Stony Brook University wrapped up its annual Pride Fest with a Block Party on April 30, aimed at celebrating LGBTQ identity and community. The event took place at the SAC Plaza and included performances, music, activities, and outreach initiatives. It was the final event in a weeklong series dedicated to honoring LGBTQ communities at the university.
The Block Party was organized by LGBTQ* Services in collaboration with the Undergraduate Student Government (USG), the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Alliance, and Student Engagement & Activities. Attendees enjoyed carnival games, music, arts and crafts, giveaways, and a drag performance. Activities such as T-shirt tie-dyeing, bracelet and hat decorating, rock painting were offered alongside informational tables from student organizations and campus departments.
Although Pride Month is observed nationally in June, Stony Brook holds its celebration in April so students can participate before the academic year concludes.
“The Pride Fest Block Party is meant to raise awareness for the LGBTQ community, and also to raise awareness for LGBTQ students on campus,” said Alex Sima from the School of Social Welfare who helped organize the event. “We’re handing out goodie bags with stickers and pronoun pins, and raffling off T-shirts.”
Now in its third year, the Block Party has expanded significantly in both size and visibility. Thoren Giannuzzi, president of the LGBT+ Alliance Club at Stony Brook University noted their satisfaction with how much support the event has garnered over time. “It’s the event that we’re really glad the school got on board with,” they stated. “I’m so proud of how big of an event it’s become.”
Giannuzzi stressed how important it is to have visible affirming spaces for LGBTQ* students. “Visibility is huge. Just having this nice, positive safe space — I love that,” they remarked. “We’re giving out flags that people can take with them.”
