PVCC’s LGBT+ Club Champions Diversity

As a public community college, PVCC is naturally a diverse place, home to students from all walks of life. However, when surrounded by so many different people, the unique struggles facing some of the most vulnerable members of our community are often overlooked. This is the reason why PVCC’s LGBT+ club exists, to spread awareness of the everyday challenges faced by the students in this club, and to strengthen their bond with the wider community. 

According to club Faculty Adviser Professor of English Dr. Jessica Kingsley, “The club also seeks to support the college in various ways, such as volunteering during voter registration day, and participating in Club Day and Spring Fling. Finally, the club hopes to help its members meet new friends.”

At 20 members, each club meeting is filled with activity and conversation. At the beginning of every meeting, the club president first checks in with the members to see how they are doing, then the president moves on to discussing any upcoming events.

 “In the past, club members have participated in PVCC’s voter registration drive, hosted a Halloween ‘Trunk or Treat’ event, hosted a booth at Spring Fling, had a coming-out day event, among other events,” said Kingsley. 

After the planning sessions for future activities conclude, the club meeting transitions to an open discussion period. Here, club members can discuss any number of topics, from the problems that they face like discrimination from family and peers, to current events, to what classes they are taking this semester. For students not interested in discussion, they can opt to play games instead. 

While the club is currently on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they plan to resume meetings via Zoom during the spring semester. Students interested in joining the LGBT+ club can contact Kingsley for more information at jkingsley@pvcc.edu.