Booths and music transformed the Cotillion Ballroom in the Student Union Thursday night from an event hall to a haven for students interested in learning about LGBTQ resources.
Dozens of students gathered in the ballroom for the annual Rainbow Rush event hosted by the University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Students collected information from booths and enjoyed a mixer that included refreshments and dancing.
LGBTQ project coordinator Chad Freeman said Rainbow Rush has two main objectives — to show the University’s LGBTQ students that they are welcome on campus, and to create a connection between resources available on and off campus.
“This is important for our campus. It’s a university-recognized event that welcomes our LGBTQ students and our allies,” Freeman said.
Spectrum Vice President of Administration Kameron Kilchrist described Rainbow Rush as “the LGBTQ community’s rush” because it gives students a chance to learn about organizations they can get involved with.
“It’s nice to know what’s out there [for LGBTQ students],” said Daniel Lucio, music education sophomore.
Freeman explained that Rainbow Rush is not just about LGBTQ organizations, and all groups at the fair are welcoming to LGBTQ students.
“[Rainbow Rush] is community outreach. The LGBTQ community is more than just what’s on campus,” Freeman said.
Organizations present at this year’s Rainbow Rush included First Contact, Spectrum, Feminists in Action, the Hispanic Student Cultural Society, Metropolitan Community Church of Baton Rouge, Louisiana Trans Advocates and Capital City Alliance, among others.
Capital City Alliance, a not-for-profit organization aiming to improve the lives of LGBTQ members of the greater Baton Rouge community, was just one of many community organizations present Thursday night.
CCA Board Chair and associate professor in the University’s School of Social Work Elaine M. Maccio said half of CCA’s members are under the age of 25.
“It’s good to have young people involved. It seems like young people are more involved and engaged,” Maccio said.
Maccio explained that Rainbow Rush highlights resources available for LGBTQ students at the University, as well as those off campus, such as CCA.
“It’s about collaborating,” Maccio said. “We wouldn’t miss an event like this.”
