Gay Straight Alliance hosts first-ever event, masquerade

Sofia Galiano/Staff Writer

The Gay Straight Alliance at Biscayne Bay Campus is hosting a Winter Wonderland Masquerade Ball in the Wolfe University Center ballrooms on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.  The night will provide an opportunity for students to dance and relax – a common theme among University activities during this time of the semester.

GSA has participated in several Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer and Ally Initiative events, but this is the first event GSA will host since it began in July of this year.

“It’s an opportunity to network with other students on-campus,” said Gisela Vega, associate director for LGBTQA Initiatives.

A toy drive will be held at the event for the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Students are asked to bring unopened toys in support of the Fourth Annual Holiday Celebration & Toy Drive.

In addition to toy donations, students are encouraged to bring decorated masks from home and wear them to the ball to compete in a mask contest.

Masks will be given out at the even, however, they are limited.

Christina Sinord, treasurer of GSA and planner of the event said the first 20 guests are guaranteed a mask.

The person with the best looking mask will receive a prize.

“We’re looking for originality and creativity,” Sinord said.

According to Sinord, the event is scheduled around finals so students can attend and relieve stress from their studies. “This masquerade ball is more of a reliever,” she said.

Although the event is geared toward students, non-students may attend.

Friends and family of University students can participate in the event free of charge.

As for attire, students should dress casually to the event, excluding sneakers and sandals.

“Anybody and everyone is welcome,” Sinord said.

— bbc@fiusm.com