Open door to anyone
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4 BUCKS NEWS
Bucks-news.com
The week of September 24, 2013
BY: SYDNEY TASEY
The Open Door Club (ODC) has much to offer this year and is trying to get the Bucks community more involved in their events. “The primary goal for the club is to grow, support and educate,” said Bert Mastropietro, biology major and ODC vice president. “The other objective is to stop the hate and to make the hate factor quieter,” said the eight-year Marine veteran. Mastropietro grew up in a closeted environment and told of how there was no gay leadership for him. So therefore he wants to give other students the leadership that he never had. As far as involvement in the club, everyone is welcome. Just because the Open Door Club has a reputation for being gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender doesn't mean straight people aren't welcome. Mastropietro says, “Faculty and students, straight or gay" are welcome to join and support the ODC club at Bucks. “What everyone should know about the ODC club is that it's not cheesy and we are really involved with the community, and the more people the better,” Mastropietro said. Mastropietro plans on being more proactive about the community. He plans on getting out to the schools and
The Open door club drew rave reviews from their prom last semester and is looking to continue the good feeling this year.
local communities. He also wants to support and do some charity work. The drag show is a staple of the ODC and Mastropietro wants it to be a more polished and have a broader base this year. With more support it will be a good time for everyone. Other students are looking forward to getting involved with the club this year.
“I am looking forward to both. I kind of want to be in the drag show, but I most likely won't do it,” Dylan Myers, psychology major said. “I am looking forward to the prom because I am running for king.” Myers also gave his thoughts about why people should be open to joining the club. “More people should join
because it is a lot of fun.You meet people all over the gender spectrum and sexuality. No one is boring in the club.” The ODC also offers a form of comraderie for its members as the everyday college life can be lonely at times. “The best part about being in the LGBT community is knowing I am not alone,” Myers said. “It is lovely knowing I am not the only
PHOTO CREDIT: OPEN DOOR FACEBOOK PAGE
Centurion Staff
person to feel as though I was born into the wrong body. I have guys I can go to for advice on being transgender or ask them anything.” For more information you can check out the club’s Facebook page, or contact advisor Max Probst at: probstm@bucks.edu