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The Closing of Vanier’s Umbrella Club Campus 

The Closing of Vanier’s Umbrella Club

Rainclouds are forming on the horizon as of one of Vanier’s oldest club, The Umbrella Club, has closed.

In recent years, LGBTQ+ issues have been gaining more visibility, and acceptance has become increasingly more widespread. However, this has not always been the case, as queer youth were historically targeted and marginalized due to their identities. Unfortunately, this is sometimes still the case; lots of individuals struggle with their identity, and, depending on their circumstances, may fear for their safety if their identity is made public to their peers, family, coworkers, etc.

Whether it be on a societal level, on a familial level, or on a political level, people who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community will face some form of othering. Therefore, it is crucial for the community to have safe spaces, wherein they come together and can be authentic. 

As such, a Gay-Straight Alliance is an integral part of any educational institution, whose room space serves as an opportunity for Queer youth to congregate, talk about their experiences, to talk about their fears, to celebrate, to have pride, and to see themselves in each one another. 

Also, there is something to be said about giving these youth the ability to simply hang out like normal kids, without the pressure that comes with the stereotypes society imposes onto them.

With the last of the Umbrella Club’s executives having allegedly graduated, nobody was left to run it during the Winter 2020 semester, thereby leaving the VCSA to empty out the furniture in the rainbow-decked club room.

Therefore, if anybody is willing and able to step up to the plate, your community implores you to get more information from the VCSA. After all, the mere presence of such a club speaks volumes about the potential to promote inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance within Vanier; all it takes is the courage to come out into the light.

By QueerKid69

 

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