Our campus has a variety of clubs that each offer their own unique communities and activities. These clubs provide safe spaces for all different kinds of students and allow them to express themselves freely.

One of these clubs is Queer Quarterly, an LGBTQ+-friendly club. 

Queer Quarterly has been operating on campus for the past few years. These meetings are every Friday and last from around 3:30 to 4:30 depending on the activities.

Specifically, the meetings include a spotlight on a Queer artist, for example, Mxmtoon, alongside a creative activity. They often differ, but an honorable mention is coloring.

These meetings often include book raffles where one member has the opportunity to win a free book.

The club also drafts letters to send to the school board about any kinds of events or problems they feel exclude or discriminate against members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

For example, the letter last year included the argument that there is a lack of gender-neutral bathrooms, or they’re unavailable to students.

Unfortunately, the board has chosen to not take action but this is a step toward allowing the club to express any concerns and speak out against unfair treatment. It provides an amazing opportunity for students to bring change on their own accord. 

Most importantly, the club provides students with a safe space to express themselves. The LGBTQ+ community receives a lot of negative comments from those who are homophobic or transphobic, so a lot of students on campus feel it is difficult to be comfortable with their identity. 

“It’s important that people can have a place where they can just talk about what they’re going through, especially since this [club] is focused on the gay community. People can talk about their specific needs,” said Senior Anne Lee. 

Even within the first few years of Queer Quarterly, the artwork that would be displayed within the C building hallways would be torn off the boards, forcing the club to use a protective case. This case is still located within the hallway and can be viewed at all times.

The hope is that this community allows students to explore and meet others who are just like them. 

“I went [to the meeting] and I really liked it, [there are] a lot of really nice people and understanding people,” said Senior Giselle Ignacio who is also the media manager for the club. Those that are not a part of the community are allowed to join in the meetings as well, as was true with Ignacio when she had first joined the club.

This club has helped people explore their identities.