Affinity Groups are the best way to teach others about your identity and connect with people of the same culture. Cary Academy offers a diverse range of Affinity Groups for people of all races, religions, gender identity, sexual orientation, etc. One key aspect about these groups is the ability to share and bridge the gaps between different people and cultures.

One of the newest changes to Affinity Groups is implementing closed meetings. In these meetings, only people who identify or speak through the “I” perspective are able to attend. However, this new change is not certain: only on occasion are club meetings actually closed off to allies. This mix allows people of certain groups to speak on topics that only pertain to them, allowing for better connections and new understandings of their own identity. Zuleika Ekangaki, leader of the TWIG (Trans, Women, Intersex, Gender) Affinity Group agrees, saying, “I think that understanding others is really important, and in order to learn more about each other, I feel that clubs should be inclusive. On that note, I do think people from the “I” perspective should be the only ones speaking on topics that pertain to them, and people who can’t speak to the perspective should just listen with an open mind.”

This opinion seems to be widely shared. Several leaders have embraced the ability to have closed and open sessions, which allow a healthy middle ground for groups to use. Naomi Hammer, leader of JAG (Jewish Infinity Group), says, “I think having the option to hold either a closed or open meeting for Affinity Groups is such a beautiful opportunity to foster community love, acceptance, and empathy, as well as build on those inner circles that the affinity group(s) truly revolve around. I think it’s so important for affinity group leaders to be able to choose which option works better for them, depending on the type of meeting, the intentions, etc., so that they can craft a meaningful experience for both members who identify as the affinity, as well an outer layer for allies & the curious.”