Linn-Benton Community College's GSA Club: A Small Look Into a Big Club

(GSA Logo art done by Andy Olsen)

D&D, necklace making, gay Uno, and more in Forum 220 each Friday afternoon. 

On Fridays at 1 p.m., LBCC’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance gathers to plan events, engage in art and other activities, and work to bring greater equity to campus. The group meets in the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion office on the Albany campus. 

Already there is discussion about events for the upcoming pride month celebration on campus and off campus. After catching everyone up on event plans, the group comes to life as students enjoy an assortment of beverages set out for members and guests while chatting.

Amid the music of Coldplay and the equity center staff clicking away on their desktop computers, the discussion is ever evolving as many students come and go to fit in what time they can with the club. It moves from the popular fantasy tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons and Dropout’s Brennan Lee Mulligan (American comedian well known for his D&D campaigns), to how to incorporate aspects everyone likes for a hypothetical future game night. In between, there is encouragement to not let fear prevent students from growing and enjoying themselves.

“Most members seem to like games,” said one student privately. 

When topics encompassing gender and sexuality do come up, they are met with positive outlooks for the future with open discussion on the societal source and effects on the individual. One such discussion focused on the importance of representation for older trans people and older transitions. It is hard for young queers to see themselves growing old without elders to look up to.

At a recent meeting, students also spoke of how fear of losing friends, family, and jobs most likely prevented them from transitioning earlier or at all, with a focus on the mental health and happiness of closeted individuals. A fun fact shared by a member was that one of New York City’s iconic subway announcers, Bernie Wagenblast, transitioned at 65.

With no set agenda at the beginning of meetings outside of planning events, such as their upcoming Creative Day (Friday, Feb. 24, 2-5 p.m.), there is no end to the fun to be had. Join them this Friday from 1-2 p.m. for their regular scheduled meeting in Forum 220 and at the Makerspace in Takena Hall 229 at 2-5 p.m. for the opportunity to work on art projects such as zines (small artwork books), button making, and more using MILL tools. Or just hang out.

Andy Olsen, one of the club members who fit in a handful of minutes to say hello and the artist of the new GSA Club logo, likes the friendliness and sense of community the GSA club offers LB students. 

“It’s a very casual environment. I would say that it’s definitely worth checking out, even if you don’t plan to stay.”

Another student enjoys the chance to connect with others on a personal level. 

“Don’t be a stranger,” they said when asked what they would like to share with prospective visitors. 

Linn-Benton art instructor Anne Magratten, the club’s mentor since 2019 and a key figure in all of the students’ plans, likes getting to know club members and guests and urges interested students to visit the club.

“To a student who is interested in joining but feeling a little nervous, I would say please take heart and come! We are so excited to meet you, hear about your life, and work together to make our campus 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly!” Magratten said. “We also have great faculty within the queer community so if a student wants to connect with a professor who might have more understanding of their experiences, we can make that happen.”

At a Glance


What: Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club meeting

When: Fridays at 1 p.m.

Where: Institutional Equity, Diversity and Inclusion office (Forum 220), LBCC Albany Campus, 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW

Website: https://www.linnbenton.edu/student-life/clubs-and-programs/gender-sexuality-alliance.php

For More Information: Email mentor Anne Magratten - magrata@linnbenton.edu or co-mentor Gaby Esquivel - esquivg@linnbenton.edu

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