The LGBTQ+ Resource Center hosts its annual LGBTQ+ Picnic

The Office of Equity Initiatives, the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, and PFLAG Cape Girardeau hosted the 11th Annual Ally Picnic on Aug. 28 at Kent Library Portico.

Biology major Peyton Redinger, one of the organizers of the event and an employee at the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, said the goal is to foster support for queer students and create a safe atmosphere for all.

“Our goal is to build support for the queer students on campus and create a safe atmosphere for all students. Having this public exhibit of allyship really shows that this is a safe space and discrimination and hatred is not welcome here,” Redinger said.

Students eat lunch together at the LGBTQ+ Picnic outside of Kent Library. Photo by Nino Kikvadze

They showed their support by handing out goodies and cookies and creating an Art Corner for students.

The main goal of the event was to show the importance of allyship and establish a safe environment for the LGBTQ+ community.

Fine Arts major Greyson Sykes said she managed to meet more people with similar interests and values and enjoyed the environment created on the picnic.

Attendees of the LGBTQ+ Picnic pose for a group photo outside of Academic Hall.Photo by Nino Kikvadze

SEMO president Dr. Carlos Vargas also stopped by the event to connect with the students and help them feel at home on campus.

“I love going to events where students are. I want them to see me and know me, because this way students feel welcome,” Vargas said.

At the end of the event, the organizers and the students took an LGBTQ+ Ally Photo on the Academic Hall front steps together.