On select nights over the next month, The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens will open its doors to visitors after dark to see nature in a different light.
On Wednesday night, the lights were an array of colors in each conservatory to promote the importance of acceptance of the LGBTQ community at the “Love is Love” event.
In collaboration with The Pride Center of Western New York, the Botanical Gardens provided activities, giveaways and resources to the community and visitors throughout the night.
Visiting the gardens after dark can be a magical and stress-free experience, especially for students looking to escape the rigors of the classroom. The plant collection is highlighted by soft lighting to enhance the shape, sizes, textures and colors of each species. Visitors can enjoy the landscape as light bounces off the glass of the conservatory and onto the plants, rocks and twinkling decorative ornaments overhead.
While visiting the Botanical Gardens can be a valuable resource to relieve stress, here are a few of the other numerous resources available for LGBTQ students, faculty and staff at UB and in the Buffalo Community:
Rainbow Hour
Counseling Services
Rainbow Hour is a monthly meeting held the last Thursday of every month from January to June. The discussion aims to bring together LGBTQ individuals at UB through conversations and games. The next discussion will be held this Thursday from 5-5:50 p.m. over Zoom.
Lavender Ceremony
Intercultural and Diversity Center
This ceremony recognizes the achievements of graduating students who identify as LGBTQ. The ceremony is scheduled for May 13 in the Student Union. Additional information about how to participate will be disclosed in the near future.
Gender Inclusive Housing
Campus Living
Students looking to embrace diversity in a safe and affirming environment can do so through UB’s Gender Inclusive Housing. A group of students living in a community without an assigned gender. The living learrning community brings LGBTQ students and straight allies together to freely explore issues of gender identity, expression and sexual orientation through specialized events and programs.The application can be submitted when applying for housing next semester. The application deadline is March 10 for returning students and May 1 for new students.
LGBTA
Student Club
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Alliance is open to all LGBTQ students and straight allies to spread awarness about issues affecting the community while establishing a safe space on campus by hosting events and meetings that teach and promote understanding among all students. The next meeting will take place on March 7 at 6 p.m. in NSC 216.
UB LGBTQ
Faculty Staff Association
The UB LGBTQ FSA tries to promote a welcoming and inclusive university community of LGBTQ faculty and staff through education, networking and advocacy. Membership is open to all faculty and staff — full-time, part-time and retired — who agree to the constitution and annual $30 dues. Members are invited to attend their next event on March 15 for a discussion with Christopher Goerss, an advocate for shattering stigma around societal concerns ranging from LGBTQ rights to HIV/AIDS.
Pride Center of Western New York
278 Delaware Ave.
The Pride Center of Western New York works to create a safe, healthy and satisfying place for LGBTQ people to live, work and establish their families. The organization provides community members with free resources such as HIV/STI testing, educational workshops and classes and a variety of free safe-sex resources. The Pride Center holds a number of events which can be found on its website, such as monthly meetings for TransGeneration, a program that promotes the exploration of gender in a positive and affirming environment. The Pride Center’s next meeting will be held virtually and in person on March 1 from 6-8 p.m.
Dan Eastman is the assistant managing editor and can be reached at danielson.eastman@ubspectrum.com
Dan Eastman is the assistant managing editor at The Spectrum. He is a senior geography major who loves Starbucks iced americano. When he isn’t writing and editing he is trying to find the best donut and cookie shops in Buffalo. He can be found on Twitter @TheEastMan2000.
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
