GSA hosts ‘Snag-A-Straight Person’ Masquerade

The Austin Community College Gay-Straight Alliance hosted "Snag-A-Straight Person," a Mardi-Gras-themed masquerade ball Feb. 4 at the Q Austin located at 3408 West Ave.

According to GSA president Megan Rue, this was the second year in a row the organization held the event and the goal was to not only engage more straight people in the club, but to show appreciation for straight allies supporting the movement.

GSA secretary Brittney Tovar said, "Straight allies are important to the LGBT fight for equality. Sometimes it takes a straight person to tell another less open-minded straight person that gays deserve equal rights."

The student funded event featured a cupcake ornamentation bar, a mask decorating station, tons of food cooked by former professional chef and GSA director of communications Anthony Zuvikch and flavored popcorn donated by Cornucopia owner Nadia Elhaj. Local Austin musician Jacob Matthews performed as well.

Matthews' set included covers of hit songs that made the crowd dance and sing. At one point in the evening he asked guests if they would like to step up to the microphone.

Soon an impromptu karaoke spree began which included covers of "Across the Universe" performed GSA art director, Angelia Welch and Seether's "Broken" performed by ACC student Franchasca Charles.

"Jacob did such an excellent job, he really brought the life to the party," Tovar said. "It unified the group and he did it all for donations." Matthews said, "It's not a matter of gay or straight alliances to me, people are people.

Matthews said he had a great time at the event and enjoys supporting people. "Everyone has their own special talent and music is my gift," Matthews said. "I don't want to say my music changes people, but your attitude can change people."

Non ACC students also came out to support the movement. Joe Carr, a local resident, showed up decked out in a cape, a long beaked mask and black and white wingtip shoes.

"I'm actually here to support this organization and our community," Carr said. "There's been a lot of fear since the recent murder of Esme Barrera and attacks on women in the area."

Carr later made an announcement to the group about an upcoming candlelight procession being held for Esme and all victims of violence on Feb. 11 starting at 3100 Guadalupe St. and ending at the Q Austin.

The masquerade was all about inclusion. GSA makes it a point to have meetings at the Q Austin, Carr said, instead of on campus because they want people to feel safe and welcomed. "The first time I walked in, it felt like a home, it's comfortable," Charles said. "I'm not gay, but I got a chance to see what the group was all about and got to interact with the GSA community."

GSA holds meetings at the Q on the first and third Tuesdays of the month and welcomes anyone interested in learning more about the organization to join them. They will be hosting a Pancake Social from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Northridge Campus student lounge, as well as other events throughout the semester. For more information visit them online at austincc.collegiatelink.net/ organization/gsa.