By Antonio Sanchez |Staff Writer|

Sex, love and spirituality; these topics are not the norm for discussion at many universities, but CSUSB students share their experiences for solidarity.

Students shared their life experiences related to these topics in the Pride Center on Nov. 8. The event was a welcomed distraction for many from the cold breezes this month has brought along.

Victoria Banegas, a student who attended the event, listened as students seated in a circle shared their stories.

“I can relate to some of the stories. I’m glad to know other people have gone through similar situations,” said Banegas.

Students were sharing intimate details of their lives and discussing their spirituality in relation to their sex, gender and sexual orientation.

This is because the Pride Center is where students on campus who are gay, lesbian, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and allies (LGBTQQIA) can feel free to question.

Students from religious families and those in similar situations shared stories of perseverance.         “I think it’s cool that there are other people that consider themselves spiritual and just acknowledge the belief of there being a higher power,” said Banegas.

These are heated topics that must be discussed delicately because of their ability to hurt someone. The Pride Center becomes a place where respect becomes the mediator of the discussion.

Many times, campus events are marked with free food, raffles and other gimmicks to have students attend and participate. “Sex and Spirituality” lacked that artificial feel of other campus events. Students were warm and engaging, showing genuine interest in the insight others were sharing.

“I didn’t get the chance to speak but I had a chance to hear a lot of great stories,” said Banegas.

Students who want to attend another Pride Center event should look forward to Nov. 15. The Pride Center along with the Women’s Resource Center are hosting Staceyann Chin, a spoken word poet and political activist. The event is going to take place in the SMSU Events Center from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Staceyann has performed on Def Poetry Jam.

The Pride Center is located in the Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU) in SU-113. Their calendar of events can also be seen at studentunion.csusb.edu.