Micke is a Hattiesburg transplant and longtime community organizer who is passionate about LGBTQ+ rights, voices, representation, and community. The Spectrum Center is the first place Mickie felt at home in Hattiesburg, and they are excited to spearhead new programs, resources, services, and partnerships that will enhance connection, visibility, and strength to the LGBTQ+ community here. Mickie is eternally grateful to long-time TSC President Keenon Walker for his mentorship, support, and friendship, and they hope to make him and the rest of the community proud with an incredible 2023 for The Spectrum Center.

Ilima grew up as an army brat who moved to Hattiesburg in 2017 and identifies as genderqueer and pansexual. They love cooking, traveling, and their miniature dachshund Elodie. They are pursuing a degree in Sociology with minors in English and Theatre and certificates in DEI and Media & Arts Production. They believe that people have an aversion to what they don't understand, so they strive to create a two-way street for education and empathy, hoping that we can generate a safer and more loving space for the LGBTQ+ community.

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Bea is a Mississippi native, originally from the coast. She enjoys planning and is a social butterfly, so joining the TSC staff was a natural choice. She came out as bisexual in middle school, but came out again as a lesbian in her early twenties. She is a proud pet parent of two cats and one fish and will always find a way to slip her babies into conversation.

Tori is our first social work intern. She was born and raised in Texas but unexpectedly ended up in Mississippi four years ago. Today, Tori is happy to call MS her temporary home. She came out as queer in college, which made her feel whole and herself for the first time. Tori was raised in the church and experienced religious trauma that kept her from sooner acknowledging and accepting her queer identity. She strives to create a safe space for all LGBTQ+ kids, teenagers, and adults to process their trauma. She plans to get her LCSW to practice therapy and hopes to collaborate with other agencies to provide free/low-cost therapy to LGBTQ+ youth. She loves being outside, eating good food, going for a walk around town, and lazy Sundays with her dog and cat (Dot and Cleo).

Parris is a longtime fixture of the Hattiesburg drag circuit, having performed regionally for many years and mentoring countless performers. She has been booking talent and directing shows for Hattiesdrag, Team Xclusive, and other organizations for the past several years. She loves her community, and her primary goal is to bring everyone together through drag and performance art.

Description Keenon is a longtime fixture at TSC, having served as the President since 2017 and overseeing exponential organizational growth. This year he is taking a well-deserved step back to focus on other pursuits. He is passionate about his community and creating safe, welcoming, and fun spaces for everyone to grow and thrive. He believes strongly in leaving the world better than we found it, and that is reflected in his commitment to TSC's mission and unwavering support of and belief in our marginalized communities.

Twitter: @keeksoncamera

Instagram: @keeks0ncamera

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Broker by day, drag queen by night, Lane is here to make the Pine Belt bright! You may know him on stage as Vanilla Galore, but he is super excited to be involved on a deeper level with The Spectrum Center. He will be helping with volunteer coordination in addition to helping with marketing! Lane has been a Hattiesburger for 9 years now and is excited for what’s to come!

Jamie wants to help the youth in our community find & use their voice and ensure they have more resources than she did growing up. She wants to be a good citizen to her community, and a good example of what we should put into the world for her kids. Jamie is born and raised in the Hattiesburg area. She loves getting out into her community and enjoys spending time with her family and all of her fur babies.

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Sabrina is a proud Hattiesburg native that is passionate about the LGBTQIA+ community and eager to help others experience the acceptance, friendship, and diversity that she has found here. She is a wife, mom, farmer, writer, advocate, and small business owner and values the importance of what being a volunteer with The Spectrum Center entails. Sharing love is always her main goal!

Sav is originally from Jasper, Alabama, where she was a tomboy and an athlete from a young age. She eventually ran track on full scholarship at USM, and during college, came out as a lesbian. She wants to show everyone that it is okay to be yourself and that there is nothing to be scared of because there are people and an entire community who will accept you as you are. Sav is also an avid birdwatcher and can frequently be found in the woods with her binoculars.

April is a lesbian and mom of 2 girls who moved to the Hattiesburg area from Tylertown, MS. Because she was outed at a young age, and in a small community, her mission is to be a beacon of light to all LGBTQ+ individuals, especially youth and their parents. It wasn’t until she found and attended events by the Spectrum Center Did she feel normal and accepted. When she isn’t enjoying time with her friends and family, or selling houses as your local LGBTQ+ real estate agent, she enjoys talking with youth and their parents to help find resources or just lend an ear of understanding. April is proud to serve her community and be an advocate for all.

Alicia is a volunteer-turned-ambassador at The Spectrum Center.  She is a parent of a Trans child and an avid ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. The mother of two teenagers, she has been a Forrest County native for over 20 years and a registered nurse for almost as long. Helping and caring for others is her lifelong passion, so it’s no wonder she felt so at home with such an amazingly welcoming group of people at The Spectrum Center. She advocates for the youth of our Pride Community and wants them to have a safe place of love and acceptance while they transition into adulthood. She will always be available as an ally with love, support, and encouragement for all.

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