Club Spotlight: Unity

By: Madison Howard, Features Editor

Finding a community on a college campus can make a significant difference in a student’s experience. At Canisius University, Unity aims to provide that sense of belonging by creating a welcoming environment for students to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity, build connections and learn about issues affecting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) community.

The organization centers its mission on ensuring students feel safe and comfortable discussing their identities and experiences. Through advocacy, education and community building, Unity encourages students to approach one another with understanding and respect while recognizing the importance of individual identity.

Unity’s executive board brings together students from a variety of academic backgrounds. President Gracie Preston is a senior majoring in environmental studies with a minor in law and public policy. Vice President Mo Hill is majoring in journalism and digital media arts. Secretary Amelia Kuhn is a psychology major with minors in history and clinical counseling for adults. Treasurer Aedan McGann is majoring in psychology and philosophy, with a minor in clinical counseling for adult populations. Outreach Coordinator Chris Tolliver is majoring in anthrozoology.

Preston hopes Unity provides students with a safe space to be themselves, meet new people and learn about the LGBTQ+ community, regardless of their own identity. “I hope that people are able to find a safe space in Unity in which they are free to be themselves and meet new people. Anyone who might be interested in Unity to know that they are always welcome, and you don’t have to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community, you can still join us to learn more,” said Preston.

Unity’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment also reflects the university’s Jesuit educational tradition. The club’s mission emphasizes personal growth, open dialogue and the willingness to listen to differing perspectives. Its commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy, and creating an atmosphere free of homophobic and transphobic behavior, aligns with its belief that Catholic education and LGBTQ+ advocacy are compatible.

The club’s expectations for members also reflect its emphasis on respect and personal agency. Unity prohibits outing others, asking members not to identify someone as part of the organization or disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity unless that person chooses to share the information themselves. The organization also discourages assumptions about identity, emphasizing that individuals should be able to define themselves on their own terms.

Members are encouraged to be honest with themselves and others while showing support, love and respect both within the organization and throughout the broader campus community. These expectations help establish an environment where students can participate without feeling pressured to disclose personal information.

Beyond providing opportunities for socializing and learning, Unity connects students with resources that can help them navigate campus and access support. These include information about preferred name changes, bias reports and referrals to LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations outside the university. “Unity provides both a space for socializing and learning about the queer community, but we also help connect students with resources both within and outside of campus,” said Preston. 

Looking beyond the university, Preston hopes to expand Unity’s advocacy efforts to address challenges facing LGBTQ+ people across the country. With the upcoming midterm elections approaching, she hopes to bring greater attention to political issues affecting the queer community and explore opportunities to work with organizations in Buffalo.

Students interested in joining Unity can attend the club’s weekly gatherings every Thursday in Old Main 223. Next week, the club will host “Ghost Hunting with Unity” on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. For updates on upcoming events and other opportunities to get involved, students can follow Unity on Instagram at @canisiusunity.

Through its emphasis on respect, personal agency and inclusion, Unity works to create a campus community where students can build connections, learn from one another and feel comfortable being themselves.