Today: Feb 18, 2025

SAGE hosts Halloween event

Brandon Cortés – General Reporter

On the eve of Halloween, when horror seemed to lurk around every corner on the university campus, the Sage Center decided to embrace the spirit of the season and host an exhilarating Halloween party and costume contest. 

Brandon Iovene, a graduate intern and member of the Sage Center staff, had a brilliant idea: to bring students together for a memorable Halloween celebration. As the organizer of the event, Iovene was motivated by the belief that Halloween and queerness have a unique and powerful connection.  

“Halloween and queerness are two things that go together,” said Iovene. “The queer community has a very vibrant Halloween scene, so this is like our season.” 

For many individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, expressing their queerness often involves transcending traditional gender boundaries and societal expectations. Halloween provides an ideal platform for them to break free from these constraints.  

 ”It’s a day to unleash your creativity and authenticity. You can draw yourself a mustache when you don’t really have one, transform into a swashbuckling pirate, or, like me, dressing up as a corseted witch. It’s a ton of fun,” said Iovene. 

One of the most intriguing aspects of Halloween, according to Iovene, is the freedom it offers. Iovene says that it is a day when there is no need to wear a figurative mask or hide any part of your identity. The costume choices and expressions on Halloween allow individuals to explore and celebrate various facets of their personalities without judgment or restraint. 

The Sage Center’s Halloween party aims to foster a sense of inclusivity and acceptance. It is more than just an event; it is a celebration of diversity and self-expression. Students from all walks of life come together to revel in this spirit of liberation and creativity. 

The costume contest, a highlight of the evening, rewards creativity and originality, bringing out the best in everyone’s imagination. 

“The grand prize for the one who wins the costume contest is a $25 prepaid gift card,” said Iovene, “It is not much but is a nice incentive.” 

Iovene says having a costume contest with a small prize has gotten several students involved. 

“Today, I’ve seen a bunch of people that I’ve never seen in the SAGE center before,” said Iovene. “The same thing happened last year. I saw a bunch of people that I’ve never seen before in the SAGE center, and after the Halloween party they started to come in occasionally to hang out.” 

As the night unfolds, the center’s hallways come alive with a colorful array of costumes. Students can be seen transforming into their favorite pop-culture icons, mythical creatures or anything that resonates with their inner selves. 

Jason Myers, a senior, dressed up as Walter White from the critically acclaimed TV series Breaking Bad. 

“Saw that there was a Halloween party, and it was the perfect excuse to dress up as Walter White,” said Myers. 

Sarah Witteman, a junior, says the best part of being at this Halloween party is having the opportunity to meet new people. 

“It’s a good opportunity to be here, chilling, dressing up as your favorite character and meeting new people,” Witteman said. 

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