The PRIDE Club at Gulf Coast State College is a safe place for both LGBTQ+ students and allies. Everyone wants to feel accepted for who they are, and the PRIDE Club offers that to students on campus.
Jade, the President of PRIDE Club, told me it is the largest club on campus with over 60 members and growing steadily. It was easy to see why after speaking to her. She described the experience many have felt to be truly accepted for who they are. She told me of students who have never been able to express their gender identity, their sexuality, or dress in ways that make them feel comfortable who now get to experience what it is like to be accepted and loved.
Jade lived this out to the fullest in the time that I spent interviewing her. As we walked down the hall, she complimented a student’s heels which made them smile genuinely and freely she told them “Whatever you do, keep being beautiful.” She complimented EVERYONE that we passed readily and genuinely.
After telling me her story about the journey she has taken to accept herself, there was no doubt her empathy and compassion came from a real place. As she explained to me how many members of PRIDE Club struggle with mental health as well as those on the autism spectrum, she made clear the importance of having a support system that truly cares for each other. This, for many, is PRIDE Club.
Vincent Pelligrino, who is both Assistant Professor of Theater and Faculty Advisor of the PRIDE Club, also spoke of the camaraderie that exists there. He said, “One of my favorite things about our meetings is that people will say ‘Does anyone want to walk out together?’ and I love that it’s like the community of knowing that you’re safe, that you can walk through the parking lot and know that you’re going to be okay because you’ve got someone next to you.” He added, “If that’s the only thing we ever accomplish as the club I think that’s a good thing …. we have each other and we’re here to support each other.”
Jade also made it clear that if the only thing the club accomplishes is being a safe place for students, she is fine with that as well.
With a slew of new laws poised toward the LGBTQ+ community, I wanted to know how this would affect PRIDE Club to which Jade said, “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’m a fighter.” Both she and Professor Pelligrino emphasized that come what may, the community will still be there in support for each other.
With the staggering disparity of suicide rates between heterosexual and LGBTQ+ students the PRIDE Club is an important part of our campus and the lives of many of our students. Jade told me of her own struggles in this regard, and the empathy she displayed for those still struggling was moving.
At a time when there is uncertainty surrounding how schools will be able to discuss or embrace LGBTQ+ issues, one thing is for certain, as long as this community exists, nobody will have to face those challenges alone.
