Pups and Cups LGBTQ+ event

Hosts of previous meetup seek to create safe space for community members

TRINITY PIERCE, Evergreen reporter

Pups & Cups Cafe will host a LGBTQ+ September Meetup, which will include unlimited laser tag and blacklight mini golf from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday at the Cougar Entertainment Center.

According to CJ Robert, owner of Pups & Cups, the cafe’s first LGBTQ+ meetup was only meant to be a one-time deal. However, after the last meetup quickly filled up the cafe, she decided to hold it again in a bigger venue.

Robert said she was inspired to cre­ate this event and to continue advocat­ing for the LGBTQ+ community.

“I have a ton of friends who are a part of that community,” she said. “We wanted to continue that comradeship and ensure that everyone could feel accepted and safe here in Pullman.”

Robert said hosting the event was a great way to accomplish that goal as it helps to create a safe environment for those who are seeking it.

“When you move to a small town like this, it’s kind of scary for the first time,” Robert said. “You don’t know anybody and/or if it’ll be ok to tell [people] whether or not you’re homo­sexual, trans or bi.”

The event costs $20 per person, and for those who don’t feel like stay­ing the entire four hours the option to pay $6.50 a game is also provided. There will also be an arcade along with refreshments.