Pride arrives at Eastern

Eagle Pride held the grand opening of their Pride Center Friday in Showalter 103 and 105.

The club, which advocates rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, as well as queer questioning individuals, and allies of the homosexual community, has been using the center since last fall, but it was a “soft opening,” Terrie Ashby-Scott, director of the office of transitions and inclusions said. The center finally had its grand opening, complete with ribbon cutting. “This is part of the diversity of campus,” said Dan Teachman of Eagle Pride. “We have to support it.”

Richard Arquette, president of Eagle Pride, said that their mission is to raise awareness not only on Eastern’s campus, but in both the Cheney and Spokane communities. The club is open to every student who strives for equality and diversity on campus and in the surrounding areas.

The allies of the group agree to be, “non-judgmental, understanding, discrete and confidential with respect to anyone seeking help, looking for support or resources, or someone with whom to talk,” according to Eastern’s Web site. Many Eastern staff and students have identified themselves as allies of the LGBT community.

Arquette is currently in the midst of organizing a Pride Week, which will be held April 12-16. He said that, among other events, the week will end on Friday with the Day of Silence, followed by the Night of Noise: a dance that will be held in the PUB MPR.

Aside from Pride Week, members of Eagle Pride are also organizing an event called the Lavender Graduation which will be held May 21 in Showalter Hall.

The purpose of the event is to “honor college and high school graduates [who are part of the LGBT community], as well as recognizing supporters and allies,” Scott said.

Those who are interested in supporting Eagle Pride can attend the social meetings that are held every Friday at 7 p.m. in Showalter 103.