The week before Thanksgiving, the GLBT Center and GLBT Faculty and Staff Network hosted a Holiday Potluck for GLBT students to gather in a place of community, solidarity and caring. Well over 100 students and over 15 faculty and staff were in attendance. By far, this was the most successful event of its kind in the history of the GLBT Center.

It was a really great turnout, and I really enjoyed seeing a lot of students I don’t get to see on a regular basis. It was really nice to see how many people came out for this particular event,” said Margaux Loree, graduate intern at the GLBT Center.

Her statement was echoed by other students as well who were overwhelmed by the number of friends and classmates who were in attendance. Another student reflected, “It was nice to know that there are many faculty who are not directly involved with the Center who are allies or part of the community.”

GLBT students in attendance were grateful for there to be a space on campus where their identities were not only affirmed but celebrated. While the upcoming holidays can be a welcome time away from classes and a nice trip home, for many GLBT college students the holidays are a time of navigating family and hometowns that are potentially isolating and unwelcoming. The GLBT Center proudly hosts a GLBT community event specifically to give students a sense of warm, welcoming community before the holiday season. This year was definitely a success!

Andy DeRoin is assistant director in the GLBT Center.