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Representatives from Kent State Undergraduate Student Government (USG) and the university’s LGBTQ+ Center teamed up to paint the Rock on Front Campus with the colors of the Transgender Pride Flag in support of transgender people everywhere.

American trans woman Monica Helms designed the flag. Her intent in the flag's design was that the stripes at the top and bottom are light blue, the traditional color for baby boys. The stripes next to them are pink, the traditional color for baby girls. The stripe in the middle is white, for those who are transitioning or consider themselves having a neutral or undefined gender.

Community support

Ken Ditlevson, director of the LGBTQ+ Center, said Undergraduate Student Government organized the event and invited the center to participate along with members of Trans*Fusion, a group on the university’s Kent Campus for trans-identified students and students that are allies to the transgender community. Erica Pelz, advisor for the group, participated in the painting.

‘The Rock was painted to show love and support for the trans community.’

“We are thankful for USG for organizing today’s effort, and for inviting the LGBTQ+ Center to join them,” said Ditlevson. “It’s easy to feel beaten down, especially with the anti-trans bills that are pending in Ohio. But by showing support to this community, we hope it’s communicating that people do care at Kent State and that they are not alone.”