'Tricks and tomfoolery': UNC LBGTQ Center hosts fantasy-themed quest

“Would you like a taste of the wicked draught to help you embrace the shadows? Or the righteous tonic to awaken the hero within?”

These are some of the first cryptic questions that attendees of the Forbidden Realms event encountered upon entering the Forest Theatre on Friday evening. Those who dared to attempt this great quest were tasked with making it through the archer’s trial, the dragon's challenge, the mystic's enigma and the trickster's frolic — only those who were successful reached the royal feast. 

UNC senior Rebecca, who requested anonymity for privacy reasons, said the Forest Theatre created a mysterious and magical atmosphere that was perfect for the fantasy event put on by the UNC LGBTQ Center.

Participation required a bit of imagination — the difference between the wicked draught and righteous tonic was the magical ingredient of caffeine, amulets were neon glow sticks and Flynn Rider's boogers were ping pong balls wrapped in foil. Those in attendance also brought a desire to connect with other students with common interests and identities. 

Attendees dressed up in a wide variety of costumes to prepare for an evening that the LGBTQ Center's Instagram post promised would challenge their courage and cunning. Donned with robes and armed with inflatable swords, volunteers were stationed at turrets and around the stage where students would complete challenges in order to collect amulets which would lead them to the grand royal feast. 

Rebecca and fellow senior Zoe, who also requested anonymity, hadn't previously been involved with the LGBTQ Center but were drawn to the Forbidden Realms poster tacked onto light posts across campus.

“I thought that this sounded cool and I'm gay so, you know,” Zoe said.

“We're friends. We're kind of nerds. We play Dungeons and Dragons, and this is sort of Dungeons and Dragons themed,” Rebecca said, laughing with Zoe. 

The two students appreciated that the center put the effort into having this event be available for students. 

“[The center was] making a whole quest thing, as opposed to just, I don't know,” Zoe started. 

“Just come get your free food and leave,” Rebecca said. 

“Stand awkwardly around in a circle, then leave,” Zoe said, laughing. 

Jamillae Stockett, assistant director of the LGBTQ Center, said that they are always thinking of ways to build community and help students connect with each other. Drawing on the exciting atmosphere of Halloween, Stockett said the Center's goal was to make the event as fun, spontaneous and entertaining for the students as they could. 

Stockett said that the students are the most rewarding part of her job.

“They have provided me with so much inspiration, and reason to continue the work that we do,” she said. “Seeing them being here and becoming more confident and building themselves professionally and personally and living authentically, and living in that authenticity confidently. It is something that I wish I could have been even near in my time going through college. They are brave, and they are resilient, and they are beautiful.”

Students at the event complimented each other's outfits and asked where they sourced each of the pieces. From rare thrift finds to borrowed clothing and crowns from Amazon, participants' extravagant ensembles came from all over.

Senior EJ, who also requested anonymity, developed her flair for costuming as a regular attendee of North Carolina renaissance fairs and said that her look for the night included pieces from a small town boutique, boots from Eileen Fisher, a shirt from QVC and a flute from Party City.

To assume their role as the event's trickster, Cal Stoke, a first-year media and journalism major, was dressed in a Beetlejuice-esque black and white striped suit. Stoke got involved with the LGBTQ Center through his involvement in the Pride Place Residential Learning Program, but this is the first event they have volunteered at. The RLP is a residential community supported through a partnership with the LGBTQ Center and Carolina Housing which focuses on the personal wellness and academic success of students of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions at Carolina. 

When asked what people should expect at his station, Stoke said, “A lot of tricks and tomfoolery." 

Students who entered the Forbidden Forest received more than typical event perks, such as free treats and take home goodies — they got to assume characters and indulge in their fantasies, forming bonds with those who bravely chose to do the same.

@dthlifestyle | lifestyle@dailytarheel.com