Girls, Gays, and Their Climbing Club Night | Photo: Emma Zarbo | Right State Guardian
Students from all backgrounds gathered at the rock climbing gym in the basement of the Student Union building for Girls, Gays, and They're Climbing Night on Thursday, Sept. 12. Students mingled with one another as they waited in line to scale the rock wall.
Benefits of participating
The aim of the event is to welcome people who don't necessarily participate in these types of activities and encourage them to try something they've never done before.
Event organizer Elizabeth Harvey, who is involved with the Women's Center and Outdoor Resource Center, organized the event for a variety of reasons.
“I'm really happy to be able to create a safe environment for people who identify with these labels,” Harvey said.
She went on to explain how important it is for this group of people to build community bonds, as they are often so underrepresented.
“For a long time, I was one of the few female rock climbers. [Wright State University]”Now we're seeing so many more people get involved, and it's just so amazing and beautiful to see,” Harvey exclaimed.
She explained that she sees rock climbing as a primarily male-dominated activity, and she wanted to ensure that anyone who was like-minded like her had a safe space to try something that really inspired them.
The students were shown how to climb, with Harvey and the other instructors doing a great job of explaining where each foot went and how to jump down without getting hurt.
Harvey also provided homemade Rice Krispie Treats for anyone wanting something sweet after a tiring day of rock climbing.
connection
The start of the school year can be very overwhelming for students, especially those from another state or who may have a harder time making new friends, so events like this help bring different communities together.
Hannah Mesa, a student involved with the Outdoor Resource Center and Climbing Club, spearheaded the event to not only make friends but also help others make friends.
“For me, this event is specifically about making friends,” Mesa said.
She also explained how happy she feels when others are able to celebrate their successes within the gym.
“A lot of people who have had to overcome really tough adversity are drawn to outdoor recreation like climbing because it feels good to overcome something difficult.”
She also says that climbing allows you to meet like-minded people who need a break from everyday life, and concentrating on where your hands and feet are going next helps take your mind off the stressful issues that sometimes plague you, she says.
That night, Mesa encouraged many people, congratulating them as their feet and hands found new positions, helping them to keep going.
Rainbow Alliance
Rainbow Alliance is a club at WSU that gives members a way to get involved and be part of a community that supports them through events like Girls, Gays, and Theys.
Student Chris Bicknell, part of the Rainbow Alliance, explained why they took part in the event.
“I think it's great to have access to something like this on campus,” Bicknell said.
They said it was really fun having people like Mesa and Harvey there to coach everyone. Bicknell said that although he was scared at first, he ended up really enjoying the event.
“I was able to come in with an open mind and not worry about being judged,” Bicknell explained.
If you're looking for a club that will support you no matter who you are, Rainbow Alliance could be a great way to join and meet new people. To find out more about Rainbow Alliance, check out Engage.
They are located in Student Union Building 029D and hold weekly meetings every Wednesday at 6pm.
You can come at another time
The Girls, Gays, and Them event is held once every second Thursday of the month. In December, it will be held on the second Friday due to scheduling conflicts. The event will be held from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
For more information on getting involved with WSU's rock climbing gym, check out @wrightstateclimbing on Instagram.
