Many students and faculty at Moorpark College have a reason to celebrate. The recent Supreme Court decision allows same gender couples to marry in 11 more states, making a total of 27 states that now have same-sex marriage equality.

“Even if you are not LGBT you probably know someone who is,” said Moorpark College student and community activist Beth Blum*. “Our generation is becoming more desensitized to this culture and its becoming more accepting in the mainstream.”

The gay marriage ban still remains for 20 states, but the Supreme Court decision stops the gay marriage debate and leaves the rulings to the lower appeals courts in each state, who will make the final decision. This registers as great success for a large part of the Moorpark community, specifically for Moorpark College’s Spectrum club, which is an advocate and safe zone for members of the LGBTQ community and their allies.

Meghan Karch, 26, a psychology major and the Spectrum Club’s president wants to create a welcoming environment for people to come and feel comfortable.

“We’re here, we’ve been through it before, we have all different stories, so I’m sure one of us knows what [the members of the LGBTQ community] are going through,” said Karch.

According to Karch, the Spectrum Club offers a welcoming environment for all people. They pride themselves in making people feel comfortable.

“I want the gay community here on campus to know this is a safe place to go,” said Karch. “They’re not alone.”

Spectrum offers a social space filled with fun events on and off campus. The meetings are on the second Tuesday and fourth Wednesday of every month in HSS 121 from 3-5 p.m.

For additional information on the Spectrum club please visit www.facebook.com/groups/gsamoorkpark/

* Name changed for privacy