The Warrior Cross Cultural Center (WCCC) held a Queer Arts & Crafts event on March 2. The event was attended by LGBTQ+ students and allies who created Shrinky Dinks together, a simple DIY craft.
Student attendees watched a DIY YouTube video on how to create the crafts and WCCC director, Carolina Alfaro instructed them further in the crafting process.
Those who participated in the safe space event filled the room with laughter and excitement, and each attendee created unique crafts that showed their personality.
Students who attended the event believe LGBTQ+ events like this one are important to have on campus because they create a welcoming environment, a safe space, and representation.
Noelia Gonzalez (junior, Sociology) participated in this event because of her love for coloring.
She said she also believes that events like this are significant because they are inclusive to LGBTQ+ identifying students who may feel lost.
“I think it’s important to hold LGBTQ+ events because I think it’s just a nice little reminder for college campuses and for the students specifically to be like, ‘Hey, by the way you guys matter,'” said Gonzalez.
She also thinks that these on-campus LGBTQ+ inclusive events are important because they create the opportunity for LGBTQ+ students to attend a get together with people who are similar to them. 
“It’s easy for these students to feel like they’re kinda being drowned out, especially in environments where you feel like you have to hide who you are,” says Gonzalez. 
She also appreciated how friendly everyone was at the Queer Arts & Crafts event and did not expect so many students to show up. 
Gonzalez also shared the experiences she has had as an LGBTQ+ student at Stanislaus State.
She said she feels comfortable on campus and believes that staff, such as those who work in the WCCC, create a safe and accepting environment.
She also shared advice she would give to other LGBTQ+ students.
“Don’t be intimidated by these events, everyone’s super friendly and nice and it’s just really comfortable and especially when you go with your friends, you never feel out of place,” said Gonzalez.
Theo Alvarez, (junior, Biology) works at the WCCC and attended Queer Arts & Crafts because he loves anything Queer-related. 
What he enjoyed the most about this event was seeing what everyone created.
“I love seeing everyone’s personality come through, through their art,” said Alvarez.
Alvarez believes that events like this one are important because he doesn’t believe Turlock is the most progressive.
“I’ve walked off campus and I’ve been called slurs before,” he said. “I think just having a safe space on campus really reassures students.”
His experience as an LGBTQ+ Stan State student has been positive. He spends a lot of time at the WCCC and thinks that the staff has created a safe space for everyone here. 
He also shared some important advice for LGBTQ+ students, explaining that he believes the professors are great allies to talk to and also thinks it is a good idea for LGBTQ+ students to try to find more Queer students on campus.
“I feel like I was lost for a little bit and then I found some people in the community and I felt welcome,” said Alvarez.
Richie Gutierrez (senior, psychology) attended this event because he identifies as Queer and wants to be around other Queer people in a safe space where they can thrive.
He also enjoyed making Skrinky Dinks and thinks they are cool.
Gutierrez said he thinks that this area does not have enough LGBTQ+ spaces and when asked why events like Queer Arts & Crafts are important, they shared some thoughts.
“Because we don’t have enough of them,” Gutierrez said. “I mean, especially in the Central Valley, you don’t really have spaces that are inclusive or LGBT.” 
Like Gonzalez and Alvarez, Gutierrez also has had positive experiences as an LGBTQ+ student.
“Getting more involved has allowed me to make more of a community with more LGBT folks and it feels really good,” said Gutierrez.
Gutierrez also shared some advice he would like to give to LGBTQ+ students.
“Take your time coming out, but I would say try to make an attempt to network with other LGBT folks, but I know that’s not possible for everyone,” they said.
Check out the WCCC’s Instagram account for updates on events.