The LGBTQ+ Resource Center has recently changed its most popular event, Coffeehouse, to the new weekly Wednesday afternoon event called Get Craf-Tea.
In this rebranded event, the center welcomes people to join in on crafts and enjoy tea, pertaining to both the drink and news regarding LGBTQ+ topics.
LGBTQ+ Resource Center Director Becca Osborne was motivated to change the event to what students said they’d be more interested in.
“I heard from a couple of students that they didn’t like the idea of drinking coffee at 4 p.m., so we decided to do something different,” Osborne said. “One of the things we have in the LGBTQ center is a lot of craft supplies.”
On Wednesdays at 4 p.m., a bin in the middle of the resource center holds a surplus of supplies, such as beads, embroidery tools, coloring books, paint, construction paper and more, so students can put their creative minds to use. Along with the crafts, snacks and tea, music or TV programs related to the celebration of LGBTQ+ representation in the media are played.
The resource center welcomes all to join and participate, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.
Communication senior Jason Fitzpatrick was inspired to join the resource center to find “fellow queer people and allies to socialize with.”
“I just enjoy the moment with whoever is there,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s welcome to pretty much everyone, despite what your sexuality is. You don’t have to be a part of the community to hang out there.”
Fitzpatrick believes that there have been more events, snacks and resources available now that the director’s position has been filled.
Television and digital media production sophomore and student worker at the center Derk Poortenga was excited to share what positive changes have been made.
“It’s been a slow yet steady progress,” Poortenga said. “We have been making good changes and starting good programs again. We’re finally having more reliable help involving staff in the resource center. Now that we have a coordinator, we can get things done.”
The resource center soon plans on starting a registered student organization on campus called D.A.I.S.E., which is pronounced like the word daisy. This name stands for Diversity, Advocacy, Identity and Sexual Empowerment.
“Becca has been such an amazing help getting this organization started,” Poortenga said. “Just like Craf-Tea, we are rebranding things and making them our own and ensuring they are up to date with the people currently attending Ferris State University.”
The LGBTQ+ Resource Center welcomes students at any time of the day to spend their time in the community. The group may not always have coffee and tea prepared, but students don’t have to come in at these specific times to enjoy the atmosphere, bring something to study or pick up any of the books in their library.