At LCDS, students lead affinity clubs that celebrate identity and culture, providing a safe space to connect with peers and share experiences. These clubs focus on specific ethnicities, genders, cultures, sexual orientations, and more.
Many students participate in affinity groups at LCDS, including the Genders & Sexualities Alliance (GSA), Asian Student Union (ASU), Latinx Club, Black Student Union (BSU), LIFE, and more.
Because these clubs are student-led and designed as safe spaces for members, the specifics of their internal discussions and activities are not always known by the broader school community.
Jerrill Adams, the school’s director of equity, inclusion, belonging, and community engagement, serves as the faculty advisor for the affinity clubs.
“My job is to collaborate with them in the direction they want to go,” Mr. Adams said. “As an advisor, I make suggestions on activities they can do. I try to push and then step back.”
As these clubs are student-led and not part of the school’s academic curriculum, student members take leadership initiative over their activities.
Mr. Adams describes an affinity group as, “a space for students seeking belonging, in particular their identity.”
The clubs allow students to connect with like-minded peers and, in some cases, educate the broader school community about their experiences.
One of these clubs is the GSA. GSA is a nationwide student-led organization with an independent chapter here at LCDS, led by student Co-Presidents Cole G. and Julia D.
Club Member Liv H. said, “I think community is important, but also education, especially with events like the Turkey Drive.”
Organized by the GSA, the Turkey Drive is an annual event during which the LCDS community donates turkeys and money to provide Thanksgiving meals to those in need.
The Latinx Club celebrates Latinx culture in the LCDS community.
“We just try to spread cultural awareness,” said Club Co-President Kane K. “We see Latin X Club as a way to celebrate and explore experiences that we, as Hispanic people, share.”
ASU is one of the newer affinity clubs on campus.
“We are an affinity group within LCDS, specifically for students of any Asian descent,” Club President Jenny L. said. “However, we do allow everyone to join… I believe a big part of promoting understanding is through sharing our culture. I want to make ASU a club where not only our Asian students feel safe, but other students who are interested in learning more about Asian culture and tradition can join in and have fun.”
Affinity clubs at LCDS give students a space to be themselves, share their culture, and build community. Whether through events, discussion, or service projects, these groups aim to foster understanding and connection across the school.
For many students, they are more than just a club – they’re a place to belong.
