By Adrianna Dart
Over 40 students gathered in the Central Lounge of Redwood Hall, formally known as Building 12, to join Rainbow Raft’s Welcome Back Party on Sept 9.
The Rainbow Raft Pride Center is an affinity center that uplifts LGBTQIA+ students on campus through events, resources, engaging in advocacy and offering educational and culturally relevant programs.
“They definitely make me feel more welcome,” said third-year transfer student Erin Azada.
“In my area, I’m kind of hesitant being very open, but I think here I feel really comfortable being open. I really like having a space where I can just be myself.”
Otter Cross Cultural Center Director Rudy Medina welcomed visitors, who were also invited to imbibe in a spread of foods such as cheese sliders, tomato pita bread and buffalo cauliflower.
“We wanted to put this event together just to welcome folks back to the semester, but also so you all can see our center, you all can see our space. We have a lot of great plans coming up this year.” said Medina addressing the crowd.
The welcome highlighted future Rainbow Raft events such as the traditionally popular Werk Witch drag show, Oct 9. Additionally, Abraham Allison and Jess Rodriguez, student employees of the Rainbow Raft, were excited to discuss the LGTBQ summit on Oct. 23 with keynote speaker Tyler Williamson, the first black and openly gay mayor of Monterey, who also happens to be a CSUMB graduate.
“[It] is a really big thing for us since we really wanted to become more prone with LGBTQ to being more professional and stuff like that,” said Rodriguez.
“[We] really wanted to make this more like a conference, more serious.” Rodriguez added.
After the introductions, Rainbow Raft provided attendees with watercolor paints, hoping to create further connections between the attendees by allowing them to show their art and compliment other’s artwork.
Rainbow Raft is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rainbow Raft events are listed on MyRaft and instagram accounts.
