By: Lauren Upchurch
Bellarmine’s gay-straight alliance club, BUKnighted, partnered with the Office of Identity and Inclusion to hold a month full of events celebrating LGBTQ pride.
BUKnighted focuses on community and social activism, and the group has fun, educational and collaborative events lined up throughout January.
This is Bellarmine’s first-ever pride month. In the past, BUKnighted held a pride week, but members said they hope having a whole month will bring more exposure to the club and bring attention the issues for which they advocate. BUKnighted President Jordan Stacy said the goal of pride month is to bring resources and education to Bellarmine’s student body in a fun, engaging way.
“There’s a layer of fun to it where we get to do these fun things that are LGBTQ-focused, and there’s another part to it that shows that Bellarmine, as a Catholic university, wants to celebrate us and wants us to have a platform and a voice,” Stacy said.
Grace Michels, campus outreach coordinator for BUKnighted, said there will be events based on history, activism, community and connection. From events such as “Gay Trap Yoga” to movie nights to special guest speakers to the OII’s Home Food Friday, there’s something for everyone.
“I think we’ve done a really good job of gearing [the events] towards everyone. LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, and people who maybe aren’t as aware but want to learn will all have something for them,” Stacy said.
Patrick McDowell, who had never been to an OII or BUKnighted event, said of the recent BU Dialogue: “I learned a lot, it was a very productive event. I will definitely come [to future events].”
Patrick Englert, BUKnighted faculty adviser, said the OII played a huge part in making pride month become a reality.
“The work that they’re doing with BUKnighted and all the identity-based groups on campus by serving as liaison demonstrates their investment in making sure Bellarmine is a more inclusive space,” Englert said.
BUKnighted and OII offer a chance for Bellarmine students to expand their minds, learn about different identities and have fun in the process. Students can sign up for OII’s email newsletter and follow BUKnighted on Instagram (@buknighted) for more information on these campus resources.
“Whether or not you are a part of the community, or you just want to make friends, be an ally and learn, BUKnighted is a great place to find community and find home,” Stacy said.
Some upcoming events happening for pride month:
January 23: Open Mic Night, 7 p.m. Location TBD
January 30: Gay Trap Yoga, 7 p.m. in the OII
January 31: Home Food Friday and OII Grand Opening, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. in the OII
January 31: Fly Your Colors Pride Bash, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. in Hilary’s