By ANGELINA MANDELL
Copy Editor
On Thursday, Nov. 18 in Saint Joe’s auditorium, Saint Rose’s Identity club hosted their annual Rainbow Rose Ball to bring pride week to a festive close. Complete with food provided by Sodexo and the dining hall, a bake sale table of rainbow rose cupcakes, live music from Saint Rose students, and plenty of pride, the semi-formal ball was a great way for club members and any other Saint Rose students to let loose and have fun before traveling home for the upcoming break. The ball was planned by a committee of Identity members with Identity Vice President Saul Zajkowski-Ennabe at the helm.
St. Joe’s auditorium was completely decked out with pride decor made by Identity members. Balloons were organized to represent different pride flags, along with rainbow streamers framing the walls and entrance. “I tried to make the balloons pride flag colors,” said Identity president Aubrey Bogart. “We made all the decorations here and tried to make it as pride-themed as possible.”
Sodexo brought their a-game with a table full of food free to anyone attending. “Sodexo brought some really great food; we got baked ziti, mozzarella sticks and spring rolls, so that’s cool,” Bogart explained. “The bake sale was also a huge hit.” A bake sale table sold cupcakes made by Cheyenne Sassine for $1.50 with the proceeds going to In Our Own Voices, a local LGBTQ+ organization that provides assistance to any LGBTQ+ individuals in need. “The cupcakes are for sale here, and all the proceeds go to an LGBTQ+ charity in the area,” said sophomore Identity member Maddy Bronson who was running the table. Identity ended up raising $40 for the organization.
After holding auditions for prospective students and performers wishing to share their talents at the Rose Ball, Identity decided on featuring artists LOR, also known as Riley O’Lena, and Lady Byrd for live entertainment. Playing a variety of songs, both acts got the crowd up and dancing, setting the mood for the night. “I love that they got Saint Rose performers for entertainment because it really brings the Saint Rose community together,” said sophomore Identity member, Elizabeth Paul. You can support these Saint Rose artists by following their Instagrams, @myguyri and @ladybyrdwho respectively. Lady Byrd also announced at the ball that her latest single, “Fortune Cookie,” was released that night.
The event was quite the hit as Identity members along with other Saint Rose students came dressed to the nines. “The queers really brought their dress game tonight!” exclaimed Bogart. Identity has always been a safe space for anyone to express themselves, and the Rose Ball was no exception.
After the pandemic put a halt to Identity club and its events, Identity is back this semester and better than ever with new leadership and great turnouts to meetings and events. After a week of pride-themed events like a movie night, craft social and Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil, the Rainbow Rose Ball was a great way to celebrate the concluding Fall semester.
Anyone is welcome to attend meetings, held on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in Standish A&B. Identity has also announced that there will be three E-Board positions open for the next semester. Keep up with the club and new events coming soon by following their Instagram, @saintroseidentity.
