The Pride and Equality Club hosted its opening social on Wednesday evening, Sept. 17, in the Escalante room of the Sharwan Smith Student Center. This event provided a space for PAEC club members to get to know each other as the new semester kicks off.
Southern Utah University students interested in the club mingled over snacks, games and other activities. There was an area for attendees to make their own flags using colorful markers and a square of blank paper. One student even brought their own ukulele to play for a few of their peers.
Before diving into the activities, the club’s presidency introduced themselves, encouraged the group to officially sign up for the club through the SUU app’s club page and promoted upcoming events.
“We just want to make a safe place to let queer people know it’s okay to be here, since our Q Center was removed,” said Nessie Mckenzie, PAEC student representative. “We still want to let people know that we are here and this is a place where they can come.”
One student who had been attending PAEC events for a few years, only officially signing up this semester, said that the community is their favorite part of the club.
“It’s open to anybody, regardless of who you are,” they said. “Maybe it’s a little intimidating because this is ‘only for queer people’ — but no. It’s for anyone who wants to support us.”
On Oct. 2, the club will be hosting a craft night for anyone who wants to join. Additionally, St. Jude’s Episcol Church along with the Community Presbyterian Church will be launching a Diversity Equity and Inclusion and Q Center at St. Jude’s chapel, only a few blocks from campus, on Thursday, Sept. 18. They will have a drop-in free potluck in celebration of opening from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Updates on PAEC events can be found on their Instagram for anyone wanting to get involved.
Mckenzie shared this message to any prospective club members: “Be bold, be loud, be proud, be a diva.”
Author: Heather Turner
Editor: Fanny Felixine
Photos by Heather Turner
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