On May 11, 2024, Union Pride hosted its 4th annual Pridefest, an event where various campus organizations and students celebrated LGBTQ+ Pride. Over 40 organizations signed up this year, making the event a huge success.
The event featured DJ Rvmba, an LGBTQ+ staff member, as well as speeches from staff members such as Brianne Brinker, a transgender staff member, Marlow Guerrant, an LGBTQ+ professor, and college President David Harris. Many of the speeches highlighted the importance of showcasing pride to the community as well as the impactfulness of the event. Several speakers remarked that Union has become more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community in recent years.
The event featured nail painting, button making, temporary tattoo drawing, and more engaging events. It welcomed children and those who visited campus for Steinmetz. The event featured many staff, students, and community members who were eager to be there to support pride at Union.
For instance, Julie Brannon was there on behalf of the career center and explained that, “Here on behalf of the career center and ensuring that everyone can come to the career center to partake in our services. I am bisexual as well on a personal note.”
Anabel Sollinger ‘25 on behalf of her sorority remarked that, “I’m the chair for DEIA [Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Acceptance] for SDT [Sigma Delta Tau] and we feel it’s important to support all the different communities on campus.” It is clear that many different clubs and organizations were there for a variety of reasons and that people were given the opportunity to make pride impactful in their lives.
President David Harris remarked that, “I’m just here to support our students and enhancing belonging is something that I’m all for.” The president also spent time going around to the different tables for the duration of the activities.
This pridefest was particularly valuable as it showcased a broader range of clubs than ever before and was executed in an efficient and productive manner. The community can look forward to the annual event next year, presumably on Prize Day 2025, May 10, 2025.
