By: Renae Visico
On Oct. 30, Brooklyn College’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Alliance (LGBTA) hosted its fourth annual Halloween party, the Spookeasy, in the Student Center. Students were treated to an afternoon of fun and spooky activities, including open mic, a costume contest, and free food.
The Spookeasy has been one of the many ways the LGBTA communicates the importance of creating spaces where queer people and allies alike can feel comfortable simply existing as themselves.
“I think it’s really important for us to have a queer space, and Spookeasy was able to provide that for people not only who are queer, but also people who are allies,” said LGBTA president Masiel Matute. “It’s so important to fight for queer and trans rights. But it’s also super important to just let them exist.”
This year’s Spookeasy drew a crowd of new faces as well as returning faces, reflecting the development and continuity of this tradition.
“I was here at the one last year,” said sophomore psychology student Ivy Vincent. “I feel like this one is a lot more open. I see a lot more people participating in it this year.”
That participation was reflected in the Open Mic, where students showcased a variety of their different talents. Performances included karaoke to pop/rock songs, K-pop dances, original songs, and even a banjo performance.
“I think that art is one of the most important tools that we have in this world to not only connect with one another, but to connect with ourselves,” said LGBTQ+ Program Assistant Joe Scarpetta, who performed a reading of Yoko Ono’s poem, “Tuna Fish Sandwich,” while making a tuna fish sandwich. “I think that a lot of us in this room know what it’s like to have an unhappy childhood. But to go to a museum or a gallery, and to see so many beautiful colors, vibrant people, and amazing characters was a moment of reprieve.”
Students enjoyed how the Open Mic provided an opportunity for them to express themselves and witness the creativity and passions among their student body.
“My favorite part of the event was definitely the Open Mic,” said first-year psychology student Christopher Ramirez. “I’ve never heard people sing their hearts out harder in my life.”
Before students had to rush to classes, the LGBTA made sure everyone could participate in this year’s costume contest. The contest was split into five categories: c*ntiest, scariest, campiest, most niche, and gayest.
“I just walked in and got a bunch of compliments. Everyone here is so nice,” said first-year acting student Sherebiah Lawes, who won the c*ntiest category with her “My Little Pony” Pinkie Pie costume. “The atmosphere is really welcoming. I love having a sense of community in different places.”
The Spookeasy even drew college students from beyond BC, including NYU student Cindy Zhu, who won the campiest costume category dressed up as Alexander Hamilton.
Alongside providing a space for students to have fun, the LGBTA made sure to remind attendees of the wellness resources available to them. The “Brooklyn is PrEP’d” program at SUNY Downstate Hospitals set up a table to increase awareness of their HIV prevention services.
“I hope that more people know what prep is, and that it’s available, no shame in using it. It doesn’t matter,” said Outreach Coordinator Liz Smith. “Being safe doesn’t mean it has to be boring.”
The Spookeasy was more than just a Halloween party; it was a warm reminder that BC has a space for everyone of any identity to feel appreciated and express their true selves.
“I want students to acknowledge that BC is really queer friendly, so they’re always welcome into these spaces around campus,” said Matute. “I feel like queer liberation is not just advocacy, you know? Or protests. Sometimes it’s just queer existence and queer joy.”
Students interested in the BC LGBTA can find more information on their Instagram: @brooklyn.lgbta.