Public confessions get loud at open mic night: Pride Week event gives performers the chance to confess personal struggles and cultural insight

Open Mic Night is a Pride Week event dedicated to bringing people of all genders and expressions together to share music, poetry, comedy or art in front of an audience of their peers.

Cheese, crackers and fruits were served as students, faculty and staff situated themselves in front of the stage at the Johnson Center Bistro Thursday night. Although the turnout wasn’t as high as anticipated, there was plenty of fun and good spirit in the air. Acts ranged from poetry, spoken word and singing to comedy and a metal band.

Overall, the audience enjoyed the talent, and everyone had a great time. The significance of an event like this is the opportunity for members of a marginal group to express themselves in a forum without censorship.

Associate Director of LGBTQ Resources Ric Chollar agrees. “What I love most about this event is that it gives a chance for each participant to share something personal and provide insight about their culture,” he said, “In a way, that makes Open Mic Night my favorite Pride Week event.” Last week was filled with fun and educational events intended to bring people together in recognition and appreciation of the LGBTQ culture.

Open Mic Night was one of the week’s most entertaining events, along with the Pride Week Carnival, the Drag Show and the After-Drag Show Dance Party.