Pride comes in all shapes and sizes and is not limited to just people who identify as non -straight orientation. The Viterbo University Pride Club is an all-encompassing welcoming space for individuals on campus regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. President Elizabeth Saltzman works with the advisors, Matthew Bersagel Braley and Jodi Reider, to help create this welcoming environment for all. “The mission of pride is to create a welcoming, accepting, and safe place on Viterbo’s campus for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We work to educate allies and advocate for members of the LGBTQ+ community,” Saltzman said.
Saltzman is the current president having been asked by advisor Bersagel Braley over the summer to accept the position after the former president graduated in May. Since the beginning of the year their staff has grown from just the president to a vice president, Anna Martinson, and treasurer/secretary, Kjersten Danzig.
This year, students may have already seen the Pride Club on campus; for National Coming Out Day, they hosted a table outside Murphy Center. National Coming Out Day is celebrated annually on October 11 to help support those who have been open about their sexual and gender identity. It is also there to bring awareness and support to people who are still struggling to be open and those who want to be allies to the community. They were also present at Fresh Check Day. Moving forward, the club hopes to host a movie night featuring LGBTQ+ movies and create club T-shirts. “We will do more, but we are still brainstorming what else we want to do!” Salzman stated.
For students and staff like Saltzman, the Pride Club has been an accepting place to make friends and learn about a community that for generations it has been taboo to talk about. The Pride Club works to educate and advocate for this community and bring them together. Saltzman said, “I wanted to be a part of creating a space where LGBTQ+ individuals could be free to express themselves, share their experiences, and connect with people within the community. Additionally, I wanted and still want to educate people about this community and about how to be better allies.” Viterbo has created a space for individuals to be themselves and encourages people to be hospitable to those joining our campus; this club just adds that extra space for individuals to feel safe.
The Pride Club is nothing new on campus, though many were not aware we had one. One student was surprised to learn there had been a club on campus having been looking for one to join since graduating from high school. For individuals like this student who have been eager to be a part of a fun accepting club like this, it is easy to get involved.
The Pride Club meets bi-monthly on Thursdays at 8 p.m. For students who prefer the in-person meetings, the club will meet those needs. There is also a Zoom option for those who are still a little leery about meeting in person. Those interested should contact Elizabeth Saltzman via email, connect with their Instagram page, @viterbopride, or follow them on Facebook, Viterbo University Pride Club.
