What’s going on?
The Queer Resource Center (QRC) at Butte College’s main campus is a great place to interact and build a community with students of various identities, sexualities, and backgrounds. Robin Bonner (they/them) is the special programs clerk at the QRC, and with the help of students and volunteers, they create a safe, welcoming space for anyone to come and relax.
But the fun and inclusive vibes do not stop at the QRC. Later this year, the center will host a Lavender Graduation Celebration for students who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+! Taking place at the Chico Women’s Club, this event will celebrate those graduating from Butte who would like to commemorate their achievement with other queer students.
What’s it about?
I got to sit down with Robin and pick their brain about this upcoming event, and here’s what I learned. The event is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. and will feature guest speaker Joshua Moon Johnson, who will give a speech to the graduating class.
Johnson is a prolific author who studies the impact of higher education on queer people and queer people of color. Growing up in a rural area, they focus on how being rural, queer, and pursuing education can affect one’s identity. Robin seemed thrilled to have them come speak.
Students will also be given a lavender-and-rainbow graduation stole, which they can choose to wear during Butte’s official graduation ceremony.
Get ready to dance!
Don’t forget about the afterparty! After the speech and stole presentation, the event will feature a DJ to close out the night with dancing—because it’s a celebration, after all! Robin told me, “It’s going to be partly a celebration, like an almost graduation celebration is what it is.” So celebrate you must! Although the identity of the DJ is under wraps for now, Robin seemed very excited in who they believed would be performing.
Alumni and all queer students are invited. To be apart of the ceremony as a graduate or transfer student, just scan the QR code on the flier and sign up to participate and get your stole, and for general attendees, contact Robin or stop by the QRC. And when there is a general attendee sign up sheet available, come back here to sign up!
If you would like to talk to Robin further, contact them through the BC Connect page for the QRC or stop by the main campus. The resource center provides a haven for queer students regardless of their situation.
In closing, I’d like to share what Robin told me when asked about surviving when being queer gets tough:
“I want them (queer students) to know that people have always been here, and we’ve always been fighting for each other, and no matter what, we will move forward as a community and keep on fighting.”
