On Thursday, October 5, in the Campus Center Coffeehouse, the Coalition for Women’s Rights hosted a ‘Just Say Gay’ march in the wake of a surge in anti-lgbt legislation in the country. The march was co-hosted by the Stockton Socialists, the Queer and Transgender People of Color Society, and the Women’s Gender and Sexuality Center.

Coalition for Women’s Rights Vice President, Nimrah Jahan, discussed how it is the year 2023, and how it is still difficult to be open about sexuality. “Over 145 anti-lgbt laws have been introduced in the United States this year,” she discussed. It is also important to acknowledge those who have not been accepted by their families as well.

Up next to speak was President of the Women’s Rights Coalition, and organizer of the event, Yamirah Williams. She shared what motivated her to put the event together. “As queer people, we are so accustomed to hiding the beauty that is our identity.” She detailed how she wants the campus to be a safe space for students who go back home and get misgendered, who can’t spend holidays with their same-sex partners, and who can’t afford to visit pride festivities.

The march also featured special guest Miss Maddy Milan, the first-ever Miss Hammonton Pride. She talked about drag culture and its impact on society and its new presence in Hammonton. “The importance of this organization is not only to provide an outlet for the community and a place for the community to feel at home… and also just to create allyship within the community. That’s so important.”

Teresa Barone, Assistant Director and Primary Advocate for the WGSC, talked about the progress in LGBTQ+ legislation that she witnessed during the Obama administration. “Milestones like these made me so hopeful,” but how the unprecedented spike in harmful legislation is an attack on human rights and education. They disproportionately marginalize transgender youth and they are fueled by a “deliberate ignorance to the needs of human life.” She and Laura Shaw, faculty advisor to Transcendence, Ace Space, and a Wellness Center Counselor, both brought attention to the multitude of resources available on campus, including the WGSC lounge, transgender clothes swap, and access to help fund the cost of gender-affirming clothing.

Andrea Sandoval, Student Senate President and QT POCS treasurer, took the mic to discuss the importance of access to literature. “The implementation of book bans is dangerous, especially when it gives children someone to relate to,” she said. Sandoval described how during her time finding out her true identity, she looked to characters in books who were openly and confidently themselves.

Emma Rodriguez, President and co-founder of the Stockton Socialists, talked about how marches such as this are essential to solidarity and community building on campus. She also called out the currently growing obstacles that transgender individuals face. Mo Keane, president of QT POCS, called out the homophobic legislation that bars children from being informed on sexuality and gender. They called out the bills that the United States government has been pushing, especially in Florida.

Chants for the march around campus included the phrases: “We are here! We are queer!”,”Love is love!”, “Just say GAY!”, which were all taught to the crowd by Miss Hammonton.

After the march, attendees gathered back at the coffee house. Member of the Coalition for Women’s Rights, Hunter Kovach, bravely shared their experience coming out as a trans-feminine person.

This was followed by some artist performances, starting with a song written and performed by the Secretary of the Coalition for Women’s Rights, Leah Kowalski. Visual artist Lorelai Crawford displayed their work, which they explained is mostly based on feminist topics. The afternoon ended with two more vocal performances, featuring a rendition of Sade’s ‘Kiss of Life’ by Rabiyah Footman, and Ghost’s ‘Mary on a Cross’ sung by Max Clayton.