Perched behind the desk of the rainbow walled office in the SS building, GLBTA (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Allies) club president Sara Miller discusses upcoming events with her fellow members. As the club starts up for another year, their message is still as strong as ever.

“We want to further educate a safe space for a non-judgmental school,” said Miller.

After receiving both Club of the Year and the Outstanding Community Service award in 2013, the GLBTA’s message remains the same, though the atmosphere of the club itself is changing directions.

“This year, the club will focus on being more social and educational, rather than political like last year,” said Chuche Lee, GLBTA club treasurer.

The club’s activities in 2012 included two panel discussions regarding the soon to be voted on Minnesota Marriage Amendment. These events were “Equality at the Altar,” and “In the k”NO’w,” the latter taking place a month before the amendment was rejected.

This year’s activities will stray away from politics and into education. The club is working on a float for home- coming, planning events for various Pride events throughout the month of October, and is planning a trip to the Minnesota GLBTA conference in November.

One way the club plans on educating the campus is by regularly displaying GLBTA related topics on the board outside the club’s office (SS 116), such as bisexuality awareness. They will also be hosting Anti-Bullying Week, Oct. 14-18.  All are encouraged to wear purple on the 17th to show support.

“The best way to fight the unknown is education,” said Miller.

Meetings for the GLBTA club are held Thursdays at 4:30 in SS 114.

“Anyone can be apart of the club,” said Miller. “We’re not going to shut you out. You have to hold out the olive branch to get the olive branch back.”

The club is designed to be a safe place where people can talk. The GLBTA’s office door will always try to be open because closed doors create boundaries.

“No matter where you go in life, as long as there is LGBT awareness in society, there will always be a safe place,” said Miller. “You may have to search, but there will always be a safe place.”