40th anniversary of Etcetera Club
This year is the 40th anniversary of the Dawson Student Union鈥檚 2SLGBTQIA+ club Etcetera, which was founded by Joe Rose in 1985. In collaboration with Cinema l Communications, Creative Collective for Change, and Women’s/Gender Studies, the Allies and Angels Music Fest took place on March 12 and a queer prom is planned for this spring.
The founder of Etcetera, Joe Rose, was gay bashed and murdered in March 1989 because he had pink hair and was unashamed of being gay. 鈥淟et us all stand as one and give thanks to him and those brave souls that came before us to make Dawson the inclusive community we know!鈥� the Etcetera Club wrote on their Instagram account.
The Communications Office interviewed Keith Fleury, treasurer of the club and a student in International Business Studies. Here is the Q & A:
- The Etcetera Club was founded by Joe Rose in 1985 to provide a safe space for queer students. How has the club evolved?
The creation of Etcetera was made during a very dark period in Montreal, it was a time in which most people were not standing up for our community. Compared to 1985, the city has become more open-minded so the club does not need the same vision or needs. Today, students only need a place to come and be themselves without having to worry about prejudices.
- What is the vision for the club today? What are the current needs of students and the community?
One of the most important reasons for the club today is to help Dawson students feel safe during their time at the college. The change from high school to college can be challenging for some people, it is always important that they have a community to rely on. It is often noted that some people from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community can have difficulties making new connections with classmates. The club allows students to create connections with others with common interests to facilitate their time at Dawson.
- What kind of support and activities does it offer?
We suggest various resources to members either on campus or off campus. Our activities range from supporting other people from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to entertaining.
- How has the Etcetera Club contributed to fostering a safe space for 2SLGBTQIA+ students at 张百乔女友裸照?
Etcetera offers a聽safe space for students. Our club space is open during certain times to allow members to visit during their breaks and to meet new people while feeling at ease.
- How does Joe Rose鈥檚 legacy continue to inspire current members and activities?
We always try to inspire ourselves with Joe Rose鈥檚 courage and generosity with each of our events. We also want to make sure that students are aware of where we come from and who made this club possible. It is also thanks to him that all of us (executives) are here today.
- How does the club collaborate with other student groups or organizations at 张百乔女友裸照 and contribute to student life/campus life?
We try to find clubs that have similar visions to ours, any way we can encourage everyone to respect one another and find ways help others understand our community and others better. We are all trying to coexist with one another.
- Are there any special events or projects planned to mark the 40th anniversary of the Etcetera Club?
We are planning another Winter 2025 event to mark the 40th anniversary, our idea was to have a queer prom. Combining the end of year with memories of our past is what the event is exactly about, a nice conclusion to the current executive term. The following executive will be continuing with other events during Fall 2025 that are planned with Kim Simard, such as movie watching or card writing.
- Anything else you would like to say?
I am very happy that you are interested in our projects, it is an honour for me to be a part of this community and of this club. I am very lucky to be amongst the executives of Etcetera, it holds a special place in my heart and many others.
