The SVSU pride center hosted its first BarbeQueer to connect LGBTQ students with the pride center. Abbey Sura a master of social work student helped to organize the event.
“We wanted the opportunity to share what services and resources we offer while allowing students to meet likeminded individuals in a fun and safe space,” Sura said.
Sura said that the event was a success for the pride center, and over forty students attended the event.
At the event students could receive a can koozie as well as endangered species condoms.
The pride center got these condoms from the endangered species condom project.
“I chose to work with the endangered species condom project because they promote not only awareness of the impact humans have on the planet but the importance of safe sex practices,” Sura said. “At the Pride Center, one of our abilities is to connect students with local resources that are LGBTQ+ friendly. The endangered species condom project offered an opportunity for us to not only promote safe sex practices but speak about this service we offer.”
Sarah Baillie is the population and sustainability organizer at the Center for Biological Diversity, the nonprofit which provided the condoms.
“The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, environmental non-profit that works to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction,” Baillie said. “We do so through science, law and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters and climate thatspeciesneedtosurvive.”
The project helps promote safe sex practices as well as spread information about endangered species.
“The Endangered Species Condoms are an outreach tool to help start a conversation about human population pressures and how they negatively affect wildlife,” Baillie said. “Each package has a colorful illustration of an endangered species and a fun slogan on the outside. On the inside, there are 2 condoms and more information about the issue and rights-based solutions.”
Baillie also said the projects’ goal is to share the equitable solutions like improved access to all forms of contraception for everyone.
Sura said the pride center has other events coming up, and many services available to students.
“The Pride Center offers 1-on-1 counseling, assisting students with preferred name changes, adding pronouns to Canvas, connecting with LGBTQ+ friendly community resources, OUT group, and hosting events to promote awareness and kindness for the LGBTQ+ community,” Sura said.
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