LGBTQ+ Rolla’s focus is on being a visible hub for the
LGBTQ community of rural central Missouri. We promote equity, stability, connection, affirmation, and validation.
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Our goals are to:
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∙ reduce the feeling of isolation for those in rural communities
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∙ develop resources and specialized support services
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∙ provide spaces and events for existing comfortably
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∙ offer opportunities for personal reflection, joy, and growth
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Join us on Facebook or Discord to connect with our community and get details on upcoming activities!
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The Board of Directors for LGBTQ+ Rolla consists of 5 individuals: Jonathan Kimball, Nicoya Benton, Onyx Russ, Trin Tatro, and current president Shasta Johnson.
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Jonathan Kimball is a professor of electrical & computer engineering at Missouri S&T and an elder at First Presbyterian Church of Rolla. Several years ago, he was drawn into LGBTQ+ outreach by a gay member of his church. Since then, he has sought ways to have more impact as an ally and a parent of a queer teenager, including participating in PROMO lobby days. He laided the groundwork to help found LGBTQ+ Rolla in 2020 and continues to serve as its secretary.
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Nicoya Benton (she/her) is happy to be an out, gay woman. She works with survivors of domestic and sexual violence. She is mom to three mostly-grown, brilliant, kind humans and one beautiful, spoiled cat. She loves the pursuit of justice for her LGBTQ+ community and all disenfranchised people, books, feeding people, hiking mossy trails, and watching her partner create beautiful gardens. She dislikes the patriarchy and panda bears.
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Onyx Russ (they/them) came to Rolla to study Physics at Missouri S&T. They have been involved in queer activism since their early 20’s, starting with various universities to offer resources for the queer community, especially transgender, gender queer, and nonbinary individuals. Onyx has a passion for working to better the community they live in. Onyx graduated and is working full-time at Choices for People. They enjoy their table of plants, hanging out in parks, and cuddling their cat.
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Trin Tatro (he/they) – is a queer trans man from a conservative small town in Missouri. Currently he is a student at Missouri S&T and is employed through the university as a Peer Wellness Educator – Accessibility & Belonging. Since they were a young teen, LGBTQ+ issues and activism have been an extremely important part of their life – particular areas of passion are: community building, resource sharing, and peer support. In his spare time Trin enjoys being with his partner and their adorable cats.
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Shasta Johnson (she/her) works as an office manager for an independent Etsy artist, and has education and experience in Higher Education Administration. She grew up in the Rolla area and is enthusiastic building the local LGBTQ+ community. Shasta served the Missouri S&T campus as a mentor to students, fraternity advisor, and service coordinator. She has a passion for event planning and all kinds of organization, and serves as the President of LGBTQ+ Rolla. Most importantly, she loves her wife!!!
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