While having a safe space for LGBTQ students is becoming an important staple in schools and universities, two WSU Vancouver undergraduates are working tirelessly to revamp the previous Pride Club on campus and establish a new organization where others can celebrate their pride together.
(David Priymak / The VanCougar)
Sydney Brower, a junior digital technology and culture major and the club’s president, says she and Megan Bina, vice president and senior also studying DTC, were introduced to the previous Cougar Pride Club last semester. However, due to the dwindling number of members and lack of structure, Brower and Bina saw the club had the potential for a fresh start. As both of them took leadership, Brower and Bina decided to form a comprehensive space where all students could engage in multiple discussions about their individual and shared experiences as members of the LGBTQ community.
“We learned that the club had been attempted in the past, but it didn’t really stick, especially last year. They said they had some semi-regular meetings, but there weren’t necessarily a lot of members. Then, when the pandemic hit and everything became virtual, it just kind of died off. So we’re both really glad that this is an opportunity to bring it back, especially in such an uncertain time, and give the LGBTQ community and allies a safe space when it’s kind of hard to define that right now,” Bina said.
Currently, Brower says the club’s meetings are taking place through video chat on Zoom, and students can communicate freely over the club’s Slack channels. They are also working on recruiting more members, including those of all majors who are both LGBTQ students and allies. During the club meetings, Bina says they like to keep conversations easygoing and comfortable.
“We’re creating a space where all LGBTQ plus people are welcome, and where allies are welcome too,” Bina said. “We keep it pretty casual, just because I think right now having social spaces is already pretty difficult, so it’s nice to replicate that virtually. … We don’t necessarily push to know what people’s sexuality is here, and I think that’s important because, for a lot of LGBTQ people, some may not feel comfortable sharing that, it’s important to respect that,” Bina said.
“We don’t necessarily push to know what people’s sexuality is here, and I think that’s important because, for a lot of LGBTQ people, some may not feel comfortable sharing that, it’s important to respect that” – Megan Bina
Brower says she is proud to have built the Pride Club upward in one of the hardest semesters WSU Vancouver has ever seen. She also believes that reinstating the club at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced so many people’s lives, is important to offer students a chance to connect with others to build a strong community. When asked about how the Pride Club influences the campus culture, Brower explains it has given the LGBTQ student community strength.
“For me personally, it has given me visibility and a voice. Unless you’re involved in a club like this, you might kind of think that there’s no one else on campus who are openly gay and proud of it. This club has helped remind me that the gay community is strong and present, and there’s a lot for us to learn, both in history and culture. It’s a really great way to connect with those in this community,” Brower said.
As for planning events, Brower and Bina have no shortage of ideas. Previously, the club has had several events over Zoom, and most recently, hosted guest speakers on Nov. 20 to honor Transgender Day of Remembrance. Next semester, they are planning to pair up with Planned Parenthood for different workshops where students can talk about intercultural sexual orientation, creating sex trivia nights, hosting drag performances and having virtual movie showings of different queer horror films.
Be sure to look out for the Pride Club’s future events, and for those who are interested in joining, Brower and Bina encourage students to follow their Instagram @cougarpride.wsuv.
“It’s really important to be able to share your story with people that go to the same school as you, and learn and know that there are people that are accepting and have similar experiences, and are able to relate to some of the struggles you’ve faced, but also are caring about it,” Bina said. “We’re working on building a queer family.”
Olivia is a senior studying English at WSU Vancouver.