OU’s Proudly Gleaming: Rainbow Road Rave takes place this Wednesday in the Student Union, providing a welcoming space for queer and transgender students.
The event started in 2021 and is hosted by OU’s LGBTQ+ Program Advisory Board and the Gender + Equality Center. With Halloween right around the corner, this event is a safe space for students to dress up and dance.
Quan Phan, OU GEC's LGBTQ+ program coordinator, said the Rainbow Road Rave gives students an opportunity to experience things they may have missed out on due to their environment before college.
“A lot of queer and trans students, especially coming from southern states, don't always have the opportunity to dress in gender-affirming clothing, or invite same-sex partners to a dance,” Phan told the OU Daily. “This not only creates an event celebrating identity, but an opportunity to experience some of these things for the first time.”
The pressure of midterms and busyness of homecoming week can create a stressful time for many students. Phan shapes the event around student requests and said he is excited to bring their visions to reality by providing a few relaxing hours “before getting back into the grind of writing papers.”
Events hosted by these organizations are designed for queer and transgender students but are open to all. Phan said the event offers a rare moment for everyone to come together.
“I know that queer and trans students always appreciate seeing allies attend their event, accepting their culture and being in the community with them,” Phan said.
The theme of the Proudly Gleaming: Rainbow Road Rave is Super Mario Brothers. Attendees can expect dancing, food, Mario Kart gaming and a positive environment.
The event is from 7-10 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Molly Shi Boren Ballroom, located in the Oklahoma Memorial Union.
This story was edited by Emma Blakley. Ryan Little and Grace Rhodes copy edited this story.
