Lawrence University’s second annual Queer Thanksgiving will take place on Friday, Nov. 22 at 3:00 p.m. in the Diversity Center. The event serves as a way for Lawrence LQBTQIAP+ students, staff and faculty to connect with each other and share a Thanksgiving meal together in an accepting, family-like setting.
The meal will be provided entirely by Lawrence’s staff and faculty. Last year, over 20 faculty and staff members sponsored the event and provided food or funding, and approximately 60 students were served. Residence Hall Director Rose Wasielewski expects there to be a greater turnout this year.
“Because there are many students who might identify as LGBTQIAP+, or are an ally, who may feel like the holidays and being at home is not always a great environment because they have to hide a part of who they are, faculty and staff wanted to put this together to show our support and to provide an LU family for these students to have a great holiday feast with,” said Wasielewski.
The meal will be potluck style and include traditional Thanksgiving dishes such as turkey, stuffing, potatoes, green bean casserole, roles, gravy and pies. Partners, spouses, children and loved ones of faculty staff are invited to attend, as well.
Wasielewski describes last year’s event as festive and heartwarming.
“It was a really happy atmosphere to have so many folks from across campus come together and it felt like Thanksgiving throughout the house—people sharing stories and laughing, some folks yelling to prepare this or that or take the potatoes off the top of the stove. Some of us were helping get people seated or through the line of food to get served,” she said.
Counselor Kathleen Schiltz is in charge of organizing this year’s event. “I am not alone in seeing the immense value in this event. Our Associate Dean of Health and Wellness, Scott Radtke, has been instrumental in making this event happen and I would consider us a team along with Rose, Khrystal Condon and Matt Orbell, our newest counselor in the Wellness Center,” said Schiltz.
Students do not have to RSVP to attend this event. Please contact Wasielewski or Schiltz with any questions.