Tiger Kaleidoscope, a student-led group at Campbellsville University, serves as a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ students and allies. Led by Charity Powell, director of First-Generation Center and Belonging, this group focuses on building a welcoming community where students can connect, share experiences and find support.
“I want Kaleidoscope to be a space that provides that community and that safe space,” Powell said. “A place where anybody can be who they want to be without judgment.”
The group meets on the last Wednesday of every month, offering students the chance to be in discussions, socialize and create a safe space. While LGBTQ+ topics are part of the discussions, the meetings are also about building friendships and trust.
“It’s not just about sexuality; it’s about doing life together,” Powell said.
Powell recognizes that establishing trust can be challenging at a Christian university and can make students unsure about joining this group and how they will be perceived.
“I think the challenge is if you don’t know me, you don’t know whether you can trust me or not,” Powell said. “It’s been hard to get traction because people want to know this is truly a safe place.”
According to Powell, the university has expressed support for this group and has given the space that is needed.
“When this started, it was given the blessing of people at the important tables,” she said. “They understand that our students need support and community.”
Student members like Melissa Barrantes describe the group as a welcoming environment and hopes the group continues to grow and become more visible on campus.
“It’s a very positive vibe that makes everyone feel like they belong and that they can share their ideas and experiences with others,” Barrantes said. “Being part of Kaleidoscope has given me confidence and a space where I know my voice matters. It’s reassuring to have a community that listens and supports you.”
Barrantes believes Tiger Kaleidoscope can have an impact on campus and that it has helped her personally.
“It allows students to have a safe, open, and healthy space to talk about different things without fear of judgment,” she said. “I hope it helps make the campus more inclusive and respectful of diversity. I think the more students learn about us, the more they will see that this is a group about connection and understanding. It’s important that we keep spreading that message.”
Erin Riden, another member of Tiger Kaleidoscope, has similar feelings.
“The atmosphere in the group is very inclusive and sensitive, which is important when members are trying to talk about their experiences,” Riden said. “It is a very comfortable environment that allows everyone to be themselves without feeling judged.”
Riden first joined Kaleidoscope because of people like Charity Powell and Michelle Tucker, who run the program.
“They have always been passionate about inclusivity and diversity to give a spotlight to those who may not feel seen on campus,” she said.
For Riden, the best part of the group has been the connections she has made. Everyone has had many different experiences, but talking about those experiences and creating a support system has been helpful for her.
“I hope Tiger Kaleidoscope becomes a support network for the whole student body, where everyone can go and share their experiences and listen to others so they can understand and empathize with others whilst advocating for the rights of Kaleidoscope members,” Riden said.
Looking to the future, Riden hopes Tiger Kaleidoscope will become a broad support network for all students. She also believes the group could bring much-needed attention to a population that is often overlooked on campus.
“It will allow those students that feel different or undervalued to feel supported and valued for the person they are,” she said.
For students interested in joining, Powell encourages them to bring a friend and see what the group is about.
“Give me a chance to earn your trust,” she said. “I want everyone to know that they are supported and cared for while they are here and hopes it helps make the campus more inclusive and respectful of diversity.”
Looking forward, Powell hopes to expand the group’s outreach through word of mouth and student leadership.
“I want to build students’ leadership so they can lead in the way they want to lead,” she said.
Students can stay updated by following @tiger_kaleidoscope on Instagram and Facebook, where meeting details and events are posted. Powell also welcomes direct messages and visits to her office for anyone looking to learn more about the group.
“It’s a peer group,” she said, “and it’s about making sure everyone feels like they belong.”
