As selected by The South Texan staff, this week’s club of the week is TAMUK Unity.
This organization provides a support network for TAMUK students who are members or allies of the LGBTQ+ community.
“We’re just here so people can be comfortable with themselves. They can be comfortable knowing that we won’t judge them. It’s a safe space for people to come and be who they are,” said current Vice President Bailey Nichols.
Unity club meetings are held at 7 p.m. each Wednesday in the 2nd floor study room of Mesquite Village West.
This semester, there are roughly 30 active members in the Unity organization.
Club member responsibilities include attending weekly meetings, participating in campus events and collaborating with other organizations.
“One of the other organizations that we constantly work with is Pep Talk. We like to work with them since protection sexually is a big part of the community. Because of the HIV and AIDS movement, we like to work with them to promote safe sex. We try to get involved with other organizations as much as we can for events such as Fall Carnival and Spring Fling,” said Unity Treasurer Diana Luna.
In addition to these campus events, the annual TAMUK Pride Fest is assembled and hosted by the Unity organization.
“The biggest event that we host is Pride Fest. We do a march. Last year was the first year that we brought in drag queens. We had three drag queens come and do their performance. It was super fun…We usually start with the march and then end up at Mesquite Grove, which is where they do their performance,” said Unity member Nic Sotello.
TAMUK Unity encourages every one to feel comfortable being themselves by providing a safe environment.
“Unity for me brings me a place where I can really express my sexuality without feeling judged or different. These people make you feel welcome…We don’t care what your sexuality is. Even if you are an ally, we are just happy to see you here,” Luna said.