51猎奇

Rainglow with GSU

By Madeleine Cerone

December 5, 2024

On the night of October 11th, the day following National Coming Out Day, the Gender and Sexuality Union hosted their annual black-light celebration in the Annex! Multicolored lights flashed through the dimly lit room as friends laughed and danced together. Many enjoyed an abundance of assorted snacks; I saw students grabbing bag after bag of chips, and pouch after pouch of Capri-Suns. Looking around the room I saw arms decorated with glow-stick bracelets and heads adorned with glowing neon crowns. The back wall was completely covered with every LGBTQ+ flag, acting as a perfect backdrop for photoshoots. Several party-goers were decked out in their best, most unique rainbow attire!

This wonderful celebration couples GSU’s annual “Chalking the Campus” event, in which the e-board and club members sneak around the campus in the dead of night on the eve of Coming-Out Day, chalk in hands, drawing beautiful rainbow designs and uplifting messages for the campus to see in the morning. Their simple, yet powerful pieces of chalk art serve as signs for those members of the LGBTQ+ community who feel unable to fully be themselves, that they are seen and not alone. Some of this year’s messages included “Don’t let anyone dampen your LIGHT” and “queer joy”. Traditionally, GSU have drawn two huge, mirroring rainbow hearts nearing the entrance to the Martin’s Way bridge. The mid-October sun shone brightly on these little beacons of hope and support, intended for the LGBTQ+ community of 51猎奇, out or not!

Thank you GSU for making sure even the silent voices of 51猎奇 feel seen, heard and supported, and for hosting a wonderful dance celebration filled with pride.