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
LGBTQ
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
#National Coming Out Day
By Vivian Gurrola-Amissah |Staff Writer| This year marked the 27th anniversary of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) community that brings awareness to individuals who celebrate who they are and the importance of coming out. “National Coming Out Day” honors those who have revealed their sexual orientation and continue to support those who have yet to “out” themselves. Since 1988, the LGBTQ community celebrates Oct. 11 as a day of recognition for people that are coming out, regarding their sexual orientation and inspire those who have yet to come out. Laverne Cox, from "Orange is the New Black," as well as Caitlyn Jenner are two of the many celebrities that … [Read more...] about #National Coming Out Day
Caitlyn Jenner inspires authenticity
By Jesy Amaro |Staff Writer| Caitlyn Jenner, former Olympian athlete Bruce Jenner, has transformed from male to female and could not be happier—after two months of isolation keeping her whole life secret from the world. The stunning and beautiful Caitlyn Jenner has finally announced her true authentic-self, years after suppressing her femininity and performing masculinity instead. Her two eldest kids, Burt and Casey Jenner, knew of their father’s intentions at a young age, and the rest of her children who found out only a couple years ago. “Bruce always had to tell a lie he was always living that lie everyday he always had a secret from morning to … [Read more...] about Caitlyn Jenner inspires authenticity
Queer athletes deserve recognition
By Shane Burrell |Sports Editor| & Loydie Burmah |Opinions Editor| Queer collegiate athletes can risk their professional careers by coming out. Queer college athletes have a higher risk of risking their professional sports careers by coming out due to the lack of support from the professional sports community. Coming out is an ongoing process, and for the queer athlete revealing one’s true identity does not stop in the locker room. “Homophobia is a salient theme within both collegiate and non-collegiate male athletic subcultures,” wrote researchers Kenneth B. Muir and Trina Seitz in their participant-observational study on machismo, misogyny, and homophobia within … [Read more...] about Queer athletes deserve recognition
Janet Mock discusses transgender activism at CSUSB
By Jocelyn Colbert |Staff Writer| New York Times bestselling author Janet Mock, advocated transgender equality at the Pride Center on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015. “Queer and trans-folk exist in homeless and joblessness,” said Mock to a large audience. “Our sisters are still being banished to street corners...We need you, we need your brilliance.” Currently, she hosts the weekly culture show “So POPular! on MSNBC’s Shift network and serves as contributing editor for Marie Claire. “We must abolish the entitlement of assigning someone a gender without asking them first or letting them tell you first,” said Mock. Mock first told her story of growing up as a trans girl in 2011 in … [Read more...] about Janet Mock discusses transgender activism at CSUSB
Coming out with music and pride
By Lupe Duran |Staff Writer| Throughout the week of Oct. 15-19, CSUSB students came together to celebrate National Coming Out Week, an event presented by the Santos Manuel Student Union Pride Center that included do-it-yourself activities, outdoor fun and music. Each day featured a different event that welcomed not only the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual communities, but everyone on campus. Tuesday night in particular was full of musical talent as the SMSU dining area hosted the "Out in Music" event. "The goal of 'Out in Music' was to provide a sense of community, to be out and be proud and allow all students to share their stories … [Read more...] about Coming out with music and pride