Conque(e)ring life at Brown

If you haven’t realized by now, Brown University is home to many people who identify somewhere on the queer spectrum. In other words, this school is gay as fuck, which most of the student body thankfully seems to have embraced or at least accepted. Word on the street is that about 20% of Brown’s student body is queer, but chances are that it’s a lot higher. It’s hard not to run into someone who identifies as queer here.Although Brown’s student body doesn’t represent the general population, it’s safe to say that we as a society are becoming more accepting and welcoming of LGBTQ people. More and more celebrities feel safe to come out and talk about their sexuality openly. Quality representation, where gays aren’t just stereotypes, has never been more present in media. Queerness used to be a taboo topic that is becoming increasingly normal. Heck, we honestly use queerness as a way to bond with other queer folk. It really is twentygayteen, y’all, and twentybineteen is just around the corner.Brown’s own LGBTQ center and Queer Alliance (of course we have one!) put so much work into creating a space in which queer people can be themselves in a safe, sympathetic environment, away from the possibly restrictive nature of the heteronormative ideology that surrounds us. From the Queer Cupcakes event at ADOCH for newly admitted gaybies to the Pride Prom later in the spring, passionate staff and students work so hard to show that queer people matter too. Last week on October 11th, the LGBTQ Center actually hosted an event for National Coming Out Day. We both actually went to the beautiful event. Flags representing different sexualities and gender identities adorned the walls while iconic Janelle Monáe music videos played. We modeled for a photoshoot clad in cozy, colorful flags. The small room was practically overflowing with gay energy. Right by the center, oSTEM kicked off its new “You Are Welcome Here” campaign, a palette of STEM-themed rainbow stickers lining its tables. We may or may not have taken every type of sticker. And some candy. And yet another pin from the basket of queer pins. And more candy.If you missed the Coming Out Day event, do not worry! There are still so many more events lined up for this year. In fact, here are some events coming up nearby (be there or be straight):

• Oct 17th: Bad at Makeup with the QA/International Pronoun Awareness Day (LGBTQ Center @ 6 pm)
• Oct 21st: Cheesy Halloween Movie Marathon (LGBTQ Center @ 4-8 pm)
• Oct 25th: The Real Chocolate Caliente ft. Coco (Petteruti Lounge @ 7-10 pm)
• Oct 29th: Halloween on the Green (Main Green @ 4-6 pm)
• Nov 1-3rd: IvyQ at Brown!

As a queer person anywhere, it can be frightening to figure out how to navigate society. It sucks, because you really can’t always talk openly about your personal life with people you care about. Sometimes, being at home means hiding away your feelings for that really hot girl you met at ADOCH. But Brown does have resources for fellow gaybies:

• The LGBTQ Center: Gosh, there’s so many queer folk in there that you can talk to! Whether it be other queer students or staff members, there’s not a single soul who isn’t willing to talk to you about life.
• The Sarah Doyle Women’s Center: Don’t be turned around by the name! This center is more a space for conversation surrounding gender, and it offers a multitude of programs and services for all people at Brown.
• Brown Center for Students of Color: Surprise, surprise, intersectionality is a thing! Gender, sexuality, and race are not separate issues, and BCSC can be great place for students of color to seek resources related to any aspects of their identities!
• Counseling and Psychological Services: CAPS offers professionals who can provide...professional help to students, and this isn’t simply limited to straight people!
• Sexual Health and Assault Resources and Education (SHARE)
• Student Support Services
• RPLs: First-years have wonderful RPLs who are there because they care about you. Some of them are queer themselves, which is especially helpful if you need someone to talk to about this stuff.

Being out and proud takes time, but it is so worth it. There are people at every turn who will listen to you and be there for you. Go forth, gaybies! Images via and via.