Richard Fletcher Expands LGBT Programming
Richard Fletcher heads two of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center’s largest programs: uRap and Outreach.
Fletcher is a junior majoring in cinema-television critical studies with a business minor. His first experiences at uRap, a confidential and safe discussion group for LGBT students and allies, inspired him to get involved with the LGBT Resource Center.
"[The program] creates a safe, open atmosphere for the entire university and LGBT community," Fletcher says. "When I came to USC I wasn’t out to my friends or family. The diversity and scope of our LGBT program has allowed me to meet a variety of individuals and attend programs that have helped me to grow as an individual, to understand others and to feel like I’m making a difference."
Fletcher is also reaching out beyond USC boundaries to local high schools and their budding Gay Straight Alliances. Under the leadership of Fletcher and co-chair Emily-Hella Tsakona, the Outreach program, which started last year, has expanded from two schools to six. Fletcher says he is hoping more will join.
"The students are very open with us and learn a lot from us. They gain a perspective from us that they wouldn’t necessarily learn from their teachers," says Fletcher, who worked closely with University High School in Santa Monica last year. "It’s a great feeling reaching out to the community."
Vincent E. Vigil, director of the LGBT Resource Center, says Fletcher is "reliable, dependable and a great role model for students."
"He is very focused and knows how to balance an intense academic load with extra curricular activities," Vigil says. "He’s in charge of two large organizations, and in having to balance that, he’s serving as a leader for the community and USC."