Out on Campus: Introducing the author and queer safe spaces on campus

By Cal Sutton

College is daunting. 3,000 new faces when you walk on campus, and if you are an LGBTQIA+ student, the masses may not always feel friendly or safe.

My name is Cal and I am a junior journalism major here at Rider. I am The Rider News’ managing editor and I am also an openly queer and trans individual.

I, of all people, can acknowledge that being a queer individual is not always the easiest thing. Nor is it comfortable when in a new environment. From awkward moments during attendance because I did not add my preferred name to Canvas, to feeling a little bit different than my peers in social circles, I get it.

I want to give my fellow LGBTQIA+ peers the support and encouragement I wish I had when I started at Rider.

Despite Rider being a small, liberal arts university, new situations can rile up anxiety and stress for anyone when you are in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar individuals.

While you may not be able to analyze and assess each student’s personal values, I can confidently say that most students at Rider that I have encountered have been nothing less than kind and respectful to the LGBTQIA+ students on campus.

There are also organizations and offices that provide support to those who identify as LGBTQIA+ or with other diverse groups on campus.

A few solid options of safe spaces that are geared toward LGBTQIA+ students include Spectrum Pride Alliance, the Center for Community and Belonging and Rider’s Counseling Center.

Spectrum Pride Alliance is Rider’s club for LGBTQIA+ students and allies. Spectrum is a student organization that hosts activities at weekly meetings, which are geared toward giving students a safe space to be themselves, regardless of their identity. 

With events such as paint and sip, drag queen bingo and learning about queer characters in media, Spectrum makes community the forefront of their club.

Spectrum also recognizes and celebrates National Coming Out Day, which occurs every year in the beginning of October.

The Center for Community and Belonging is known for being a place on campus for students to connect with each other, hang out and attend events!

There is a large lounge area in the entrance of the CCB where students can gather and have a comfortable, safe space to be with their friends.

Different groups on campus can host events in the CCB, along with university wide SafeZone Training, which is hosted in their meeting room!

The CCB prioritizes acceptance and appreciation of people from diverse backgrounds; including LGBTQIA+ students and those of different races, cultures and religions.

This year, the CCB also plans to launch virtual trainings for the Rider community. “Demystifying Inclusion and Belonging  and LGBT+ Affirming Spaces” is the new training being offered, and will include discussion groups to follow the training.

Rider’s Counseling Center also hosts workshops as a resource to diverse student populations.

Roy. G. Biv is Rider’s LGBTQIA+ support group hosted by the Counseling Center. They also have the ability to provide students with one-on-one support and are very supportive of Rider’s population of LGBTQIA+ students on campus.

No matter who you are, how you identify or where you go on campus, there is someone to support you at Rider.

Cal Sutton is a junior journalism major