Rowan’s “Pride Fest” kicks off early pride month celebrations

With Pride Month around the corner in June, Rowan University kicked off its celebrations a bit early since most students will be off-campus during the month of June. Rowan’s “Gaypril” began at Bunce Green on Thursday, March 30, with the 6th annual “Pride Fest.” 

There were food trucks, games, drag queens and tables from different organizations on campus handing out free goodies and informing students about LGBTQ+ resources and events on campus. 

Students different and alike headed to the event to take part in the festivities and show support for queer students.

“I love everything about it; the colors, the excitement, the positivity, the way it represents so much. I’m just here to support and have fun,” said sophomore Jasmine Gedeon. 

The crowd was full of smiling faces, music played loud over the speakers as students mingled and enjoyed the event.

“Honestly, I came for the crowd,” said sophomore Nicole Volpe, “I always love the energy that this kind of event brings.”

The wellness center at Rowan was handing out candy and spreading the word about the services students can access through them. Sam Dimiri is a health educator at the wellness center.

“We have counselors that specialize or are at least very passionate and knowledgeable about LGBT topics and lots of various other support groups for LGBT people,” Dimiri said.  

According to Dimiri, the best place to access these resources is online via the wellness center homepage on Rowan’s website. 

Rowan Prism was also in attendance. Prism is the LGBTQ advocacy group on Rowan’s Glassboro campus focused on promoting inclusion and diversity while creating safe spaces for LGBTQ members of the Rowan community. 

They hold events all year long but specifically for “Gaypril” they are holding a drag show on Saturday, April 15.

“Here, we just want to help educate, advocate, and support our students and let them know that this welcoming atmosphere doesn’t end at Rowan, it’s just beginning. We want to prepare students for their future and show that their identity is heard and seen and absolutely supported,” said Prism member Mack Reilly.

The evening ended with the lighting up of Bunce Hall with rainbow colors. The building will be lit every night for the entire month of April.

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