P.R.I.D.E. adds diversity, open-mindedness to HPU
By Chelsie Gastright
“I think one of the most important things is that it really doesn’t matter what you are, who you are, or what happens, you will not be judged. It is a complete safe zone.”
That is what Gissela Van, High Point University junior, had to say about People Representing Individuality, Diversity, and Equality, otherwise known as P.R.I.D.E, here on campus.
P.R.I.D.E. is what many people would call a Gay Straight Alliance, or a GSA. However, do not be fooled into thinking that P.R.I.D.E is just for the gay community.
“I strongly encourage anyone who can make it to attend. It is not just for people who are [in the gay community], it is for anyone who wants to see equality or wants to support us,” said Van.
Anna Huckelba has been a part of P.R.I.D.E. since her first year at HPU and still enjoys going just as much as she did the first day.
“I liked going to meetings because I really enjoyed talking and spending time with people who were in it,” said Huckelba.
The group meets once a week on Wednesdays in Norton 202 and has a very casual, laid-back atmosphere. During a typical meeting, articles are shared and opinions are voiced about different topics of the gay community, and the movement towards equality.
“Even though we have similar view points, a lot of us have different opinions on things,” said Jacqueline Anderson, HPU P.R.I.D.E. president. “We are just a close knit group trying to better both High Point University and High Point community as a whole.”
The underlying theme of P.R.I.D.E. has been a sense of security and family. College is an important time to become comfortable in your own skin and that is something that P.R.I.D.E is proud to offer.
“P.R.I.D.E. has given me a place where I feel like I can talk about anything, whether it’s P.R.I.D.E. related or personal,” said Alex Mills, HPU freshmen.
Beyond what the organization does for the students of HPU, Anderson also likes people to know that P.R.I.D.E does volunteer with community projects.
“We as a group know what it’s like to be struggling, so we are trying to help places that know the same struggles and adversities. We try to go to soup kitchens, animal shelters, or any place that we can relate too and help.”
On top of reaching out to the community in High Point, P.R.I.D.E. is also reaching out to other GSA’s around the Piedmont Triad area. Other universities that are willing to work with the HPU chapter include the University of North Carolina – Greensboro and Guilford College.
One other thing that P.R.I.D.E feels is special about their group is their faculty advisors. Anderson mentioned with a laugh that beyond what people might expect, the majority of their organization advisors and their head advisor are from for the Religion department.
If you are looking for a different way to become involved, try P.R.I.D.E. This group welcomes any person regardless of your differences with open arms and a sense of security.
“Being in P.R.I.D.E means that you have an opportunity to promote awareness and support for the gay community. They are a group of people that do not let judgment be a factor in what they do.
For more information, HPU P.R.I.D.E can be found on Facebook.