OUTLaw Officers for the 2023-24 academic year include, from left to right, Trystan Melancon (President), Tyler Brewster (Vice President of Programming), Summer Knight (Vice President of Public Relations), and Lauren Devenzio (Vice President of Administration).
An LSU Law student organization seeking to foster a welcoming and comforting environment for LGBTQ+ students and allies, OUTLaw strives to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
“OUTLaw’s mission is to develop a sense of community for LGBTQ+ individuals and contribute to LSU Law’s general student atmosphere,” said 3L and OUTLaw President Trystan Melancon.
To bring its mission to fruition, OUTLaw regularly hosts events throughout the academic year and spotlights LGBTQ+-friendly activities in the Baton Rouge area.
“We want to host as many events as possible for the LSU Law community,” said Melancon, who also serves as a Louisiana Law Review senior editor. “One of my goals as president is to organize enjoyable events that raise awareness about LGBTQ+ individuals and their experiences, while allowing members of our community to meet new faces and enjoy each other’s company.”
In observance of LGBTQ+ History Month in October, OUTLaw organized an LGBTQ+ history-themed trivia night on Oct. 17 for the LSU Law community. The organization also hosted a “friend speed dating” event designed to alleviate students’ stress leading up to midterm exams and facilitate opportunities for new connections as part of LSU Law’s Mental Health Wellness Week from Oct. 2-6.
Melancon said she’s eager to facilitate OUTLaw’s spring semester event lineup, which will include an educational panel discussion featuring LGBTQ+ legal professionals and a moment of silence to mark Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20.
In addition to organizing fun and educational events, Melancon said, the OUTLaw executive board is working to create a resource guide to post on the LSU Law Library’s website of LGBTQ+ friendly businesses and activities in Baton Rouge.
“There are lots of people, both from in-state and out of town, who haven’t explored these avenues or don’t know where to begin, so I think it would be helpful to compile a list of recommendations from members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies,” said the Houston native. “It’s important for members of this community to see that there are people like them and people who support them both on campus and in Baton Rouge.”
As she looks ahead to OUTLaw’s future, Melancon hopes to see participation from LSU Law students and faculty grow year after year. OUTLaw takes pride in providing a safe and comfortable space for all students, with a particular focus on those who may have concerns regarding their LGBTQ+ status or are simply seeking a welcoming community, she said.
“We especially want prospective students to know that there’s an organization here that fits their needs,” Melancon said.
For those interested in joining OUTLaw, prospective students can attend general meetings and events, follow OUTLaw’s social media accounts, or reach out to OUTLaw officers to express their interest in becoming involved.
OUTLaw 2023-24 officers and advisors:
Trystan Melancon — President
Tyler Brewster — Vice President of Programming
Summer Knight — Vice President of Public Relations
Lauren Devenzio — Vice President of Administration
Professors Jeff Brooks and Robert Lancaster — Faculty Advisors
