“Until you know who you are, nothing will ever work out,” remarked Truett Vaigneur, CUNY LEADS Specialist at York College. Vaigneur said this in regards to dealing with one’s sexuality, a topic that has been seemingly destigmatized in our modern era. A particular time period that emphasizes the importance of this milestone is the times of the Stonewall Riots: a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations by members of the gay community, versus a police raid, that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn, located in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. John Carlson, Student Life Events Manager at Queens…
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50 year landmark of Stonewall riots
Earlier this month Queens College’s Student Life Events Manager, John Carlson, hosted the Stonewall Panel Discussion, dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Led by a panel of LGBTQ acitivists, the panel was a commemoration meant to reflect on the LGBTQ’s struggles to become recognized in the positive manner it deserves, and how far it has come in recent years. The discussion began by noting, “It is important for us to look back at the narrative [of LGBTQ history] and make sure it’s truthful, and that it’s genuine, and this platform assembled is one of the great ways of making sure we [as a society] achieve that.” Gracie…
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Celebrating Diversity in Leadership: QC Welcomes First Openly Transgender U.S. Navy SEAL Kristin Beck
On March 7 during free hour, retired United States Navy SEAL Kristin Beck spoke to a crowd in the Summit Flex Space about her experiences as a transgender woman, with a message of inclusiveness and self-acceptance. Despite the inclement weather, the event had over 60 attendees. After an introduction by Veterans Club President Ricardo Acuna, Beck began her presentation by showcasing a long list of labels and accomplishments ranging from ordained minister to surfer. Beck then explained to the audience that everyone has a list made up of the facets of their own identity. The diverse list underlined a central theme of the speech, which concerned the complex navigation of…
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OP-ED: A cased based on discrimination vs. love
In today’s society, people are constantly victims of discrimination, whether it be because of their race or gender. However, one case in particular has garnered attention on how people in the LGBTQ community are being unfairly treated. The case is known as “Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission,” which will play out in the Supreme Court next year. The New York Times wrote an article on this case entitled “Justices to Hear Case on Religious Objections to Same-Sex Marriage.” The case came about when David Mullins and Charlie Craig went to “Masterpiece Cakeshop” owned by Jack Phillips, wanting Phillips to bake a cake for their wedding in Massachusetts. Phillips…
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Queens College’s GLASA: A Club for All
Every club has a story to be told, however, the Gender, Love, and Sexuality Alliance club is more than a space where narratives are recited. Instead, it is a space where one will discover the meaning of acceptance and empowerment. “The atmosphere of the Gender, Love, and Sexuality Alliance club is very welcoming. We have members that are very compassionate towards others of different backgrounds. This has caused me to find a community of people who truly care about me,” Diego Fernando Ortega, a sophomore majoring in Biology and member of two years, said about the atmosphere of GLASA. Ortega admitted that life has never been simple for him. After…
