As part of LGBTQA History Month, the University of Idaho LGBTQA Office will host a “Queer Coffee Shop Open Mic” Friday at One World Cafe.
The event happens every three years or so, said One World employee Brendon Harker.
“It makes the community more connected,” Harker said. “It’s a nice way to get homework done, meet new people and experience different kinds of art.”
Anyone at the open mic can go on stage and perform a slam poem, a short story, comedy, improvisation, talk about current events or do anything, Harker said.
“It’s an event that brings diverse parts of the Palouse community closer,” Harker said
Julia Keleher, UI LGBTQA program coordinator, said the event is a way for those in the LGBTQA community to get stuff off their chest and be part of an inclusive community.
“It’s a night where folks can unwind and come for open mic performances while spending time with friends,” Keleher said.
One World has a history of providing a venue for LGBTQA friendly events. In the past, the coffee shop has been the location of Inland Oasis’s Drag Bingo, though the event will soon be held in the 1912 Center instead.
Oscar Salinas, a UI sophomore, said he thinks the “Queer Coffee Shop Open Mic” will be a positive event in the community.
“Any time that you have an open display of diversity in a community, it’s exposing people to diversity in a way that’s unforgiving almost,” said UI sophomore Oscar Salinas. “It shouldn’t be forgiving, it should be celebrated.”
Cecil Milliken can be reached at [email protected]