Freshman Alexandria Bell is one of over 140 members of the class of 2028 who is part of the LGBTQ+ community. Bell said while looking at colleges and universities, it was important to her to attend a school that was welcoming to LGBTQ+ students.
“I wouldn't have gone to a university that didn't have a good queer community,” Belle said.
On Aug. 30, Bell attended the Gender and LGBTQIA+ Center’s new student welcome event in McKinnon Hall.
GLC Director Luis Garay said the annual New Student Welcome event allows the center to connect with students and share how the GLC is able to support them through different resources and programming.
“Our goal is to have these programs that are not only about community building but — because they're open to everyone — also ways for people to learn maybe about some other identities that they may not know,” Garay said.
One resource Garay shared with attendees was the GAP fund, which is a way for the GLC to use alumni donations to financially support students. Garay also promoted upcoming events, such as the GLC’s fall pride event Sept. 24 at Medallion Plaza.
Beyond getting to know the GLC, Garay said they wanted to create opportunities for students to get to know each other. During the new student welcome, students were able to answer LGBTQ+-themed icebreaker questions and talk with faculty and staff members during a designated “table conversations” time.
“From then on, it fosters some connections and community in other ways beyond this moment,” Garay said.
After the table conversations, junior Janeeta Smith hosted several rounds of bingo for students to win prizes such as fidget toys, books and vinyl records.
Bell said she was excited to see how established Elon’s LGBTQ+ communities are in the wider Elon community.
“There's a lot of opportunities to do lots of things and meet people,” Bell said. “It's super cool that there's so much to do.”