Introduction
Navigating gender identity and sexuality can be a challenging journey for many individuals. With societal norms and expectations, it can be difficult to find acceptance and support from those around you. However, peer support groups like the Albertus Pride Club have emerged as an invaluable resource for members of the LGBTQ+ community who are seeking a safe space to explore their identities and connect with others who understand their struggles. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how being part of the Albertus Pride Club can help allies and LGBTQ+ members celebrate their identities.
The Need for Supportive Spaces in the Pride Community
According to research conducted by The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ members who have access to supportive spaces such as Pride Clubs have significantly lower rates of suicide attempts, have higher levels of self-esteem, and have lower rates of depression. The Albertus Pride Club provides a safe space where individuals can express themselves freely without fear of judgment or discrimination, therefore providing an inclusive space for every student on campus.
What the Albertus Pride Club Looks Like
Pride Club event.
The Albertus Pride Club is one of the larger clubs on our campus, composed of nearly 30 members. According to Pride Club President Shannon Visco, the club is a space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to have a safe space to talk over important issues such as navigating identity, discussing laws that affect the LGBTQ+ community, and providing resources and support to every member.
The club also participates in various activities throughout the year such as movie nights, hosting tabling events, decorating cookies, hearing from queer authors, and even yarn-bombing campus. These events exist to not only educate the Albertus community about LGBTQ+ matters, but to also celebrate various identities.
“As much as we need to talk about all those important issues, we like to celebrate queer identities as well,” says Shannon. “It’s not always super serious and gloomy.”
The Positive Effects of Pride Club on our Campus
For Shannon and many others on campus, being a part of Pride Club has provided a strong sense of community.
“It’s frightening when there’s news about laws that limit transgender identities or affect the LGBTQ+ community in other ways,” says Shannon. “When you’re a part of Pride Club, you have a support system. You feel less alone.”
Shannon also notes the importance of Pride Club on a Catholic College campus. Historically, various religions have not always been open to the Pride community, which has the potential to make LGBTQ+ students feel isolated at Catholic colleges. However, at Albertus, Shannon and other Pride Club individuals feel supported in their identity.
“Everyone at Albertus is always so accepting and kind,” says Shannon. “The Sisters are very supportive and celebrate with us. They always come to our Lavender Graduation and other events.”
Conclusion
The Albertus Pride Club is a vital resource for LGBTQ+ students on our campus. It provides a safe space for individuals to connect with like-minded peers, engage in activism and advocacy work, and access valuable resources and support. By being a part of Pride Club, not only will you find a community that accepts and supports you for who you are, but you will also become part of the larger movement towards equality and inclusion. Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, consider joining the Albertus Pride Club. Let’s continue to make every student at Albertus Magnus College feel accepted and supported!
Resources
Here are a few resources recommended by Pride Club President Shannon Visco:
Read more:
Albertus Magnus College’s Diversity Statement
Follow the Albertus Pride Club on Instagram: