This week Slippery Rock University is celebrating Pride Week with various events hosted by RockOUT for LGBTQ+ History Month. Students were able to get involved, make friends and feel safe.
Monday, they hosted an Advocacy discussion panel in Spotts World Culture Building where they discussed the importance of activism in the LGBTQ+ community. A moderator spoke with four panelists and gave the audience the option to ask questions.
On Tuesday, RockOut hosted an event to write letters of affirmation to transgender youth during common hour in the Smith Student Center (SSC) lobby. Students could sit down for however long they liked and write a letter giving motivation and support. Markers and stickers were also provided to personalize the letters.
On Wednesday, the organization held a cookie decorating event. Students were invited to stop by and decorate sugar cookies with icing and sprinkles, while engaging with their peers.
“Something to do in your free time, you know you got a couple minutes to do something fun might as well do it,” said freshman Charlie Thomas
Students expressed that being engaged as a community and having fun was important for them at the event.
Thursday, the club hosted a Queer Joy Craftfest and collaborated with other clubs. Kay Holtz, RockOUT’s treasurer, mentioned that each group had their own table and a craft. RockOUT’s table had pumpkin painting with mini pumpkins students could paint and take home with them.
“That event really helps out because it gives us the opportunity to collaborate with other clubs,” Holtz stated.
They will be ending the week with a Halloween drag show in the SSC Ballroom. This year, the theme is “Halloween on Screen.” Drag shows have been held on Slippery Rock’s campus for more than a decade.
The event will feature a costume contest, lip sync battles between the queens and students as well as raffle baskets. This event is presented with assistance from The College of Liberal Arts, Department of Psychology and the Gender Studies department.
Holtz said she is very happy to see everyone come together and participate while enjoying the events.
Students can meet new friends, share their experiences and be there for each other. Through these events, students are able to connect and engage with each other while doing enjoyable activities.
“I feel like I meet a lot of new people in my community, I like meeting new people and learning a lot about their background and their experience in the community so far,” Thomas said. “I feel like it has a big impact positively because it’s a safe space for people as it should be.”
“We want this to be a safe space where people can be open and relax,” Holtz said.
