Story by Shannon Worley
Photos by C.J. Harris

On Aug. 31, 2022, Stotler Lounge in Memorial Union was filled with creativity as the LGBTQ Resource Center hosted its first event of the year, the Queer Fall Fling.  

Nearly 80 students listened to music, played Nintendo Wii, ate pizza, made crafts and more. The Center Project was also invited and provided shoes and clothing for students in attendance. The Center Project is an all-volunteer community center focused on serving the needs of LGBTQ people and communities in Columbia and throughout central Missouri.  

The event was a success, according to senior student support specialist Sophie Hood.  

“I am really proud of how this event went,” Hood said. “I am thankful to my student staff for all of their hard work and to my colleagues who helped make this event successful. This year, I was able to see a lot of new faces and it was really cool to see our center’s community grow. Queer Fall Fling always provides a sense of belonging and is always the perfect event for a first semester kickoff. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the semester brings!”  

To stay updated on future events with the LGBTQ Resource Center, follow their social media! 

About the LGBTQ Resource Center  

The LGBTQ Resource Center is one of four social justice centers within the MU Division of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity. The center works to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for Mizzou community members with a focus on queer and transgender students.  Serving as a campus and community resource, the center reaches its mission through the development of healthy communities, strategic partnerships and leadership and identity development within a culture of celebration and inclusion. Facebook: @mulgbtq, Twitter: @mulgbtq, Instagram: @mulgbtq.