QSA brings back unique tradition

MSU’s Queer Straight Alliance (QSA) is holding up past traditions with the celebration of Gay Blue Jeans Day, a unique day celebrating coming out by wearing blue jeans. QSA is one of the oldest clubs on campus — early in its inception, the club started out holding secret meetings.

Members of QSA performed an archive project last year and discovered that in June 1981, ads were published to promote Gay Blue Jeans Day on campus. At that time, there was backlash and the event disappeared for some time. The day of recognition returned to campus last year after students decided to bring it back, and this year it was celebrated on April 8.

This year, QSA promoted Gay Blue Jeans Day through posters across campus, a Facebook event and a Snapchat Geofilter. Kelsay Jensen, current Vice President of QSA and a sophomore studying microbiology, unraveled deeper significance of the day. “Coming out is like putting on a pair of jeans… often not really thought about… it’s up to the wearer to decide when it’s needed,” Jensen explained. A pair of jeans is a form of expression. One can choose when to show it and when not to, when to wear them and when not to. The idea is also that the decision is not monumental. It can truly be as simple as putting on a pair of jeans. Jensen has been a regular member since her freshman year, and since becoming a board member, has become even more involved with QSA.

Another event that has been a tradition for QSA is the Rainbow Ball. This past Saturday, April 13, QSA celebrated its ninth annual Rainbow Ball. About 175 people attended this semi-formal dance and the event included local drag performances. Tips for the entertainment were encouraged and were then donated to the MSU Black Student Union. QSA was excited to match every tip in donations, doubling the effort. Tickets were also discounted $2 if tampons were donated to be used in the free tampon dispensers located in the SUB.

Looking forward, QSA has elected new leadership roles bringing on fresh perspectives for the upcoming school year. Jensen looks forward to the last meeting of the semester where members will put on a mini film festival of videos encompassing the year to share with the club. QSA currently has 20 to 40 regularly attending club members and meets every Monday at 7 p.m. in SUB 235.