This week, the QuAM will celebrate the end of its annual Queer Awareness Month. The month-long series of events is devoted to raising awareness of sexual diversity on campus and has become a symbol of the University's openness towards differences in sexual preference. Still, QuAM's organizers would better cater to students of all comfort levels by advertising the month's educational programming as much as it does the more explicit revelry of Queer Awareness Month.
Over the past several years, QuAM has grown more visible and active on campus and its Queer Awareness Month has grown in popularity. Indeed, many of the lectures and workshops that they hosted this month were great successes. Academics and scientists addressed students about the details of gay history, more worldly students chose to attend sex-toy workshops, and the rainbow-colored arch of balloons over Low Library was a palpable indicator of the University's commitment to tolerance. That said, the organization largely focused on promoting events that emphasized sex over awareness. The Genderfuck party—where attendees donned only underwear—bore more of a resemblance to a raucous First Friday Dance than a laid-back affair where people could casually discuss sexuality.
If Queer Awareness Month's events are meant to raise awareness of LGBT issues, then QuAM has emphasized the wrong events in its schedule. Though parties like Genderfuck may be a roaring good time, they can also alienate students uncomfortable with broadcasting their sexuality. Further, such openly sexual revelry can discourage members of the straight community from attending. Instead, the group should focus on promoting the month's educational events with the same energy as it advertises its parties. These academic conversations reassert Columbia's status as a safe place for people of all sexualities, and have provided an excellent framework for important campus discussions, such as the current debate over the return of ROTC to campus. No student should be so overwhelmed by the more explicit revelry during Queer Awareness Month that he or she misses its effective educational programming.
A month provides sufficient time for balancing fun and learning. Future QuAM organizers should recognize that not all Columbia students are comfortable enough in their own skin for an explicit celebration of their sexuality. The month-long event is a celebration of the LBGT community, but it must be sure to focus on awareness and education before revelry.
Comments
We're looking for comments that are interesting and substantial. If your comments are excessively self-promotional or obnoxious you will be banned from commenting. Consult the comment FAQ and legal terms.