Interview – Rainbow Club

interviewee Elijah Hartshorne

Why you started the club?

Our predecessor club UniSA Pride had folded in 2013, resulting in a lack of representation and opportunity for queer students on campus. So, in late 2015, a group of students from a range of socio-economic backgrounds and political beliefs banded together with the shared goal of reviving queer student life at UniSA and keeping it active. We started with 27 members, and we’re now one of the largest USASA Clubs – we already had more than 260 members at the beginning of 2022.

What does your club do?

We provide a space for queer students to be our authentic selves in a safe and supportive environment, while advocating on our community’s behalf to improve the services UniSA offers to us. We also hold a variety of events both online and in-person throughout the year. Allies are welcome and have been integral to helping us achieve our goals.

How is your club accessible to students?

We have a strong online presence through social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Discord. We also have a physical presence at Mawson Lakes, where our wheelchair-accessible office will be opening as a safe space for queer students to use soon. Our online events Queer Film Nights and Jackbox Nights are very popular with our members – we provide closed captions for deaf and hard-of-hearing members. Where available, we also apply settings in Jackbox games to reduce strobing and fast movement for members that have photosensory needs.

How can students get involved?

Join our club for free through USASA, come along to an event, and follow us on social media. We’re also always keen to have volunteers help out. Feel free to send us a DM if there’s an idea you have for us. Keep an eye out for giveaways and freebies!

Facebook Page | https://www.facebook.com/ unisarainbowclub/