Baruch College’s annual LBGTQ History Month “Open Mic Night” was hosted on Oct. 19 by the Baruch Gender, Love and Sexuality Spectrum. Jose Benitez, G.L.A.S.S. secretary and a graphic communication major, described the event as, “a joyful event, filled with poetry readings … singing and much more.” His description proved to be correct, as the night was filled with performances by G.L.A.S.S. members and LGBTQ supporters.

The crowd was excited and supportive from start to finish. There were moments when performers stuttered or their voices cracked and the audience cheered them on to continue and get back on track. During poetry readings, the crowd was filled with claps and snaps. After song performances, the crowd roared with applause. During essay readings, everyone was supportive and cheered the reader on.

Throughout the night, the performers offered a variety of performances in addition to songs. The acts ranged from poetry to stand up and short stories. The songs performed were also diverse. A few people performed originals, based on their own lives, while others performed covers of songs. There were songs from musicals as well as songs from popular artists such as Rihanna and The Script.

Performers throughout the night were from all over Baruch. Members of the Undergraduate Student Government went up and recited poetry, a member from the Thespian Club performed a song and many of the performers were G.L.A.S.S. members.

One of the biggest performances of the night was by the Baruch Blue Notes, showcasing 16 of their members. The first song they performed was “Crescent,” an original written by a family member of one of the members. The second song was a cover of “Take On Me.”

A performer from the Baruch production of Next to Normal also had a very strong performance, showcasing her talents.

As the “Open Mic Night” was ending, the last performer went on stage. She peformed two spoken word pieces. The crowd gradually decreased as the night went on, but the people that stuck until the very end cheered.

Before the audience dispersed, there was one final, spontaneous performance by the entire remaining crowd of the “Campfire Song” from “Spongebob Squarepants,” creating an incredible burst of energy for before the very end.

One of the performers, Sheila Janeo, stated that “it was a phenomenal night filled with charismatic performances from everyone.”

As the crowd began to disperse, energy was high and the crowd was buzzing with excitement. Audience members who stayed until the end were offered Baruch Pride rainbow bracelets, cellphone wallets and rainbow flags.