In a season full of red roses and pink candy hearts, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Center will bring a rainbow to Valentine’s Day.
On Thursday, the center at Ohio University will present “Be My Queer Valentine,” a seasonal craft night.
The event, which has been held since 2010, was created because of the lack of places to socialize for those in the LGBTA community, said Mickey Hart, director of the LGBTA Center. Hart said it gained so much popularity that it became the first in a series of themed craft nights each quarter.
“We thought it was important to create those kinds of social environments,” Hart said. “Showing a movie is great, but it doesn’t allow interaction.”
Those who attend the event can expect cards to decorate, rainbow crafts and refreshments, according to the LGBTA Center’s newsletter. Each participant is encouraged to make a gift for his or her special someone.
Gidget Marrison, a freshman studying communication studies, said this opportunity is especially important to her.
“Valentine's Day is my birthday, so I don't want it to just be centered around me,” Marrison said. “I want to make cute things for my girlfriend.”
Although many like Marrison will be making gifts for their valentine, Bri Adamson, who attended the event last year and is a sophomore studying early childhood education, said the event is enjoyable for those who are single as well.
“I've been single for two queer Valentine’s Days now and it hasn’t made a difference,” Adamson said. “I feel a lot of single people go because it's more of an event to have fun and bond than be all lovey dovey making your sweetheart a valentine.”
Single or taken, Adamson and Marrison both agreed that the event is important to those in the LGBTA community because it can be easy to forget that Valentine’s Day is not just for straight couples.
“I think it's really cool that it's LGBT specific because you can look anywhere on campus and see tons of Valentine's activities for everybody else,” Marrison said. “It's really awesome that we're recognized with our own activities too.”
ks574510@ohiou.edu
If You Go:
What: Be My Queer Valentine
When: 7:30 p.m.Thursday
Where: LGBTA Center, 354 Baker Center
Cost: Free
