Multicultural Center, LGBTQ Resource Center host Spring Fling

The fling was meant to create a fun, safe space without agenda.

By Jessica Silverman

Published Jan. 22, 2010

MU's LGBTQ community and allies gathered to celebrate the spring semester Thursday in the Center for Social Justice.

Triangle Coalition President Erin Horth said she was expecting the same turnout for the spring fling as the fall fling.

The Multicultural Center and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Resource Center host the fling every semester.

"(Multicultural Center director) Pablo Mendoza has made a commitment each semester to donate some of his funds to make sure this happens," LGBTQ Resource Center coordinator Ryan Black said.

Black said people enjoy coming, hanging out and having a space to be around others in the queer community.

"(The CSJ) is always a safe space," Black said.

Black said the event tries to avoid all agendas or having some kind of message about different topics.

"This message is 'Here's the space, here's the pizza, just come, be yourself and hang out with some cool people,' " Black said. "It's about connecting."

The LGBTQ resource center planned and provided the entertainment, including a Playstation and Wii.

Another popular activity was the Color Me Cunts, or drawings of vaginas stationed next to a box of markers. The pictures advertised for the Vagina Monologues, set for Feb. 20.

Horth said organizations advertise and make announcements during the fling, but anyone from MU is welcome.

"We never turn anyone away," Horth said. "I certainly think that this is good for people who want to be a part of the community who are new or haven't been a part in the past for whatever reason. This is a way for them to get involved."

TriCo Vice President Sean Jarvis said the first week of the semester is always stressful for students.

"This is a way to get us back into the semester," Jarvis said.

Jarvis said offering such events is an important part of keeping the community strong.

"It's important to offer these sort of events in a no-pressure environment," Jarvis said. "A lot of the time when you're dealing with advocacy work, the stakes are really high, so social events are a good way for people to really loosen up."

At 7:30 p.m., Jarvis said the fling seemed like a success. An hour later, 16 out of the 20 pizzas ordered were eaten by the 40 to 50 people that flowed through the center.

"We have people filter in and out," Jarvis said. "One of the main rules of a college campus is any event where you have food is going to be a success, but there's definitely more to it than that."

Jarvis said it goes back to the idea of a low-key environment.

"It's hanging out with a group that people can feel more comfortable with, where it's a safe space," Jarvis said. "It's open to queer people and allies. That's a big part of it."

Jarvis said some assume people attending an event are automatically a member of that group.

"There are so many straight, supportive allies coming forth and participating," Jarvis said. "It makes people feel safe, regardless of how they fit into the community."