The Pointer UW-Stevens Point Student Newspaper
The Gender and Sexuality Alliance let their rainbow flags fly during Pride Week, hosting different events to celebrate gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual culture.
The week consisted of speakers, documentaries, a singles auction, a prom and a drag show which coordinated to cater to those of all genders and sexual orientation, especially Pride Prom.
Jonathan Hill, senior biology major and resource center director, explained that many LGBTQ+ teens did not feel comfortable enough in high school to attend prom with the person they had wanted to take because of societal norms. Hill explained the events are created to remind ourselves that we exist and we matter.
The speakers talked about pressing subjects and the singles auction allowed a freedom of choice when it came to bidding on who one wanted to be with. However, the most anticipated event was the drag show on Friday night.
The drag show focused on professional and amateur acts, and some of the messages of the performers were inspiring to the LGBTQ+ community.
Michael Rutkowski, junior interpersonal and organizational communication major, said certain performances with positive messages were really powerful and he could feel it in the room.
Even those who were not aware or involved in LGBTQ+ activities or culture were still more than welcome to attend the events hosted this week. Events were tailored to be inclusive to all walks of life and celebrate every facet of each person’s identity.
Tyler Schiesser, junior urban forestry major, said, “I didn’t know what to expect but there was a lot of energy and I had fun.”
Pride Week has been a tradition at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point for many years and certain events are in popular demand each year, especially the drag show. Events like this bring in familiar faces and encourage new people to visit as well.
Hill said the week is a celebration of identities.
The fall semester involves a similar LGBTQ+ week called Coming Out Week, for those who missed the fun of Pride Week but are still interested in related activities and discussions.
New faces are always welcome during GSA events and meetings to expand the community. If interested in joining GSA, meetings are held at 7 p.m. in the club office in the DUC on Thursday nights. For more information, contact gsa@uwsp.edu.
Alexa Dickson
Reporter
Alexa.S.Dickson@uwsp.edu
