Excited voices rang through the hallways of the third floor while the aroma of homemade Thanksgiving dishes spread, as people gathered to celebrate the holiday season. After school on Wednesday, Dec. 10, the Queer Student Union (QSU) hosted a Friendsgiving for QSU members, students and faculty at 115 Greenough. Attendees joined together for a holiday potluck, then played trivia created by math teacher Adam Fried.
Leslie said that hosting a Friendsgiving event is particularly important for the QSU because of the stress-free environment that it can provide for attendees.
“The event acknowledges that for many LGBTQ students, the holidays can be wonderful but also tricky if folks aren’t out at home or with family members,” Leslie said. “We started Friendsgiving as an opportunity to enjoy great food and good company without the stress that can come with the holiday season.”
Science teacher and QSU co-leader Julia Mangan said that she loves Friendsgiving and has adopted the concept outside of school as well. She enjoys many aspects of the gathering.
“Historically, queer people often have a strange relationship with their family, so years ago folks decided they wanted a ‘friends-type’ Thanksgiving where people could share a meal and find a chosen family,” Mangan said.
Sophomore Penelope Newsome, a member of QSU, said that she thinks the QSU is a sweet place and in particular she appreciates its diverse community.
“There are so many friends and allies and people you can talk to about anything,” Newsome said. “It’s great to see everybody and the QSU getting together for something fun.”
For teachers in 22 Tappan, Mangan said that Friendsgiving was an opportunity to catch up with former students whom she sees less often.
“I don’t always get to see everyone at [115 Greenough], so I like catching up with students I don’t see often,” Mangan said.
According to Leslie, a highlight of the event was the convenient new connections it offered.
“I love that it’s a great time for upperclassmen to meet ninth graders who are still new to BHS to build camaraderie,” Leslie said. “It doesn’t involve a field trip form or taking time out of class. It’s a low-stress, lovely way to be together.”
Newsome said that Friendsgiving spreads positivity because it gets people together and allows them to meet in person.
“Sometimes you don’t have time during school to meet up with other people in the QSU, so after school is your best chance,” Newsome said. “You get to know other people in your community, and it’s fun to hang out.”
