In addition to traditional congratulatory walks for all, CSUSB has brought forth a commencement that celebrates graduates who share the same pride in themselves. Lavender Graduation is being held virtually this year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, on May 14. The Lavender Graduation ceremonies were established by Ronni Sanlo, a Jewish lesbian who was not allowed to attend her biological children’s graduation because of her sexual orientation. Her story fueled the rights activists into fighting for a safe space. In 1995, the first Lavender Graduation was held with a graduating class of only three students at the University of Michigan. Marisol Johnson, the chair for the lavender … [Read more...] about 2021 Lavender Graduation: A virtual recognition of LGBTQ+ students
LGBTQ
CSUSB discusses the relevance of pronouns
The campus community gathered to gain a fundamental understanding about why pronouns matter in CSUSB Human Resources' collaboration with the Latinx Task Force. They believe that incorporating gender inclusive language into everyday life will help take another step towards equality. The Latinx Task Force is a volunteer-driven coalition working to promote community health and wellness. Presenters at this event included members Jenifer Metz and Mayra Serrano. Metz explained that this presentation was originally developed because their organization wanted to become more educated on these topics. Before attendees learned more about pronouns, they were first presented with the … [Read more...] about CSUSB discusses the relevance of pronouns
“Queers Policing Queers”
The Queer and Transgender Resource Center continues to demonstrate that our fellow students and classmates have a safe space to converse about their sexuality during the Queers Policing Queers event. Attendees were encouraged to write down any experience that they had in which they felt like they were being oppressed or made to feel lesser than others for not fitting the stereotypical image of someone from the LGBTQ+ community. Professor Angela Asbell, who currently teaches queer theory on campus, led the conversation by reading aloud cards on how those in the queer community experience policing and shaming from others within the community, and even outside of it. The idea that … [Read more...] about “Queers Policing Queers”
LGBTQ+ students share their stories at Coming Out Monologues
CSUSB’s LGBTQ community gathered on October 9 for the annual Coming Out Monologues open mic event. The Santos Manuel Student Union’s Queer and Transgender Resource Center hosted the event to participate in National Coming Out Day. Multiple students got up to tell their stories at the SMSU theater. The event provided a space for the LGBTQ community to provide support and insight to one another through sharing their struggles with coming out as queer and/or transgender. Some told their story spontaneously, others had prepared monologues, and one student even shared a long emotional poem describing his history of abuse, loss of father, and difficulty accepting his … [Read more...] about LGBTQ+ students share their stories at Coming Out Monologues
Queer & Transgender Resource Center calls for participation
The Queer and Transgender Resource Center lacks representation and participation for events, though professors and students on campus are helping raise awareness for the LGBTQ+ community. According to Bailey Stumreiter, lead student assistant of the Queer and Transgender Resource Center, the center is not being recognized enough and is sometimes overshadowed by the bigger organizations such as ASI. “Sometimes the campus [strategic communication office] is not willing to promote our events, but they’ll promote other centers’ events,” says Stumreiter. The Queer and Transgender Resource Center is one of the many centers on campus that provides resources to students, such as … [Read more...] about Queer & Transgender Resource Center calls for participation
Under the Hollywood Sign
By Janet Martinez |Staff Writer| Pride Prom was hosted by SMSU Pride Center and took place in the Fourplex of the Santos Manuel Student Union on April 27 from 8-11 p.m. The progressive event is on its seventh year and many students look forward to this prom in the spring quarter. The coordinator of this event was Naomi S., who made the event possible for all students to enjoy. “Students are stereotyped because of their gender or who they are, but with Pride Prom you are able to come as yourself,” said Naomi. This event was incepted by many LGBTQ-identified students who were not able to attend their school prom because of their inability to be themselves. Pride Prom allows … [Read more...] about Under the Hollywood Sign
Late Night with Pride
By Arthur Medrano |Staff Writer| CSUSB students were welcomed to attend this quarter’s Late Night with Pride in the student union. The event was held on April 7, and was a warm welcome back for new and returning students at the start of the quarter. The night consisted of watching movies, hanging out with friends and enjoying great food with pizza and snacks aplenty. Many students settled themselves in by lounging around on the couches and chairs provided. The social interaction was a great investment for all diverse students to make friends with great people, and advocate their beliefs that coincide with what the Pride Center stands for. Being one of several events they … [Read more...] about Late Night with Pride
Boy Scouts of America
By Brittanie Gutierrez |Staff Writer| The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) will now be accepting transgender boys. The organization released a statement informing people that after 100 years of using the biological sex indicated on a child’s birth certificate, they will now be accepting those who identify as a boy on Jan. 30. The BSA, who are commonly associated with conservative values, have taken a step towards progress with their decision. “Starting today, we will accept and register youth in the Cub and Boy Scout programs based on gender identity indicated on the application. Our organization’s local councils will help find units that can provide for the best interest of the … [Read more...] about Boy Scouts of America
Trans Ambassador Caitlyn Jenner
By Carolyn Solar |Staff Writer| Reality television star and transgender woman Caitlyn Jenner has become increasingly vocal about her political ideologies during the 2016 presidential campaign. This comes shortly after transitioning from male to female last year. Unfortunately, these ideas have not resonated well with LGBT rights advocates. Jenner has made a few choices since her transition that has people scratching their heads, including her recent decision to support a candidate that typically would not support her lifestyle choices. Jenner offered to be a “trans ambassador” to U.S. Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz. Cruz has shown resistance to supporting equal … [Read more...] about Trans Ambassador Caitlyn Jenner
CeCe McDonalds at CSUSB
By Vivian Gurrola-Amissah |Staff Writer| An African American transgender women and LGBTQ activist, CeCe McDonald, visited CSUSB on Thursday, Nov. 19, at the San Manuel Student Union auditorium to speak about her journey being victimized by law enforcement. Since her 2014 release, McDonald travels around the country, sharing her experiences to other transgender women victimized by the criminal justice system. Many students waited patiently as seats began to fill up our auditorium room Thursday morning. As the audience focused their attention to the stage, McDonald entered the room with a warm welcome from the crowd. To begin sharing her story, a short clip of the activist's … [Read more...] about CeCe McDonalds at CSUSB