student-led organization hosting advocacy events like these are so important to our campus community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Events like the LGBTQIA+ Health History Panel that combine faculty expertise and regional advocates are a strong reminder of how far healthcare advocacy for this community has come and how much work still remains. This type of open discussion on campus allows students, educators, and health professionals to continue building inclusive, equitable care systems for the Western NC community and beyond.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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