By Angela Aris
The sensitive decorative choices made by the presidents of UWA clubs when customising their shoebox-like, tiny (in an endearing way) offices can say a lot about their energy. Arguably, these first impressions can hold strategic value, depending on if the club is looking to attract a specific type of member or if they are purely playing the numbers game. There are also SO MANY clubs to choose from. For example, if you’re somebody who has trouble choosing where to go out to eat, you probably should never go to UWA O-Day (just kidding, it’s an essential rite of passage). Anyway, the Damsel Magazine crew, who ran a cosy writing night in tandem with the Women of Colour, and LGBT+ Women’s Collectives for Women’s week, had Oreos, Peckish crackers, and snakes (the lollies), so I was sold.
For myself, and I sincerely hope for others too, the thoughtfulness of some prepared snacks combined with the self-reflective silence often induced when writing made for a speedy, but therapeutic and harmonious hour–and–a–half. The three representatives: Millie (Damsel), Shantelle (WOC) and Mia (LGBT+), were lively and welcoming, and I left touched by the short encounter. The writing prompts were insightful and fittingly, collectively chosen, in the spirit of the week. They included exploring your queer journey, your relationship with your hair (body or head) and the role of labels in our society – very broad-reaching!
If you are, in any way, in need of some female energy and community (who could blame you), I would recommend joining one of these clubs (all non-binary inclusive), because I have a feeling it would be as easy as sticking your head in the door and saying hello. ALSO! If any of these small allusions to writing prompts excited you, you should watch out for the Damsel Magazine! You can find them on Facebook – the real home of UWA clubs.