New Affinity Groups

By SARAH ALKHAFAJI ’20

The number of new clubs and affinity groups at Milton this year has exceeded the numbers from previous years. As of this year, some of the new affinity groups include Transgender/Gender non-conforming affinity, Queer People of Color (QPOC), and an international student affinity.

This is due of a number of factors, including the need for more students to connect with others on a more spiritual level. In previous years, the LGBTQ+ affinity was the only affinity group that discussed issues of gender and sexuality. This year, trans affinity and QPOC branched from the group in order to supply a more inclusive and precise discussion for their members.

According to Heather Flewelling from the Office of Multiculturalism and Community Development, the two new affinity groups did not involve forming of a new group altogether but rather a slight split. She explained how, “The forming of QPOC allowed people of color from LGBTQ+ affinity to explore their identities in a more connected way, and when it comes to trans affinity, gender is different from sexuality, so the trans struggle is different from queer struggle.”

Parker Hitt ʼ19, founder and coordinator of transgender affinity, seconded that statement, saying that “trans affinity came as a result of frustration due to a lack of administrative change and visibility on campus...the greater affinity just didn’t feel like the place to air trans-specific concerns and commonalities.”

The changing political climate also encouraged the formation of new clubs and affinities. According to Hitt, the political climate results in “an increased need to connect back to one’s identity and those who share it.”

Since the start of QPOC, for example, students of color who did not feel comfortable enough at the larger LGBTQ+ affinity have begun to sign up. Overall, even the seemingly more “niche” affinity spaces become necessary when specific demographics feel more comfortable around those with similar experiences.

When inquired, one student stated that “these new affinity spaces may not necessarily be a result of the environment alone, but also from an absolute need for them.”

Flewelling states that culture clubs serve as open spaces and affirm people’s identities as valid. When there is a need for additional space, she describes how “affinities give members more of the opportunity to speak from the ‘I’ perspective, especially if they feel they are not part of the dominant conversation.”