September 11, 2020 | By Smitty Smith (they/them/theirs), writer/photographer student lead
Spectrum Center and the Heads over Heels drag troupe hosted an event called Virtual Drag Bingo on Friday, August 28th. Heads over Heels is “an inclusive queer drag and variety show” (IG: @thehohshow) based in Michigan that has been putting on many LGBT fundraisers over the years and Pride Outside events. Members of the troupe—Zooey Gaychanel (she/her) and Amanduh Décolletage (she/her)—along with Lorant Peeler (they/them), program specialist for events and partnerships at the Spectrum Center, hosted the event on Zoom. Using a website, all the attendees (including myself) played bingo while the Heads over Heels troupe successfully engaged the group with icebreaker-type questions. We discussed things like what we were excited about for the upcoming semester, our favorite animals, horror movies, and fruits, astrological signs, intended majors, and numbers. I found out that I share a favorite number with Amanduh -- 8!
I came so close to winning once, but alas, it was not my lucky day. However, there were many awesome winners. Among them, Will Sherry (he/him), the Director of the Spectrum Center. He kindly forfeited his win, though, so that a student could have the chance to receive a Michigan pride flag.
(A rendition of the Michigan pride flag that were given away as prizes for the winners of the bingo game. Created by Lorant Peeler (they/them). They think their artwork is bad, but I beg to differ!)
A few LGBTQ+ organizations were introduced via pre-recorded videos from each of their leaders. There was a great turn out of students from all levels of education at the University -- from first-years all the way to Ph.D. students -- but there was an especially significant number of first-year students. I’m certain that we all had a great time sending chats to each other and playing bingo. There was nothing but good vibes from everyone there!
This event was just one of many this month for LGBTQ+ students. Other ones include queer student organization- and staff panels to help students get their grounding in college. Search this link to register for other welcome events!