A Student On A Mission: Shaun Connors

By Elizabeth Barden: Editor in Chief

On October 6, 2015

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COURTESY PHOTO / SHAUN CONNORS

A Student On A Mission: Shaun Connors

Elizabeth Barden

Editor in Chief

Recognize the name or face? That might be because Shaun Connors is one of the most welcoming faces on campus or because he was recently featured in a BuzzFeed video.

Over the summer, Shaun participated in Camp Pride, a weeklong LBGTQ+ leadership camp hosted by an organization called, “Camp Pride,” located in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was one of about one hundred other queer-identified students who worked on areas of activism, leadership, action planning, and community organizing. While he was there, a woman from the Chronicle of Higher Education came to the camp looking to conduct a video interview with some of the students to later use in the Chronicle.

“At the time, none of us realized it would be such a big deal...but when the video came out, so many folks from PSU were getting in touch with me about it,” said Connors. “Later that day, when it got featured on BuzzFeed...it got real. Suddenly I was a GIF on the Internet, in my pajamas no less, and we realized how much of an impact we were really making with these statements.”

The video featured a number of queer-identified students speaking out about some of the issues they face in the classroom, while telling viewers what they want their professors to know. “I want people to take from the video and its message...really just to ask respectfully.” Shaun said that no, it’s not okay to ask a transgender person how they have sex or if they’ve had any type of body modifications done. “Most of the time many of us are open to dialogue, especially when people are genuinely interested to learn about the issues we face in any of the facets of our lives.”

Shaun has been actively involved in similar projects and has even helped work on the Suicide Prevention Grant we had at PSU. He really became actively involved in projects like these since the onset and reaction of a Queer and ally community minecraft server.

“Hear me out,” said Shaun. “It started as some friends who just wanted to play...but it has blossomed into an amazing community of support and care.” This online community turned into a safe place for many young teens looking for an outlet. “ I can’t tell you how many nights I have sat up with teens who are feeling suicidal because of family rejection or bullying,” said Shaun. “Or teaching safe sex to folks who have no access to educational materials.” It became apparent to Shaun that he could have such a large impact by listening and supporting these young teens. “Every minute and sleepless night have been so worth it to see some of these amazing, full of potential youth blossom into successful adults.”

Shaun is a survivor of suicide loss and it has been his passion to work with youth, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. He has spent the last few years working at a Progressive church in Mass. and has grown to love all the youth he’s worked with and for there. In the future, he said he’d really want to focus his energy on working in non-profits with LBGTQ+ youth, and would ideally like to run and, or work in a community center with youth who are homeless, runaways, disowned, or in any other life or growth-threatening situation. “This population is so underserved in many settings but they account for such high numbers, particularly among homeless youth.”

For now, Shaun looks forward to start his social work practicum in the new Office of Community Development and Diversity, set to start this spring. He is also really looking to see more allies involved in Pride this year. “We know they’re out these but I think sometimes they’re intimidated to come to the group...as long as folks are friendly and respectful...we have lots of fun at meetings and become a great family as the year progresses.”

Lastly, he mentioned that for those going through similar issues or are figuring out who they are as a person, to be gentle with themselves and their friends. “It’s sometimes difficult to go through a personal coming out process or coming out with, or as an ally or friend.” “It takes time, patience, and lot of work,” he said. “But people willing to make the work happen tend to make the world just a little bit better.”