LGBT+ Programs is rated 4.5/5 on the Campus Pride Index, the leading national nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBTQ students. (NMSU photo by Josh Bachman)
Source: NMSU News Release
DATE: June 3, 2024
WRITER: Tatiana Favela, tfavela5@nmsu.edu, 575-646-7953
The Office of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity’s LGBT+ Programs at New Mexico State University is kicking off Pride Month this year by being recognized for making NMSU one of the most inclusive universities in the country and most inclusive university in the area.
LGBT+ Programs is rated 4.5/5 on the Campus Pride Index, the leading national nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBTQ students.
“Our Campus Pride Index score matters to incoming students, and it matters to our LGBT+ students, faculty and staff because it evidences the hard work by our office and our queer communities in creating intersectional and equity-based solutions at NMSU, such as Inclusive Housing and Preferred Name, which promote the autonomy, rights and wellbeing of LGBT+ people,” said Sophia Sangwanthong, director of LGBT+ Programs. “I am so happy to hear a student chose NMSU because of the policies and programming we created to support their success!”
During the month of June, the LGBT+ Programs will host the Annual State of Pride Panel at 11 a.m. Friday, June 7 via Zoom. All are welcome to attend by emailing lgbt@nmsu.edu with your name, organization and/or school. The panel consists of LGBT+ students, faculty and staff discussing their experiences, concerns of equity and how they would like to see NMSU become more inclusive.
“The Annual State of Pride Panel is a unique and important event for the NMSU community that can really lead to change, and I hope all faculty, staff, and students will consider attending,” Sangwanthong said.
Other events throughout the year include OUTober, annual drag shows, movies, speakers and public health events which are all open to the public.
“What we might be most proud of are our event series and student groups. Event series like Pride Season and OUTober center intersectional programming and education, and bring together hundreds of students and community members, and state and local organizations,” said Lore Falls, program coordinator for LGBT+ Programs. “Our weekly seven student groups give graduate and undergraduate students space to find community and make friends, opportunities to become student leaders and platforms to engage in activism and education.”
The LGBT+ Programs at NMSU serves 2,500 students, faculty and staff and offers resources such as a computer lab with free printing, student lounge, LGBT+ research and entertainment library and more.
There is also LGBT+ Student Support Group through Aggie Health and Wellness, which offers specialized LGBT+ counseling staff to support in mental health care and World Professional Association for Transgender Health referrals.
“The resources we offer open the door to the larger LGBT+ community in Las Cruces. Being able to meet new people and learn about different experiences and resources on campus is a vital part of growing the community, and our programs are a good place to start, be it in one of our clubs, an event, or simply hanging out in the lounging area between classes,” said Miranda Saenz, a student employee at LGBT+ Programs.
The programs office is open 56 hours weekly from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays.
For more information, visit LGBT+ Programs Instagram @nmsu_lgbt.
