On Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m., Pink Pony Profs turned the Chamberlain Student Center pit into a midwestern princess’ queer dream. 

The Office of Social Justice, Inclusion, and Conflict Resolution (SJICR) held a Chappell Roan-inspired party to commemorate lesbian culture on International Lesbian’s Day of National Coming Out Week.

Emmalee Holaday, assistant director for gender and sexuality at SJICR, welcomed students into the pit at the “Pink Pony Profs” event. 

“We thought doing a Chappell Roan-inspired event would be a great event for International Lesbian Day,” said Holaday. “We thought this would be something students like and would come to.”

While there were no Joan of Arc cosplays, miniskirts, or go-go boots, profs showed their love for the H-O-T-T-O-G-O popstar by adorning themselves in complementary pink cowgirl hats and pink bandanas, provided by SJICR at the sign-in booth. 

Along with this, four other on-campus groups came to support this event: the Wellness Center, Prism, Center for Family Services, and Department of Philosophy and World Religions. Each provided pride pins, flags, and resources to attendees.

Philosophy and World Religions provided students with irreverent and empowering vintage queer pins. One read “uppity gay male,” furthering the vibe of fun and acceptance in this inclusive space. 

One student could be heard near the refreshments exclaiming “Oh, lesbian cupcakes,” as they approached the tray of orange and pink decorated desserts. 

While students mingled, took pictures at the glittering cowgirl selfie station, and made beaded jewelry, there was a sense of belonging and pride in our ecosystem of Rowan. 

“It’s nice to be around like-minded people for a change…to be out here and not worry about others’ perception,” said Hannah Whitaker, a biomedical art and visualization major showing how important it is for all students to feel that the university is an extension of home for them. 

Gianna DiGiovanni, political science and international studies major, said that she is a fan of Chappell Roan and she loves seeing her and LGBT culture represented on campus. 

Despite recent controversies surrounding Chappell Roan in regards to refusing to endorse a presidential candidate and setting personal space boundaries with fans, DiGiovanni feels as though Roan’s message and lesbian representation outweigh these instances.

“I think a lot of that was taken out of context and I also think people are being unfair,” said DiGiovanni. “I do not view her differently but I do view her fan base differently.” 

Like a love song to queer women, this night held by SJICR also aimed to educate students about queer history. With posters profiling gay icons like Mardha P. Johnson, Sally Ride, Laverne Cox, and more, students could learn firsthand about the pioneers and the sacrifices they made for the community. 

SJICR’s next event, Big Gay Drag Bingo, will be held Friday, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m. in the Student Center ballroom, which will host raffles, drag queens, and brunch. 

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