by Jessica Carreras
Frank Vaca is an activist from Potterville. The 27-year-old mid-Michigan advocate helps out with the Lansing Community College Gay-Straight Alliance, and lives to know what's going on in the LGBT community.
1) Why do you think it's important to stay engaged with the LGBT community?
I think it is important to stay up with the causes and crises of your community because in some small way, we are all connected. I do believe in the philosophy that what happens to them will eventually happen to you.
Engaging your community can be small to large depending on your free time and willingness to make a difference. On one end, you have organizations asking you to tell them what you want from your representatives and on another, you have inspired people taking action every day. People have the power to create change.
2) How are you involved with Lansing Community College's Gay-Straight Alliance?
I try to act as a mentor and stand in as an E-board member whenever possible. An E-board member's position is either secretary, treasurer, membership, vice president, or president. I like to help elect those who I think have a spark for leadership.
This year, again I am blown away by the actions and dedication of those picking up the cause. It takes two Lansing Community College students to activate the group each semester. These are volunteer positions and no one is being paid. I am doing this out of kindness of my own heart. I admit at times it is good to have power, but I think of it as watering and caring for a precious flower.
I am attempting to get my bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts. I would like to thank GSA advisors past and present for helping me develop this dream, in which I strive for freedom and acceptance while trying to make the grade.
3) What LGBT issue would you say is most important to you?
LGBT issues in media, be it "In the Life" or watching an old episode of "Will & Grace." I try to stay informed by reading the latest gay blogs, Facebook events and news articles. I surround myself in this gay bubble where I want to know what's going on in the community. People have told me that the reason why I think the LGBT community has center stage in media is because all I ever do is look up that information.
4) What do you think the community's role is in ensuring that LGBT organizations are fulfilling their duties?
The community's role is in joining them and becoming powerful elected leaders. Community members must answer organizations' calls for volunteers when they have free time, or donate a dollar when they have some extra cash. They need to be able to stand up when they think the operations are going wrong.
5) How do you contribute to your local gay community?
I love the Lansing Area AIDS Network and adore the Lansing Association for Human Rights. I can't sing, but will buy something cheap from the Greater Lansing Gay Men's Chorus. I attend Michigan Pride and may pitch in with take-down for the event.
I also write a badly misspelled blog on the Lansing State Journal Web site, which is gay-themed. I help with panels on diversity in the workplace. I have tried to set up a date for a kiss-in for the Lansing area, which failed.
I try to live openly and respectfully.
To learn more about the Lansing Community College Gay-Straight Alliance, visit http://www.lcc.edu/studentlife or contact advisor Jennifer Spenny at [email protected].
