Stony Brook University recently wrapped up its annual Pride Fest with the Pride Fest Block Party on April 30. The event, which took place at the SAC Plaza, gathered students, faculty, and staff to celebrate LGBTQ identity, community, and inclusion.
The block party featured a variety of activities including performances, music, interactive events, and informational outreach. It was organized in collaboration with LGBTQ* Services, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG), the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Alliance, and Student Engagement & Activities. Attendees enjoyed carnival games, arts and crafts, giveaways, and a drag performance. Highlights included T-shirt tie-dyeing, bracelet and hat decorating, rock painting, and information tables hosted by student organizations and campus departments.
Pride Month is typically celebrated nationally in June; however, Stony Brook holds its celebration in April so students can participate before the academic year concludes.
“The Pride Fest Block Party is meant to raise awareness for the LGBTQ community, and also to raise awareness for LGBTQ students on campus,” stated Alex Sima from the School of Social Welfare. “We’re handing out goodie bags with stickers and pronoun pins, and raffling off T-shirts.”
Now in its third year, the block party has increased in size and visibility among students and staff. Thoren Giannuzzi of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT+) Alliance Club remarked on their pride in how much the event has grown: “It’s the event that we’re really glad the school got on board with,” they said.
Giannuzzi also stressed the significance of visible affirming spaces for LGBTQ* students: “Visibility is huge. Just having this nice, positive safe space — I love that,” they commented. “We’re giving out flags that people can take with them. Even if you’re an ally, having a flag in your room shows people they’re safe with you.”