Rocio Villalobos 
EDINBURG – “You’re accepted. You are loved unconditionally, exactly as you are,” said UTRGV math junior Kristen Hallas.
Hallas arrived alone but left having made new friends at the inaugural Vogue-Quero Ball held last week.
She’s a member of oSTEM, an organization dedicated to promoting leadership for LGBTQ individuals in the STEM field.
“As a woman in STEM, as a lesbian, gay in STEM it’s very important for representation because it shows people around you that it’s okay to be who you are,” said Hallas.
Hosted by UTRGV’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion and the Counseling Center, the event served to promote visibility and pride in the LGBTQ community.
“It’s also to remind and educate our young and current individuals at the university and the local community to celebrate and be proud and embrace each other,” said Center for Diversity and Inclusion Program Coordinator Jose Aaron Hinojosa.
Dozens of students gathered at the University Center to participate in fashion contests, mingle and celebrate National Coming Out Day.
Local drag queen Abraham Morales, known on stage as Alexxa Oasis, paid a visit and encouraged LGBTQ students to keep a support system.
“It’s so important to stick together, especially when you have friends and you have a lot of family and anyone else who can support you,” said Morales. “Hang onto them, because they can be your strength and they will be your strength.”
Hinojosa says he was happy with the turnout and hopes to expand the event in the years to come.
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