Wayne State University
COM 5500: Journalism & New Media
By Brittany Thomas

After Georgia’s president emphatically rejected it, the Georgian parliament enacted LGBTQ+ rights-stifling legislation, mirroring policy adoptions in neighboring Russia and setting back an already disenfranchised community. LGBTQ+ changemakers and advocates at Wayne State University speak on institutional initiatives and resources that prepare students to lead transformation in human rights and guide U.S. policymaking.

October 30, 2024, 4:15 p.m. EST

Earlier this month, the Georgian parliament passed a wide-ranging anti-LGBTQ+ bill that threatens to further trample the rights of an already sidelined community. The governing Georgian Dream party made the disheartening decision to sign this legislation just one week after Georgia’s president refused to stamp it. The legislation bans same-sex marriage, adoption by same-sex couples, gender-affirming care, gender identification changes on documentation and depictions of LGBTQ+ people in the media.

In light of this setback for the Georgian people, Wayne State University educators and leaders are doubling down on their efforts to support disenfranchised communities by safeguarding and spanning freedoms state and nationwide.

“It’s unfortunate to see legislation like this being supported in other countries,” said Brandon Shamoun, assistant dean of students at Wayne State University and vice chair of the Michigan LGBTQ+ Commission. “We are a publicly funded institution. We have to make sure that what’s happening in our government and within our campus is in line with inclusivity and anti-discrimination legislation set at the local and federal levels.”

A first-generation college student, Middle Eastern man and member of the LGBTQ+ community himself, Shamoun is no stranger to overcoming cultural barriers. He vehemently advocates for self-expression and representation, and as a result of his deep activism and engagement with supporting initiatives, he was recently celebrated during Pride Month by the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, and Comerica Bank as an honoree of their Game Changers program.

It’s critical for institutional leadership and administration to spearhead programs and initiatives that promote cultural and societal change for LGBTQ+ issues. At Wayne State, several offices are dedicated to doing just that, and the Office of Multicultural Student Engagement (OMSE) provides a student-facing resource and support hub that encourages student success and a sense of belonging, particularly for students who represent historically excluded and diverse backgrounds.

Stephanie Hawkes, Ph.D., on how the Office of Multicultural Student Engagement supports student success and sense of belonging for historically marginalized student groups, October 25, 2024. Audio credit: Brittany Thomas.

“OMSE was created in 2015 largely out of a retention effort recognizing that there was some differences in success outcomes and retention for different populations of students. We worked to create space where students can learn more about themselves and then others who come from different backgrounds and experiences,” said Stephanie Hawkes, Ph.D., senior director for OMSE. “Through partnerships, programming, and even learning communities, we’re creating a campus-wide network where all students, regardless of color or creed, can feel seen and heard.”

When asked how OMSE specifically supports students from the Middle East who may have experienced some unjust and dehumanizing treatment before coming to Wayne State, Dr. Hawkes emphasized the significance of resident advisors who share cultural and identity-based similarities with students.

“Most recently, we brought on board a team member whose focused area is on Middle Eastern North African students, and so she’s been doing a lot of leg work in connecting with some of the groups that identify with that population or background. Visibility helps students feel that belonging, so if they see themselves represented in either our staff, our programming, our partnerships, that, again, can contribute to some of that sense of belonging.”

Now, what does Georgian rule have to do with policymaking in the U.S.? Everything. Sources indicate Georgia is heavily influenced by legislation in its neighboring countries, Russia, Persia and Turkey (Atlas & Boots, 2022; Nations Online, 2023), especially since the country geographically straddles East European and West Asian lands. Just as it is influenced by proximate territories that share demographic and ethnographic similarities, the U.S. may be influenced by bordering territories. This means policymakers must be aware of when freedoms are granted and denied not only inside but outside the U.S., especially if we fund, travel to, or partner on global initiatives with the country in question.

As evidenced in the graph above, Georgian people face stricter regulations and hierarchical structuring than Russia or the U.S., as is the norm for many Middle Eastern countries. Despite this, the United States’ and Georgia’s motivations toward achievement and success are relatively close. Although the U.S. has a great deal more individualism and indulgence than either Georgia or Russia, our country still struggles with its power distance, long-term orientation, and uncertainty avoidance concerning cultural autonomy and freedom of expression. So, yes, even the U.S. shows a need for social and cultural improvement. When it comes to a catalyst for change, the best way to start seeing changes is by making them.

Brandon Shamoun speaking on taking initiative and igniting change in policymaking, October 21, 2024. Audio credit: Brittany Thomas.

“If you have a mission and have the drive, do it, because you never know what changes your actions may spark,” said Shamoun. “It was a grassroots movement to do pride.wayne.edu, and now it’s such a huge resource for folks at the university to look at for allies in the community. That’s why we did it, just to have visibility. It can be kind of daunting, but the next generation can just be their authentic selves. That’s what I’m hoping that my generation of folks can try to build for the next generation.”

There are numerous local and global organizations supporting LGBTQ+ rights and helping diversify those individuals in policymaking positions. For a list of these organizations and support groups and more information about the global issue posed by Georgia’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation adoption, please visit the links below.

• Locate an international LGBTQ+ support organization
• Read UNAIDS statement condemning anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Georgia

Interactive Google map showing proximity of comprehensive LGBTQ+ support organizations.
Created by Brittany Thomas. October 24, 2024. 

Corktown Health Center is a medical facility providing support to LGBTQ+ patients who require or request specialized attention.
UNIFIED is the only comprehensive HIV service organization in the tri-county area.
The Ruth Ellis Center provides primary and behavioral health care to LGBTQ+ homeless, at-risk, and runaway youth.
Affirmations is a nonprofit community center serving LGBTQ+ in Ferndale and neighboring communities.
Embodied Wellness, PLLC is a health institution that specializes in holistic and personalized wellness services for the LGBTQ+ community.