Sandwiches, sunshine and self-care practices for LGBTQ+ students were featured at last week’s Pride Picnic hosted by the Otter Cross Cultural Center (OC3).
Event organizer Nurayah Alvarado (she/they/fae), OC3 sustainability and wellness student coordinator, curated the event to destigmatize the topic of mental well-being for Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) within the queer community.
“I really wanted to turn the praxis into practice and give people the resources and space to talk openly about mental health for other BIPOC people within the LGBT community,” Alvarado stated.
To inspire discussion, Alvarado started the event with a short presentation that discussed the intersection of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC identities, and the connection between nature and wellness –the reason the event was held outdoors.
Alvarado then opened the floor to students asking, “How do you practice mindfulness?” Responses included cooking, yoga and guided meditation.
As for their own preferred self-care practice, Alvarado said, “If I’d say one thing that has my heart, it’s journaling.” They described how writing and decorating a journal entry is an act of reflection and gratitude.
Following the presentation, attendees moved to the Inter-Garrison Plaza for the picnic, where they were greeted with the sight of a table adorned with various handheld pride flags.
Students excitedly gathered around the table, sorting through the array of flags and trading with each other.. The activity, unique to the Pride Picnic, allowed queer students and staff to celebrate their identities together.
The Pride Picnic featured music from LGBTQ+ artists such as Clairo, Mitski and Cavetown. In addition to the music, the air was filled with chatter, laughter and first-time introductions.
Event attendee Caila Sims (she/her), a fourth-year cinematic arts and technology major, said her favorite way of practicing mindfulness was spending time with friends.
“[It’s] healing for the soul, being seen and feeling welcome in a community,” Sims said. She expressed gratitude for the picnic and the opportunities it provided for LGBTQ+ people in attendance.
Sims said, “I’m just happy this event is happening. I would love to see more events like this on campus that highlight queer identities and actually bring us together in the community.”