As the new school year kicked off, Geneseo’s Pride Alliance Organization gave students a warm welcome back with a bounce house.
Although Pride Alliance was surprised with rain and thunder on Sunday Sept. 13, the organization still hosted their event with plenty of smiles on their faces. The event took place from 12-3 p.m. in the MacVittie College Union Ballroom and was very successful. Free of charge, the event allowed both incoming and returning students to have fun while socializing and meeting new people.
Pride Alliance is a student-run group that discusses LGBTQ+ issues and promotes queer activism and ally support in the community. Students are presented with a relaxed and safe space where they can share and learn about issues related to gender and sexual minorities in today’s world.
“Ultimately, our goal is to make the campus a better, safe and more informed environment so all students—regardless of expression and orientation—can call Geneseo their home,” Pride Alliance president junior Thomas McCarthy said.
The group has always been deeply devoted to carrying out this message and hopes that anyone who supports the goal will join the group. It is a tradition for the Pride Alliance to host events with attractions similar to the bounce house since students have always responded positively.
It was an exciting way for both old and new students to become acquainted with the organization.
“The turnout for this event was amazing and we were so thankful that people came throughout all three hours that we hosted our event. I imagine around 50–75 people came overall,” McCarthy said. “The bounce house was really large, so people really were into it.”
Pride Alliance also plans several Late Knight events annually such as Second Chance Prom and Drag Ball which are well-attended by students every year. The group also hosts several panel discussions each year such as “LGBT? Fine by Me.” In addition, the group works alongside the Black Student Union for their annual Haunted House as well as other events.