The historic Gerlinger Lounge saw a younger, more vibrant crowd Tuesday night than it does during its usual black-tie attire events. Against the backdrop of techno music and chit-chat, the University chapter of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Alliance held an open forum on Tuesday to discuss and listen to gay male musicians.
According to the group’s Web site, the “Dissonance Queer Men’s Music Reception and Tea Party” gave the public a chance to enjoy music by gay artists, drink “scrumptious” teas and eat fine desserts. The event was catered and a DJ played records.
Zadok Taylor, office manager for the LGBTQA, said that the main purpose of the tea party was “to give the public exposure to gay male music.”
Although the music was eclectic, ranging from techno to country, the original idea was to feature rock and alternative genres, Taylor said. A freshman at the University, Taylor came from Boise, Idaho, a town that was “not as open to these types of events,” he said.
The tea party drew 15 to 20 participants. One student at the tea party, Stefanie Loh, believes that the event was a good idea, despite the low number of participants.
“A good concept if more people showed up,” said Loh.
Justin McCraw, the events coordinator and Web master for the LGBTQA, said he first came up with the idea for a tea party.
McCraw attempted to get live, local gay bands to perform at the gathering, but the idea fell through.
All bands that were contacted either “had been disbanded or just didn’t want to come,” said McCraw.
Jen French, co-director of the LGBTQA, was also at the tea party and said that it was one of a variety of events that the group has planned for Gay Pride Week, which runs from May 30 through June 2, according to the LGBTQA’s Web site.
Pride Week will continue with a gay film festival that runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. May 31 through June 2 and an open mic night on June 5 at 6 p.m. in the EMU amphitheater, where students and community members can speak out on gayrelated issues.
The LGBTQA is run by a staff of four people, who all attended the tea party. The group has had many fresh faces this year, as positions are frequently vacated and filled. Both Taylor and McCraw started out as freshman volunteers with the LGBTQA this year and came to their current positions because of the influx of personnel.
Taylor said he hopes next year the LGBTQA will have more events and larger gatherings, and the group will focus on publicizing its events.