Elizabethtown College’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) recently announced their new logo.
The logo became official on Jan. 25 of this year, and was announced on the club’s Instagram. This is the first time that the club has ever had a logo. GSA President Samhar Almomani shared his thoughts on this change, the process of it being made and why this logo is so significant for the club. “We felt that the creation of a logo was an important step to take as we’re currently in the process of transforming the club into a major voice for advocacy, so having a logo ensures that we can formally make our voices heard,” Almomani said.
The GSA had a committee created and made the logo over winter break and before this spring semester. Most of the committee were fellow GSA members, including Lily Harris, who helped with the graphic design aspect of the logo.
“There are two main goals for GSA,” Almomani explained. “The first is being a club where people in the LGBTQ+ community can come and have fun, find resources and meet new people. The second goal, which is a transition from the way GSA has operated in the past, is us becoming an advocacy club.”
Some events that the club has already done were the Unban My History event that was on Feb. 23, AIDS Awareness Day talks and the Coming Out Narratives that had many speakers with experience in these fields of discussion.
Besides the GSA hosting events involving important discussions campus-wide, the club itself is a very welcoming environment where students come together and learn more about the LGBTQ+ community with its monthly Queer History presentations. The club also has fun nights and events together, like playing board games during their meetings and having pizza nights.
After the announcement of their new logo, the club is selling logo stickers on the link of the GSA’s Instagram bio. The club plans on selling stickers in-person after spring break in the BSC. Along with stickers, the GSA ordered t-shirts with the logo on them and plans on selling them in April, which is Etown’s Pride Month.
Since students do not have classes during National Pride Month, June, Etown has their own Pride Month in April. Having Pride in April allows students to celebrate with friends on campus, and also because many students might not be able to be open at home, campus can be a safe space to enjoy this event. The GSA worked with Associate Director of Diversity, Equity and Belonging Darcy Mills, who was helpful in turning this idea into a reality.
“During April, we’ll have multiple events spread throughout that month that may range from movie nights to panel discussions,” Almomani said. “We’ll also hold many educational events and trivia so that the Etown community can learn more about the LGBTQ+ community.”
Etown students, faculty and staff will have plenty of time this semester and beyond to purchase a GSA sticker or t-shirt after returning from spring break.
