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On Feb. 29, Saint Michael鈥檚 clubs Common Ground and Diversity Coalition co-hosted a panel focused on uplifting and empowering BIPOC voices in Queer spaces. Panelists were Richard Elliot and Raheemah Madany, coordinators from Thrive Vermont, a group for Queer and Trans people of color, and Lechelle-Antonia Gray, Outreach Manager for Hunger Free Vermont, an organization focused on fighting hunger and malnutrition for all Vermonters.

Photo by Isabella Paredes Mendoza ’24

Juneau Rich 鈥�24, co-president of Saint Michael鈥檚 LGBTQIA+-focused club Common Ground, and one of the organizers for this event said the panel was inspired by the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation.

鈥淲e wanted to uphold the theme of the convocation鈥� The Fierce Urgency of Now鈥� given that there is so much harm caused to Black and Brown Queer communities in the world and the country, especially with the anti-LGBTQ bills,鈥� Rich said. 鈥淚 wanted to reach those people in our community, letting them know they are seen and supported.鈥�

Photo by Isabella Paredes Mendoza ’24

Rich said the event had the best turnout out of all the Common Ground鈥檚 events this academic year. The event also drew the most BIPOC students into the audience as compared to other events.

鈥淚t is amazing, because that is the community we were trying to serve with this event,鈥� Rich said.

Photo by Isabella Paredes Mendoza ’24

Richard Elliott, one of the panelists, said being welcomed at Saint Michael鈥檚 was nice.

鈥淚t is important to have a wide perspective and understand different experiences, listening to individuals like yourself and not like yourself,鈥� Elliott said. 鈥淒iversity is always important.鈥�

Photo by Isabella Paredes Mendoza ’24

Students enjoyed food from local BIPOC-owned businesses and engaged in a powerful conversation regarding inequities, resources, and representation of Queer and Trans people of color in the Saint Michael鈥檚 community and beyond. The discussion ended with a call to action focused on how the audience could address these issues, and ways for people who do not identify with these identities to be stronger allies.

鈥淐ommon Ground wants Queer and Trans students of color to know that we see them, and we are here for them,鈥� Rich said. 鈥淭hey always have a space in Common Ground!鈥�