Kaleidoscope program relaunches at OUWB in support of LGBTQ+ community

An OUWB initiative has been relaunched and aims to promote inclusivity amongst all realms of medical education - from classrooms to clinical settings.

Called Kaleidoscope, the program officially relaunched Oct. 11 as part of OUWB's 2024 Diversity Month celebration.

An OUWB official says the hope is to build on an idea originally formed by students in 2020 as a way for the school's students, faculty, and staff to show support for the LGBTQ+ community.

The relaunch was intended to help people understand that the updated iteration will include new programming dedicated to upholding - and expanding on - Kaleidoscope's original intent, says Brandon Harris, coordinator, Diversity & Inclusion, OUWB.

"I'm hoping people better understand the future of this initiative," he says. "We collected feedback on what students want to see and programming for Kaleidoscope will align with that the students told us."

Kaleidoscope is a program led by Diversity & Inclusion that is open to students, staff, and faculty who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and/or allies.

According to its webpage, "The term 'kaleidoscope' comes from the Greek roots meaning 'beauty' and 'form.' With this in mind, members of the project are committed to seeing the beauty in all forms of LGBTQ+ diversity through an intersectional lens. We also promise to support the wellness of these communities and to address disparities that exist both consciously and unconsciously in today's academic and health care environments."

A discussion during the Kaleidoscope relaunch.

Among other things, the project also stresses the importance of "the intersectionality of identities and the clear disparities that exist."

Amelia Kruse, M.D., OUWB '23, helped develop the idea and bring it to life.

"We want to make sure that this is something that helps people feel like they belong, that there is a community that cares about them, and that they have a place in the OUWB system," Kruse said at the time of the launch.

Harris says the plan is to expand on that original mission. Students, faculty, and staff will plan events, workshops, and other initiatives.

One example is likely to be "Lavender Lounge Meetings." This initiative will provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff to gather and discuss relevant topics "as it pertains to the community, as well as OUWB."

Other examples could include a mentorship program, allyship training, a seminar to talk about gender diversity in health care, and other social and fun activities, such as movie screenings, Pride events, and more.

Perhaps the biggest initiative, according to Harris, will be the organization of an annual Kaleidoscope conference/summit. The event would likely be held during October's LGBQT History Month.

Harris says it's important to stress that Kaleidoscope is open to everyone.

"Kaleidoscope is not just for people who are part of the (LGBTQ+) community, but also for those who are looking to learn about the community," he says.

Students who attended the Kaleidoscope relaunch say they believe in the program and its intent.

"Awareness and visibility of this community on campus and in the medical field is really important to me," says Mackenzie Farrow, M1. "I think a lot of people think that they understand this identity and some of the issues this identity faces within health care, but I think there's a lot more for everyone to learn."

Shreya Srivatsan, M1, is part of the Kaleidoscope team.

"As part of the LGBTQ+ community, I feel it's really important to foster a safe community so that have a nice safe space for people…whether they're an ally or part of the community," she says.

Such support and programming are why she decided to attend OUWB.

"This is a great, friendly place," she says. "The community is just so amazing and the culture is awesome."

For more information, contact Andrew Dietderich, senior marketing specialist, OUWB, at [email protected].

To request an interview, visit the OUWB Communications & Marketing webpage.

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