Haven is Seattle Pacific University’s safe-space club for queer students of all identities and allies. On Friday, May 2, Haven is hosting their second annual Redacted Festival to cultivate community in ways that go beyond their meetings — or even the university. The pride event is set to take place in Royal Brougham Pavilion from 5-8 p.m.
Haven has done public outreach to encourage attendance by both local LGBTQIA+ people and families with LGBTQIA+ children. Gail McMillan, the acting Vice President of Haven, commented.
“Especially in this time and place where literally everything relating to queer and trans people is becoming political and debated… it’s important to remind people of the ordinary,” McMillan said.
They emphasized that there have historically been negative views of the community at large.
McMillan commented, “I think it’s a great reminder that we are truly just people.”
McMillan is appreciative of Affirm, a group of faculty, staff and alumni that have supported Haven’s presence on campus through funding and public approval. Amy Robertson, a research professor of physics at SPU and Haven’s primary faculty advocate, is among this group.
“She’s our MVP,” McMillan said.
The festivities are set to include five performances, including bands Avec Anne and Clover, a poetry reading by McMillan, a drag performance by Haven’s president, Dorothy Prosser and a reading of the children’s book “Julian is a Mermaid” by Robertson. Kendall’s DJ and Event is bringing their expertise to assist with the music and lighting during the celebration.
Alongside the entertainment will be important resource booths for queer and non-queer students alike.
“There’s gonna be a couple different mental health counselors offering their services to those who need it, those who want it, whether it has anything to do with gender and sexuality or not,” McMillan said.
Stace Nagle Counseling and Seattle Children’s Gender Affirming Care Clinic are two of many organizations that have agreed to hold booths at the Redacted Festival.
Wallingford Presbyterian Church in particular has been involved with Haven and its associated faculty in the past. Their inclusivity has been really encouraging in the eyes of the club. McMillan commented on the presence of churches at the event.
“We also have different churches advertising that they’re inclusive. That they’re ready for whatever kind of children God has… there are so many of God’s children, whether cishet or not” McMillan said.
It is important to hold a space like this at SPU given the history between its leadership and LGBTQ members of the community. To McMillan, having a public event is an invitation for other students to get involved with Haven and its connections.
“Being aware of the resources that are in Seattle, that are continuously affirming despite everything, I think that’s super important,” McMillan said.
In a world where queer people have historically been stereotyped and oppressed, Haven reminds students of a safe space.
“Haven will continue to exist… there is always a hand ready to be taken should queer and allied students need it,” McMillan said.
Haven is still looking for volunteers to help with preparations, if interested contact @spuhaven on Instagram for more details. Volunteers can expect to be needed May 1, from 4:30-10:30 p.m. and May 2, from 9-4:30 p.m. in various locations.
