A staple club of Baker University has made its official return to campus. The Total Equality Alliance (TEA) is a safe space for LGBTQIA+ students and allies.
In the 2023-2024 school year, TEA’s membership dwindled in size, as many of the members were graduating seniors. The future of the group was uncertain, with no one left to lead.
One student, senior Brooke Frederick, took it upon herself last August to bring TEA back to life.
“It was difficult last semester with little guidance, but with Gavin Curless’ help this semester, we have been able to successfully plan our events and hangouts,” Frederick said.
As the group’s president, Frederick is committed to guarantee TEA a safe place, alongside a long-term success.
TEA’s official comeback was announced in November 2024 on their Instagram page, @bakerutea. One of their recent posts reads, “TEA was formed to create a space where students can be relaxed and fully self-expressed without having to fear feeling uncomfortable, unwelcome, or unsafe.”
Since then, the club has raised awareness over LGBTQIA+ topics and held events open to anyone on campus.
Junior Jonny Ruiz, a current member, appreciates the club’s open-minded and comfortable environment. He believes that it is a great place for students to be themselves.
“TEA is honestly just a vibe,” he said. “I know there is a handful of students around campus somewhere that are either like me or I know I’d be comfortable around.”
Frederick agrees that the club should always be an inclusive space. She does not “want anyone to feel like they do not have a safe place for them to be themselves.” To her, this group is a crucial part of the Baker community.
“I think there is a misconception that you have to identify with the LGBTQIA+ community, but we also want allies to be involved. We welcome everyone here,” Frederick said.
Frederick encourages everyone to become a member or get involved in some way. As president, one of her responsibilities is to plan welcoming and inclusive events that brings in students from various backgrounds.
One of the first events held after TEA’s resurgence was “Movie and a Mug,” where attendees painted a mug, ate snacks and watched an LGBTQIA+ movie together.
Following in the footsteps of one of last year’s TEA events is an upcoming hot dog-eating contest in March. A celebration of Pride Month is planned for April, as well as a drag show – which was a huge hit in previous years.
Though the group was relatively new before its recreation, TEA has received support from the student body. Many students have shown their support for the group by attending events and interacting with them on social media.
The Total Equality Alliance is back again as a safe place where students can come together and engage in conversation, or find someone to relate to.
TEA hosts weekly hangouts in the Harter Student Union on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. as a way to socialize and discuss important issues.
