QPA/QIPOC’s Welcome Back Bonfire Sparks Interest for LGBTQIA+ Students and Allies
Maggie Lile, features editor
As the summer is slowly winding down and the responsibilities of being a student are starting to creep in, finding a welcoming space to embrace your identity and be social outside of the classroom is crucial to everyone’s wellbeing. Augsburg student organizations and their fun social events are one example of an outlet for students to thrive apart from academics.
Two weeks ago, Augsburg’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Student Services, Queer Pride Alliance (QPA) and Queer Indigenous People of Color (QIPOC) gathered in Murphy Square as a fun way to kick off the new semester. Returners, new members and first-year students were all welcome to get to know each other and learn about the LGBTQIA+ community and resources here at Augsburg over s’mores, Davanni’s pizza and a crackling bonfire.
“The Welcome Back Bonfire was so much fun!” shared Corvus Eckdahl, current president of QPA, in an interview with the Echo. He mentioned that the bonfire was put on “as a way of letting new and returning students know they’re welcome no matter their identities. This event also allowed the board members of QPA to meet new students [at] Augsburg who are either queer themselves and looking for opportunities to connect with their community, or individuals who are interested in supporting queer students across campus!”
As just one branch of Multicultural Life, Augsburg’s commitment to LGBTQIA+ support and celebration is top tier. In regards to policy inclusion, student life and housing options, recruitment, counseling, health and safety and institutional commitment and more, our campus is listed within the “Top 30” most LGBTQIA+ inclusive campuses across the country since 2023, according to the Campus Pride Index. Alongside an appearance in the top 30, Augsburg has received a five out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index, establishing this campus as a safe place committed to supporting all of its students.
Through student organizations, a sense of belonging is within reach. QPA brings together LGBTQIA+ members and allies together in solidarity and support as well as to “[raise] awareness about LGBTQIA issues and concerns to the entire Augsburg campus community,” according to Augsburg’s LGBTQIA+ Student Resources website. Similarly, QIPOC creates a space emphasizing intersectionality within the LGBTQIA+ community. This group “aims to foster a supportive space to educate, embrace, and empower Queer Indigenous and People of Color to proudly accept their cultural identities.”
QPA brings together LGBTQIA+ members and allies together in solidarity and support as well as to “[raise] awareness about LGBTQIA issues and concerns to the entire Augsburg campus community.
Augsburg’s LGBTQIA+ Student Resources Website
QIPOC has a general meeting coming up soon on Sept. 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Marshall Room of Christensen Center. Hang out, make friendship bracelets, meet some new friends and maybe take some free food or other goodies home with you. QPA’s next event is their first general meeting for the semester, held from 5-6:30 p.m. on Sept. 18 in the Oyate Commons. Not only will this event include introductions to the current board members, but free food and fun games will also be provided!
Another exciting upcoming event is Multicultural Life’s Oyate Retreat, in collaboration with various other student organizations. This retreat takes place at Camp True Friends in Annandale, Minnesota on Sept. 20-22. Campers will get to know one another, build relationships and increase the community’s overall cohesiveness. If the bonfire or any of the exciting upcoming events have sparked your interest, head on over to Auggie Life and RVSP for the events to secure your spot!