This post was updated Jan. 25 at 10:37 p.m.

UCLA hosted an event Jan. 17 aimed at highlighting its Living Learning Communities.

The LLC Palooza is an annual event showcasing the different student-led, identity-based housing communities on the Hill. The event includes creative activities, live performances and food emphasizing on-campus LLCs.

Originating as four communities in 2008, the LLCs have since expanded into 13 different groups, including the Afrikan Diaspora, Gender, Sexuality, & Society, and the Chicanx/Latinx communities, as well as interest-based communities such as Public Service & Civic Engagement and Sustainability.

Abigail Johnson, the LLC coordinator, said identity-based communities are important in serving underrepresented groups on campus. The LLCs provide the university with the opportunity to recognize the needs of different student communities and respond in an effective manner that guides students in navigating UCLA, she said.

Johnson added that LLCs provide a plethora of resources, catering to the identities of people living in them.

Johnson said the LLCs also focus on career development, connecting students to opportunities and celebrating diversity among various backgrounds. Emphasis is also placed on academics and creating an environment where students can engage and ask questions based on their identities without fear, she said.

“We are providing community, … and you feel like you’re supported by those around you through your community,” she said. “Hopefully, you feel like you can be your most authentic self.”

Johnson said LLC events are open to all and not exclusively for students in an LLC, allowing everyone to participate and join activities.

“You don’t have to live in an LLC to be involved,” she said. “We invite any student who feels like they identify with the LLC, the interest or the identity. They’re more than welcome to participate in the activities and events.”

At the event, students participated in activities including making slime at the Creative Collective LLC table, a trivia game at the American Indian and Pacific Islander table, and tarot card reading at the Gender, Sexuality and Society table.

Beau Garcia, a third-year English student, said he was first attracted to the event by one of the advertised activities.

“I saw tarot readings, and I immediately was like, ‘Oh my god, we have to go,’” they said.

The palooza also celebrated existing LLC members, showcasing their contributions and experiences, said third-year American Indian studies and economics student Camryn Redmond.

Redmond said the event, which required extensive work to host, serves two purposes.

“The event exists not only celebrating the current residents that we have as part of the LLC, but also encouraging the new residents,” Redmond said. “People are going to start doing their housing application soon.”

Sandra Oregon, a second-year psychology student, said finding friends before joining the Interfaith LLC was challenging. However, she added that the community makes it easier to find people she is comfortable around.

Valeria Fernandez, a first-year business economics student and a community development intern for the Chicanx/Latinx LLC, said LLCs also provide a sense of belonging and a safe space for individuals.

“I think a place for you as an individual to be able to express yourself freely – it’s hard. UCLA is such a big institution,” Fernandez said. “It is difficult to find your place and to be able to be yourself, and it’s this small community of like-minded people.”

Deya Wilson, a second-year environmental studies and geography student, said her favorite memory from the Pilipinx LLC is going to the lounge and talking in Tagalog with her friends, practicing the language and being surrounded by the culture.

Milo Dillon, a second-year musicology student, added that being in the Gender, Sexuality and Society LLC has helped them access a new support system.

“It’s really cool how supportive everyone is of each other,” they said. “People will show up to each other’s surgeries and that kind of stuff.”

Rana Khankan, a faculty member in residence, said LLCs also allow students to break down societal labels and stereotypes, allowing students to see and understand each other more as human beings rather than labels or categories.

“The whole point is to understand or build empathy and learn how the other person sees it, so that you actually can see your shared humanity,” she said.