For many students who are a part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual/Allied (LGBTQIA+) community, having a safe, welcoming place on campus is essential. The Q-Club is a new addition to the school community that provides those exact desires and more. Hosted in room 205 every Tuesday during lunch, students, both allies and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, are encouraged to stop by Mr. Vance Conner (V.C.) ‘s room.
After Wellness counselors reached out, the large student desire for a club like the Q-Club became apparent, guiding V.C. in his decision to be the advisor. Being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community himself, he strives to make his classroom as inviting as possible.
“I wanted to have a safe and welcoming space for people who also identify as part of that community or as an ally,” V.C. said.
Mr. V.C. added that one of his hopes for the club is for students to take leadership roles and take initiative to plan meeting agendas.
“It’s our club, and I want students to make it what they want it to be,” V.C. said.
The Q-Club was founded by two seniors, presidents Sequoia Gouloomain and Kage Watson. Gouloomain and Watson both emphasized the need for a safe community space for students who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I wanted to give other people a place to be themselves and be happy in who they are and express their freedom,” Gouloomain said.
Watson reflected on his own experiences being in the LGBTQIA+ community and how it pushed him to co-found the Q-Club.
“I have been a member of the LGBTQIA+ community since I was 11, and I never found a really good GSA [Genders & Sexualities Alliance] or queer club, so I wanted to make a space really inviting for everyone,” Watson said.
As presidents, Gouloomain and Watson are responsible for planning events and making sure club members are comfortable in the created space. Currently, Watson is planning on organizing discussions on LQBTQIA+ history to better educate members on relevant topics to the community.
“I want to teach people [about impactful events for the LGBTQIA+ community] because that’s the stuff you don’t really learn about in United States history,” Watson said.
Another key aspect of the Q-Club is its club norms, created by Mr. V.C. in collaboration with club members.
“Norms are so important to establish early on because they help create that space and make it safe and respectful for all people involved,” V.C. said.
Sophomore member Bella Stamps believes having organized club norms is crucial to maintaining a positive environment for all.
“Our norms, like respect, no judgment and being allowed to say what we feel, are very important because we all respect them,” Stamps said.
The Q-Club is a diverse and inclusive community, welcoming everybody who wants to take part.
“There are freshmen, seniors and every type of identity here. You’re never gonna feel judged or anything. There’s every single type of person here, and if you want to chill out in the corner here, we don’t care,” Watson said.
The Q-Club is also responsible for creating close friendships and relationships between members.
“Everyone wants to know everyone, everyone wants a queer community to hang out with and it’s always nice to hangout with people you identify with,” Gouloomain said.
The Q-Club strives to be the space that many LQBTQIA+ students need, especially in high school. They guarantee this comforting aspect by making sure that all members are heard and seen.
“The club definitely provides a safe space and the feeling of respect for each other. Giving each other the time to speak confidentially within the club helps make the club feel safe,” Gouloomain said.
