Each fall, the ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°æ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer Plus (LGBTQ+) Center presents a semester kickoff event that provides networking opportunities for new and returning students, faculty and staff, as well as a chance to hear about the LGBTQ+ affirming organizations available on and off campus.
![LGBTQ+ Kick-Off 2024 LGBTQ+ Kick-Off 2024](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/fixed_width_1200/public/DSC_7055.jpg?VersionId=ZEusutQmWngth9W6qk8ymiTmt5mKetSJ&itok=db7gWTkl)
![LGBTQ+ Kick-Off 2024 LGBTQ+ Kick-Off 2024](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/fixed_width_1200/public/DSC_7130.jpg?VersionId=nx_YX3sj9QGEQKq8yrtA5vjm4PygzkIH&itok=K5Wqyc19)
![LGBTQ+ Kick-Off 2024 LGBTQ+ Kick-Off 2024](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/fixed_width_1200/public/DSC_7147.jpg?VersionId=cP_UIAzub_nCe43krL9K5z_dk9xKpxNl&itok=_748s88n)
Students can meet with representatives from around the university and learn about campus resources and services. There are also fun activities and giveaways along with chances to win in a student bookstore scholarship drawing!
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An Event Kicks Off Each Semester
![LGBTQ+ Kick-Off 2024 LGBTQ+ Kick-Off 2024](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/fixed_width_1200/public/DSC_7105.jpg?VersionId=.rjrna9WCSmxbnGLCrpFItviwNe2XPrN&itok=33inThRU)
Helping ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°æ students feel welcomed, safe and included is at the heart of the university's values, and students who feel a sense of belonging have greater success both socially and academically.
For the spring semester, the center partners with ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°æ's Women’s Center, Student Multicultural Center, Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services for Spring Unite Game Night. It is "an evening of games, food, and unity" during which students play board games, Nintendo Switch and Twister to create connections, fellowship and explore identity.
![LGBTQ+ Kick-Off 2024 LGBTQ+ Kick-Off 2024](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/fixed_width_1200/public/DSC_6981-Enhanced-NR.jpg?VersionId=X11fLt.NWfvz9.b.JSeM4BqHiYwXn12M&itok=cmFmzzb7)
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Ken Ditlevson, director of the ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°æ LGBTQ+ Center, said, "I want to give a big 'shout out' to all of our campus and community partners for helping us have another successful LGBTQ+ Kickoff for the fall 2024 semester!"
![LGBTQ+ Kick-Off 2024 LGBTQ+ Kick-Off 2024](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/fixed_width_1200/public/DSC_6381.jpg?VersionId=_eQcskDGW9QGB6WCayon47.uEuDNIrA.&itok=0BjW7emT)
Header photo by Bob Christy, senior photography coordinator, University Communications and Marketing.