SDSU Celebrates LGBT Pride
SDSU is ranked among the top 20 LGBT-friendly college campuses nationwide.
Raising a flag on Montezuma Mesa doesn’t usually draw a crowd.
But, the third annual Pride Flag-raising Ceremony drew about 100 students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members on July 1. The event kicked off Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month.
“One of the things that I think is important is giving visibility to (SDSU’s) support,” said SDSU President Stephen L. Weber.
“There are lots of ways in which we want to be supportive … But it’s also important to give physical expression of that support and of the welcome that San Diego State wants to provide to all its students, faculty and staff.”
LGBT-friendly campus
In May 2010, CampusPride.org ranked SDSU as one of the top 20 most LGBT-friendly campuses in the country.
Campus Pride is the leading national nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create safer, more LGBT-friendly learning environments at colleges and universities.
Kicking off LGBT Pride Month
The flag-raising event was hosted by the SDSU Office of the President in conjunction with San Diego Pride, a nonprofit organization that produces the San Diego Pride Parade and Festival. SDSU is the only university in the region to host such an event.
The rainbow flag used was on loan from the special collection kept by Doug Case, coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life in the SDSU Office of Student Life and Activities. The flag was flown until 4 p.m., July 1.
“Understanding and valuing difference is an essential part of the shared vision of San Diego State University,” Weber said.
The event featured several speakers, including:
- SDSU President Stephen Weber
- SDSU Director of Diversity Aaron Bruce (emcee)
- Judi Schaim, San Diego PRIDE board co-chair
- Courtney Thompson, staff representative to San Diego City Councilmember Todd Gloria
- Susan Cayleff, Safe Zone co-chair and professor in the SDSU Department of Women’s Studies
- Ben Cartwright, SDSU alumnus and SDSU Associated Students staff member
- Grant Mack, Associated Students president
LGBT support services and more
SDSU has a variety of LGBT services and programs, including:
- LGBT studies minor
- Safe Zones program
- Lavender Graduation for LGBT students
- LGBT Student Union
- Gamma Rho Lambda sorority
- Pride Action Committee
For more information on LGBT issues and news at SDSU, please visit the SDSU diversity website.
