Ranking Events I Attended at the Stonewall Center in 2024-2025

Content

My friends and I took a break from skating at the Mullins Center for a quick photo.

Founded in 1985, originally as the Program for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Concerns, the Stonewall Center at UMass was only the third college center in the country established for LGBTQ students. Now, the center has around 50 events a school year, making its mark as one of the most prolific organizations on campus. Especially now, when support for LGBTQ students all over the country is being shut down, the work that they do is invaluable.

Recently, the Stonewall Center moved locations to Goodell Hall, putting them in a more central location on campus and a bigger space, which is extremely beneficial for their events. From therapy dogs to drag shows, they have a lot to offer. This article will count down the top eight events I’ve attended at the Stonewall Center (though I’ve loved them all!).

8. Queer Karaoke

Queer Karaoke was a good time. The attendees were a little more reserved at first, but as the night went on, people broke out of their shells and sang a lot of different songs, even getting others in the audience involved! There were hits by Chappell Roan, Taylor Swift, B.o.B, and more, including some songs I had never heard before.

7. We Will Survive: Celebrating Queer Art Exhibit

My poems were displayed in the We Will Survive: Celebrating Queer Art Exhibit.

Last spring, the Stonewall Center put on a small queer art exhibit. There was a range of different kinds of art displayed, from paintings to photos to sculptures. I think highlighting queer artists is so important, and loved to see how the Stonewall Center put together everyone’s work. This event was also special for me because I got to have my poems shown in it. 

6. Queer Artisans Market

I love a market. The Queer Artisans Market highlighted work from a variety of local and UMass artists. While I didn’t buy anything, I loved walking around and browsing the different kinds of art, jewelry, and handiwork being sold. It was also really sweet that it was held on Valentine’s Day so visitors could buy something for a loved one on the holiday!

5. Therapy Dogs

The therapy dogs bring canine joy to students every week at the Stonewall Center.

When I heard that the Stonewall Center was hosting Therapy Dogs once a week, I was so excited. I knew I was going to miss my dog back home in Ohio a lot—I’ve had him for 10 years, over half my life!—and I was happy to know these dogs would be available for all of my canine needs. The sessions rotate every other week between Peanut and Mini, two equally well-tempered, sweet dogs with friendly owners.

Image

Ginger Snaps was the first movie I saw at the Stonewall Center.

4. Movie Night

Movie nights at the Stonewall Center include root beer floats, snacks, and good company. I’ve attended a number of movie nights, including Bottoms, Ponyo, and Ginger Snaps. My favorite was Bottoms, but I also loved watching Ponyo for the first time! And if you’re not interested in any of the above, there are plenty of other choices because they show different movies every month.

3. Zine Night

My sister once asked me why all queer people are obsessed with zines. Probably because zines are the best? But I digress. At this event, the Stonewall Center provided materials to make these small, foldable magazines from a single piece of printer paper. I had a lot of fun expressing myself creatively and talking with the other people at my table.

2. LGBTQIA+ Ice Skating

Usually, UMass students can skate for free at the Mullins Center, but they have to pay for their own rental skates. However, the Stonewall Center hosted an event for LGBTQIA+ students and supporters that provided both free admission and free rentals! I had a lot of fun skating with my friends, the Stonewall Center playlist was fire, and the free cost was a huge incentive for me.

1. Say Gay! Drag Show

I had never been to a drag show before coming to UMass, and it was an amazing experience. The performers all had such unique and creative sets, and their looks were on point. There was even a UMass professor (Emma Anderson, aka Lance Mandible) who performed! Drag is such a rich and beautiful part of queer culture, so this event has to take the number one spot on my list.

Image

The Say Gay! Drag Show was packed with cheering students and supporters.

The social calendar at UMass can be overwhelming. But the Stonewall Center is a great place to start. It was a big draw for me as a queer student when I was looking at different colleges, as they consistently do their part to foster community, education, and support for LGBTQ students on campus. 

Even in the midst of a lot of fear and uncertainty for the queer community, the Stonewall Center is staying the course and continually providing opportunity after opportunity to connect. There is a place for you at UMass, no matter how you identify.

To get involved with the Stonewall Center, drop by 403 Goodell Hall or follow them on Instagram.