The GLBTQ Guide to Rowan University

The GLBTQ Guide to Rowan University

(Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, Queer)

I've been there. Its your first year at college and you're ready to break out of your shell now that high school is a thing of the past. You no longer want to hide who you are and are simply want to find a place that gives you a sense of belonging. Simply having the desire to be whoever it is that you are. Welcome to Rowan University, the Glassboro, and Philadelphia areas. It is my job to make sure you are aware of exactly what this area has to offer and opportunities for you to get "out" and do something different.

Beginning on campus it is important for you to know that Rowan University is a very welcoming place and you will find that the majority of the students are in fact liberal and accepting of who you are, it is college after all. There are countless organizations the campus has to offer, but I will go into detail on four in particular which may interest you. The Democrat Club is an organization which has been popular since the beginning of the University. It creates an atmosphere in which to promote the Democratic Party in various different ways. This organization holds weekly meetings every Thursday at 6pm in the student center. They discuss current affairs happening all over the world, but especially the ones which could impact you directly. The Democrat Club does their best to make sure students are aware of an upcoming elections, candidates, and encourages everyone to go out and vote because it is the younger generation that can make a difference today.

The Progressive Student Alliance according to Rowan University "is a group whose goal is to become an activist - oriented student group that builds positive change on and off campus." Many times this organization and the Democrat Club will work together in order to achieve and strive for changes on campus. Now if you are a female and interested in feminist movements, the Lucy/Vox organization may be just the thing for you. This organization presents itself as the university’s feminist club. Throughout the school year Lucy/Vox will serve as an affiliation with the national organization of women. The students involved within this organization will become well aware of all issues dealing with women's rights and modern difficulties women still face in the 21st century.

The club at Rowan University that I most suggest you become a part of is the Gay- Straight Alliance. The Gay- Straight Alliance is more commonly referred to as GSA. GSA serves as a support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer (GLBTQ) students. GSA meetings are held every Wednesday at six in the student center. I have attended a number of these meetings and strongly urge any incoming student to stop in and understand what the group offers. Straight students who are in support the GLBTQ community or have friends which attend these meetings are also very active members. Year round the GSA is constantly creating new activities, from hosting and composing a rocky horror picture show to putting together a gay - mock wedding in which all students are encouraged to attend. The two main goals of this organization is to promote awareness of issues surround the GLBTQ community as well as serve as a confidential support group for any and all of its members. "It is a very laid back, safe fun, and relaxing environment. GSA is completely accepting of everyone and we always love having new members. Anyone is completely welcome and strongly encouraged to come check out what we are about," Nicole Aszaman - SGA President.

Now lets turn our attention to a different type of club shall we? A major benefit of being a GLBTQ student at Rowan means you are only a short drive away from the beautiful city Philadelphia! Philadelphia is extremely gay friendly and even has a section knows as the "Gayborhood", located from Chestnut to Pine and between 11th and Broad. Merely look for the rainbow street signs and you will know you're in the right place. If you are looking for a great time and new places to meet people there is no better place than the philadelphia Gayborhood and festivities Beginning on every Wednesday night a popular night club called Woodys located on 13th street opens its doors to anyone above the age of 18. With loud music and great DJ's the dance floor is always packed and ready for you. Every Thursday night Sisters, located on Chancellor Street, is the place to be. With an entire food buffet downstairs along with karaoke and pool tables what more could you ask for. As the night continues everyone slowly migrates upstairs where the dancing doesn't stop until 3am. Sisters and Woodys are the most popular nightclubs for the GLBTQ community in the area but if you are searching for something more relaxing or during the day Stir and the Q lounge are great options. Often the GSA organization on campus will organize car pools and ways of getting to and from the Gayborhood on particular nights so be sure to look into that if you do not have a form of transportation.

I am sure you have heard of the annual event called "Pride," but this year I encourage you to attend at least one of the following I am about to mention. Asbury Pride in New Jersey is held every June in Asbury Park. The environment consists of a large opened field with large stages and performances constantly going on. The boardwalk is a short walk away crowded with vendors for the occasion. The majority of the people who attend turn Asbury Pride make the event into an entire weekend considering it is right on the beach and hotels are relatively cheap in the area. Philadelphia Pride is held every June at Penns Landing and always has a better turn out than the year before, with live music, famous musicians, thousands of people, great food, the list goes on. Pride serves as an opportunity to come together with friends along with new faces and celebrate the GLBTQ community. Outfest is another annual Philadelphia event which thousands "come out" for. Last October Outfest attracted over 40,000 people from all over the area! This festival is held on the streets of Gayborhood and has the atmosphere of a massive block party. It is one festival you do not want to miss! The Gay Pride Organization of the Philadelphia area states that "These are the only two events during which the Philadelphia Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community joins together and celebrates as a whole. " I always countdown the days to these particular annual events and can honestly say that with each year that goes by I enjoy them more and more. I look forward to seeing you in attendance as well as on the dance floor. College is a time where you can discover yourself, create yourself, and most importantly be yourself. Just remember one thing: You are not alone.