Club provides safe space for LGBT+ community

Club+head+Darrean+Loy+leads+a+discussion+on+LGBT%2B+representation+in+media+during+a+Gender+and+Sexuality+Awareness+Club+meeting.+Club+members+enjoyed+homemade+Nutella+cookies+during+the+discussion.+

Laura Mogannam

Club head Darrean Loy leads a discussion on LGBT+ representation in media during a Gender and Sexuality Awareness Club meeting. Club members enjoyed homemade Nutella cookies during the discussion.

Laura Mogannam, Managing Editor

Students of all gender identities and sexual orientations gathered at lunch today to discuss LGBT+ community issues and milestones during a Gender and Sexuality Awareness club meeting.

“I feel like Convent is actively striving to be an inclusive place to talk about race and disabilities, but there does not seem to be much conversation on the gender and sexuality spectrums,” senior and club head Darren Loy said.

The club often has discussions ranging from current events in the LGBT+ community in media and politics to personal experiences and misunderstandings with friends and family.

“It is important to have a safe space to figure out who you are identity-wise,” club moderator Kate McMichael said. “It is vital for people to know that it is okay to be who you are.”

The club discussed current events like the finale of Cartoon Network show Adventure Time, where two female characters finally kissed after seasons of speculating their relationship and LGBT+ representation in mainstream media.

“I think it is really important for a school, especially a Catholic school, to recognize the needs of the student body,” senior Camilla Sigmund said. “I like having discussions about these topics.”

The club meets every first and third Thursday of the month in Flood Room 203.

“There is a huge need for more space to talk about important but overlooked topics,” Loy said. “GSA offers that space for anyone who wants to participate in a discussion or merely listen and learn.”