By Samantha Flories / Editor’s Assistant, Miho Kaneko / Staff Writer

Hiyaah!- The A.G. Paul Quadrangle played host to a variety of clubs from all over campus durnig Club Rush, March 2-4, including the Karate Club. (Lauren Garcia / Photo Editor)

By Samantha Flories / Editor’s Assistant, Miho Kaneko / Staff Writer

When Club Rush hit the A.G. Paul Quadrangle, there were many clubs for Riverside City College students to choose from. One of those clubs was the Gay Straight Alliance.

“It’s time to start an uproar,” said Darby Osnaya, president of the Gay Straight Alliance.

With gay rights being a big issue in society today, it’s no wonder why Osnaya speaks out and demands equality and acceptance.

The Gay Straight Alliance’s mission statement is to provide a safe and supportive social setting for heterosexual, transgendered, gay, bisexual, lesbian or any interested student who both recognizes and supports sexual diversity.

“I want to let people know on behalf of the Gay-Straight Alliance Club, anyone is welcome to join, and the benefits are rewarding,” Osnaya said.

The club offers membership that is comprised of students who are genuinely committed to eliminating the myths, phobias, stereotypes and biases behind much of the discrimination, harassment, and violence suffered by these students within diverse social groups.

The Gay-Straight Alliance involve themselves in activities like, juice Tuesdays and Thursday night movie night’s to help raise funds for the club to go to inspirational gay pride events.

The club also hosts events that can be found on their Web site Myspace.com/rcctgsa

They have weekly meetings on Tuesdays 12:50-1:50 p.m. in the Quad Room 101 to tackle topics just like Proposition 8.

If you would like to join, contact club president Darby Osnaya at [email protected] or adviser Doug Bowen at [email protected].

For students interested in other countries and cultures the International Club is the group for them.

The International Club is held for not only international students but also American students.

“The purpose of our club is to make an opportunity for international students and American students to exchange their cultures and be friends,” said Akiyo Inoue, the president of the International Club.

Last semester, the International Club hosted international education week, which is an event to introduce other countries’ cultures to American students.

They showcased many different countries’ items, foods and games, such as a video of Egypt, playing some traditional Japanese games and displaying Chinese calligraphy.

One of the clubs regular activities is coffee night where members go to one of the coffee shops in Riverside and get to know each other, chat and have fun.

Another interesting activity is movie night where they watch movies on campus and serve some treats and drinks and other students who do not belong in the club could also watch and enjoy with them.

During the spring semester, six students from the club and the adviser will go to Virginia to attend the state conference.

“Every member of our club is willing to help other club members at the events,” Inoue said. “They are like a family.”

Some of the students had been joining this club for their transcripts, but most of them wanted to make friends from different nationalities.

“You don’t need to go to that country,” Cecilia Halim, a resident student of the International Club said. “Without going to that country, you can still make friends from that country.”