When I applied to KU Law four years ago, I wrote in my application how proud I was to be a queer and transgender Kansan. I wrote about the future of LGBTQ+ people in the law and society, and I spoke truthfully about my identity, my pronouns and my views on justice. I also pledged my extracurricular dedication to OUTLaws & Accomplices, the LGBTQ+ affinity organization at KU Law. To me, law school would not be a complete experience without cultural engagement.
My hopes for my law school experience have rung true. I helped found the nation’s second Trans Law Student Association here at KU in 2022. I have been the president of OUTLaws & Accomplices and a co-president for Student Ambassadors for the last two years. Through my involvement in these organizations, I have made some incredible, dedicated, thoughtful, passionate and powerful friends who also share the LGBTQ+ identity. Many of us have had to work extremely hard to be recognized as ourselves in classes, in offices and in courtrooms. We have laughed, cried and studied together. We have gathered on campus to discuss our dreams and convened off campus to celebrate our existence.
As I prepare to graduate in a few short weeks, I have been reflecting on the proud LGBTQ+ Kansan that I was when I started law school. Although I remain proud and outspoken, I am weathered by the constant challenges to LGBTQ+ freedoms. My queer and transgender peers continue to face everyday struggles and threats to their safety. Despite this adversity, I know that my community at KU Law will continue to be a kind and accepting space. I hope that prospective students will read this on the KU website and know that LGBTQ+ people exist at KU Law. We always have and we always will. To my fellow classmates, I am so proud of you all and the memories we made together. Thank you for joining me in passionate solidarity.
– Corrinne Yoder-Mulkey is a 3L KU Law Student Ambassador from Eudora, Kansas