The Gulf Coast State College PRIDE Club is of the ever-growing club that fills a necessary role for the college. The club’s mission and goal is to provide an open forum for the sexual and gender minority of our community and their allies to discuss and share with one another in a safe, comfortable, student-led environment. It promotes equality and truly works to demystify myths and misinformation about the LGBTQ+ community, along with provide a place where those who feel outcasted because of their gender identity and sexuality, along with other factors, to where they can feel like they can be themselves during meeting. The club is a safe haven, and actively works towards that goal.
It works to educate both its members and the community on the issues faced by LGBTQ+ students; and to combat the presence of intolerance in our society through the promotion of equality, understanding, and acceptance. They work with not only with the college on being inclusive, but with the community to perform outreach and help speak to parents to help them u nderstand what their children who might being coming out or expressing a desire to transition are going through. In speaking to the current club president Jade, “No parent is given a manual when it comes to parenting. It’s completely different when you find out your child is possibly gay, trans or anything like that.”
Things like this are important and contentious, especially with the current political climate, especially in the state of Florida. With current legislation targeting those who the club represent, they stand on the front lines with our sister club, the Florida State University Pride club, and are fully willing to discuss, plan and participate in walkouts and demonstrations (further information on this provided here).
“I had a sudden feeling and urge, I want to lead people in a way that I always wanted to be led myself.”, she stated, when being asked as to why she wanted to be the president.
They have had events in the past, and have participated in the events promoted by the college like the Club Rush and Spring Break Send-Off.
The Club’s Bakesale on 02/27/2023
03/07/2023 Spring Break Send-Off
From some of the events listed, they sometimes have special guest speakers come in, like Breckin Crowley, to help with providing information on certain topics like name changes. They currently have a Medieval Masquerade Ball planned this Saturday, April 29th, from 6pm to 10:30pm in the Conference Room of Student Union East. “Attire is to match medieval theming to your convenience, there is no need to swindle passing merchants caravans on our behalf.”
If you are ever curious and would like to participate and attend a club meeting, they currently have their meetings every Wednesday, from 3-4pm. They meet in room 135 in the Rosenwald Building.
If you would like a bonus presentation, listen to my interview with the club’s advisor, Vincent Pelligrino
