BYU students joined a national movement and walked out of their classes on Oct. 11 to protest the discrimination of LGBTQ+ students at institutions with religious exemptions from Title IX.The walkouts, which took place on National Coming Out Day, were part of a national movement called Strikeout Queerphobia.Speakers told stories of their own experiences as LGBTQ+ students at BYU as well as the stories of students who wished to have their story shared but remain anonymous.BYU’s Title IX website says, “Title IX applies, with a few specific exceptions, to all aspects of federally funded education programs or activities.”The US Department of Education lists one such exemption, saying that Title IX does not apply to educational institutions controlled by religious institutions if it is “inconsistent with the religious tenets of the organization.”Nate Byrd, Public Relations Director of the Black Menaces, said, “We think that religious freedom is important, but not as a weapon against other people.”Who are The Black Menaces?“The simplest way to put it is that we’re just a group of friends.”USGA is run by BYU students, such as Gassert, Butler and Hall, who volunteer their time to plan, promote and execute weekly activities for LGBTQ+ students and allies."