UCQC Pride Party at UC’s new Queer Space
By Peter Searles
If you haven’t heard already, there’s a new space on campus for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to spend time and socialise. The Queer Space is the result of many months of hard work by UC’s Student Representative Council (SRC) and in the short time since its official launch in May this year, it has already become a valued safe space for many students. This month I had my first experience of the Queer Space when I attended a Pride Party organised by the UC Queer Club (UCQC). It was an evening of music, games and good times with UC’s vibrant and close-knit queer community – exactly what the space was made for.
Stepping into the Queer Space, I noticed several books on the shelves that frame the entrance and was drawn into browsing the titles. Like most people, I’m fascinated by a bookshelf, and something told me this one was home to plenty that would be worth a closer look. But this was not the time to curl up with a good book, it was a party. I was quickly approached by Rio, President of UCQC, who welcomed me to the space and introduced me to their friends and fellow club executives, April (Vice President) and Bailey (UCQC Committee Member). To my right and left were clusters of people either standing or seated, chatting and laughing together like old friends.
I’ve attended plenty of parties in my time, including several (like this one) where I don’t know a single soul in the room. I had prepared myself for this. I’d spent the minutes before walking in here alone, calming myself, clearing my mind, reassuring myself that I didn’t have stuff in my teeth or an unzipped fly. I had mustered the social side of my personality, dragged him from the depths of me where he usually lingers and readied him to do what he’s good for: shielding sensitive old me from the judging attention of strangers. In other words, I knew what I was in for. At least, I thought I did.
As it turned out, I had vastly misjudged the situation. This party wasn’t like the other stranger filled spaces I’ve learned to navigate. It was that most rare and wonderful of things: a gathering of genuinely friendly and inclusive people.
Bailey addressed the room, introducing Rio and April and welcoming everyone to the party. Even as they spoke, more were flowing through the entrance. It was clear this party was going to fill the space, possibly for the first time. But despite the large crowd, proceedings didn’t start until everyone had the opportunity to introduce themselves to the group. We went around the circle giving our names and pronouns, and any other information we felt inclined to offer up. Several took the chance to make jokes, and laughter drained any the tension from the air. By the time it was my turn I felt completely at ease, able to speak calmly and absorb the attention of the room without the familiar squirming panic uncoiling in my stomach. So yeah, this was no ordinary room of strangers. I was with my people, and this realisation allowed me to fully relax and enjoy the evening ahead.
After our introductions, the UCQC executive team led a tour of the space. It was clear that several of the attendees were already familiar and preferred to occupy themselves with the night’s entertainment, which included craft activities and a Mario Kart tournament displayed on a large projector on the back wall. I joined the tour, recognising I had a lot to learn about this space, in which I’d already resolved to spend more time in the future. I wanted to know all it had to offer.
The tour started by shelf of books I was still secretly itching to get a closer look at. It turns out I’ll have every opportunity to do that. The books are part of an ever expanding library of titles that students can borrow on a take-one-leave-one basis. If you’re reading this and you’re like me, forever wondering how you’ll find space on your shelf at home for all the books you’re accumulating, why not donate a few to the space? Please do, the rest of us want to read them!
Just beyond the bookshelf is a big open space with comfortable seating and the projector screen on the opposite wall. The projector easily connects via HDMI to laptops or consoles, such as the X-box and Wii that have been generously donated by UCQC members. The projector has already been used for UCQC queer film screenings. These will continue throughout semester 2 so come along and submit requests for your favourite queer films to the UCQC executive.
At the furthest end of the room is a study nook equipped with long cushioned benches and charging stations (appropriately sized desks are expected to be installed later this month). The space also has a bathroom, a storage room and an impressively well stocked kitchenette (including free tea and coffee, and even a coffee machine). Finally, there is a large conference desk beside a shelf containing several board and card games.
Our tour guides pointed out one of the space’s more intriguing features; curtains are in place that allow the space to be sectioned off. It was pointed out that the curtain beside the conference desk can be used to create a ‘backstage’ area if there were ever a need to use the floor space in front of the projector as a stage for performances. I was not the only one in the group to wonder – will UC soon see its first drag ball…?
While music and conversation hummed along in the background, I joined a group at the conference table to talk more about the Queer Space, giving our first impressions and feedback. Bailey took notes and we were joined by Andrew Giumelli, a member of the SRC who has been heavily involved in the preparation and launch of the space in recent months.
We learned that as well as all the features and functional areas, the space was designed with the safety and privacy of students in mind. It is no accident that bookshelves frame the entrance, it is to provide privacy to users of the space, some of whom may not be out. There is also a duress alarm in place, which alerts security if users of the space ever feel unsafe.
With Rio, April and Bailey present, I took the opportunity to ask more about UCQC’s activities. The club has hosted crafternoons and future events of this nature may be used to gather hand made works to decorate the queer space. UCQC also recently collaborated with the UC Recreation and Entertainment Club (UCREC) to host a pride-day games night. There is also a monthly book club, through which UCQC members have had the chance to read and discuss books such as Cemetery Boys, One Last Stop and This Is How You Lose the Time War.
The Mario Kart tournament was just starting to heat up when I unfortunately had to excuse myself from the party. I’ve since learned that I missed a pizza dinner and plenty of dancing. I’m hanging out for my next chance to join UC’s LGBTQIA+ community in their enjoyment the Queer Space.
To get involved with UCQC, become a member and connect with them on discord and Instagram (@ucqueerclub).
The Queer Space is open from 7am to 7pm on weekdays for the use of LGBTQIA+ students and allies. It is located in the hub, next to the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature. To access the space, speak to UC security and have room access added to your student card.