Bloomsburg University Equality Alliance (BUEA)
This past Tuesday I took the opportunity to meet on the first floor of Sutliff, to attend my first Bloomsburg University Equality Alliance (BUEA) meeting.
Upon entering the classrom, I quickly learned that this was going to be fun. There was an undeniable energy that carried in the room. One that celebrated open conversations and a little chaos.
The room was flooded with the conversations of members, before Lennie (BUEA's President) started the meeting with announcements. Enthusiastically, executive members for the group reminded their guests of upcoming events and answered any questions.
This Tuesday's workshop was titled "Working Out the Kinks". In it we explored what kinks are and how to go about them. While I won't get into a conversation about kinks or attach the diagram that shows you how to effectively, and safely, tie up your partner; I will share what I learned about this group and their approach to educating and public policy.
Before the workshop even began, the speakers gave a trigger warning and encouraged guests to leave if this topic made them uncomfortable, a courtesy that is not often implemented. When no one left they opened their Kinks Workshop with an ice-breaker conversation. As anyone could anticipate, there was an awkward pause after suggesting such an open conversation about sex. Although this barley lasted over a few seconds before the entire room was buzzing with questions, laughter and raunchy humor.
What I enjoyed most from BUEA's workshop was how easy it was to feel comfortable there. Regardless the topic or if this was your first meeting, the atmosphere of the room encouraged you to sit up in your seat and participate. Whether that participation was active, through conversation or passively, by observing the examples of sex toys passed around the room.
BUEA proceeded to deliver an animated presentation of "Working Out the Kinks" after their ice-breaker. I asked how they choose who presents and learned they try to have two executive members to present for each meeting. Lennie explained, "At our end-of-semester meeting, we look at each planned meeting topic and discuss who would be best to spearhead it." These meeting topics are chosen with their audience in mind. At the end of each semester, BUEA sends out a feedback survey to their members. Based on their responses and suggestions, the executive team uses what they've learned to plan future meetings.
BUEA is an organization that encourages student involvement and prides themselves on creating events and meetings that relate to and interest students. I asked Lennie what potential members could get from joining, she shared, "Members are given a great opportunity to learn about interesting topics in the queer community, be a part of a social group, and make great friends!"
The process to become a member is easy. You can logon to HuskySync and simply click the Join button to be considered a member. There are no dues or fees, although to be considered an Active Member, one has to attend at least half of BUEAs meetings for the semester.
Once you've joined BUEA on HuskySync, you'll be sent emails and kept within the loop of upcoming events. Annually, BUEA hosts a mini Pride Festival, a charity Drag Show, and a vigil for Trans Day of Remembrance in the Fall. While during Spring, they host a Second Chance Prom and a Drag Show.
Their Fall Semester charity Drag Show is next Friday, November 1st. Starting at 8 p.m. in Mitrani Hall, located in HAAS, you can pay $2 to attend. They encourage bringing extra singles to tip! All of the proceeds will benefit Caring Communities and BUEA.
This event accompanies the LGBTQA Mid-Atlantic Conference that will be held here on campus November 1st-3rd.
BUEA keeps busy throughout the academic year. If their weekly Tuesday meetings in Sutliff 102 don't entice you, I encourage you to at least keep an eye out for their events!
xo
Lex
Upon entering the classrom, I quickly learned that this was going to be fun. There was an undeniable energy that carried in the room. One that celebrated open conversations and a little chaos.
The room was flooded with the conversations of members, before Lennie (BUEA's President) started the meeting with announcements. Enthusiastically, executive members for the group reminded their guests of upcoming events and answered any questions.
 |
| Retrieved from Facebook |
This Tuesday's workshop was titled "Working Out the Kinks". In it we explored what kinks are and how to go about them. While I won't get into a conversation about kinks or attach the diagram that shows you how to effectively, and safely, tie up your partner; I will share what I learned about this group and their approach to educating and public policy.
Before the workshop even began, the speakers gave a trigger warning and encouraged guests to leave if this topic made them uncomfortable, a courtesy that is not often implemented. When no one left they opened their Kinks Workshop with an ice-breaker conversation. As anyone could anticipate, there was an awkward pause after suggesting such an open conversation about sex. Although this barley lasted over a few seconds before the entire room was buzzing with questions, laughter and raunchy humor.
What I enjoyed most from BUEA's workshop was how easy it was to feel comfortable there. Regardless the topic or if this was your first meeting, the atmosphere of the room encouraged you to sit up in your seat and participate. Whether that participation was active, through conversation or passively, by observing the examples of sex toys passed around the room.
 |
| Retrieved from HuskySync. |
BUEA is an organization that encourages student involvement and prides themselves on creating events and meetings that relate to and interest students. I asked Lennie what potential members could get from joining, she shared, "Members are given a great opportunity to learn about interesting topics in the queer community, be a part of a social group, and make great friends!"
The process to become a member is easy. You can logon to HuskySync and simply click the Join button to be considered a member. There are no dues or fees, although to be considered an Active Member, one has to attend at least half of BUEAs meetings for the semester.
Once you've joined BUEA on HuskySync, you'll be sent emails and kept within the loop of upcoming events. Annually, BUEA hosts a mini Pride Festival, a charity Drag Show, and a vigil for Trans Day of Remembrance in the Fall. While during Spring, they host a Second Chance Prom and a Drag Show.
Their Fall Semester charity Drag Show is next Friday, November 1st. Starting at 8 p.m. in Mitrani Hall, located in HAAS, you can pay $2 to attend. They encourage bringing extra singles to tip! All of the proceeds will benefit Caring Communities and BUEA.
This event accompanies the LGBTQA Mid-Atlantic Conference that will be held here on campus November 1st-3rd.
BUEA keeps busy throughout the academic year. If their weekly Tuesday meetings in Sutliff 102 don't entice you, I encourage you to at least keep an eye out for their events!
xo
Lex
Comments
Post a Comment