USF hosts several year-long programs and services to nurture the LGBTQ+ community. Many of the programs are centered around education to help create cultural awareness. The goal is to encourage an inclusive and safe environment where students can develop global perspectives guided by USF’s Principles of Community. Events are held throughout the year and resources are continuously expanding to better address safety concerns, equity, student support, health and wellness needs for LGBTQ+ students, staff and faculty.
Pride Month honors the New York City Stonewall uprising that started on June 28, 1969, when members of the LGBTQ+ community protested police harassment. The demonstrations catalyzed the gay rights movement worldwide. Now, in the spirit of commemorating the struggles and acknowledging the strides, celebrations occur throughout the month of June with events ranging from parades to workshops and more.
Many of the strides made for USF’s LGBTQ+ community were spearheaded by the People Respecting Individual Diversity and Equality Alliance (PRIDE Alliance), the oldest and largest gay-straight student organization among all Florida public universities. Since 1974, it has actively pursued equality, inclusion and safety for its members.
Many of the issues experienced by the LGBTQ+ community are fundamental, such as access to health care, the ability to change one’s name and use of safe restrooms. The Committee on Issues of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (CISOGI), a presidential advisory group, focuses on sexual and/or affectional orientation issues as they pertain to faculty, staff and students, and has worked to expand policies and resources. The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), which houses more than 50 cultural or identity-based student organizations, works closely with CISOGI and PRIDE Alliance to create ongoing events and workshops that celebrate USF’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.
OMA leads several programs, such as the Safe Zone training workshops, the annual Lavender Graduation, Transgender Day of Visibility and LGBTQ+ history month in October.
