Friends,<\/p>\n
I have been PRIDE\u2019s advisor since 1997. \u00a0In those days, we met in an undisclosed location, and if you wanted to attend a PRIDE (then called SAESO, Student Alliance Embracing Sexual Orientation) meeting, you had to call a campus extension to be vetted. \u00a0We met in the nursing school because classrooms on the first floor had two doors; if protesters against PRIDE came in one door, we had an escape route. \u00a0It was not uncommon for LGBTQ students to receive hate voicemails, even death threats, and hear \u201cFaggot!\u201d or \u201cDyke!\u201d yelled at them on campus. SAESO\/PRIDE members didn\u2019t acknowledge each other on campus for fear of \u201cguilt by association.\u201d<\/p>\n
As you know,\u00a0the campus climate has radically changed. Sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are part of our non-discrimination and non-harassment policies. \u00a0We\u2019ve had an openly gay Associated Students president. \u00a0In 2012 PRIDE is the largest student organization in the United Front Multicultural Center, larger than some fraternities and sororities. \u00a0We have fought to sponsor dances and a drag show on campus.\u00a0\u00a0In spring 2013 a cluster of upper-division LGBTQ-themed courses will be offered for the first time in the College of Arts and Sciences and School of Business Administration. For this work to continue, we need your help. \u00a0Individuals and groups outside USD continue to pressure the university to crack down on PRIDE. \u00a0We hope to have a second drag show in spring 2013, but don\u2019t know if the university will allow it. \u00a0We hope that LGBTQ-themed courses will become standard in many departments and schools, but don\u2019t know if that is possible. \u00a0My dream is to create an LGBTQ and Ally Resource Center that engages the USD community in creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community for all students regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression and empowers them to become leaders for social justice and transformation. \u00a0There are many obstacles to this dream becoming reality.<\/p>\n Thank you for your past support, and I hope you will continue to support PRIDE and other efforts to make USD a more welcoming and inclusive place.<\/p>\n
\nCAN YOU HELP US KEEP THE MOMENTUM?<\/a>
\nI am proud to be associated with these efforts. But what has been most rewarding in being PRIDE advisor for fifteen years is watching PRIDE-sters\u2014including many of you reading this email\u2014claim their authentic selves and come into their own as proud leaders for social justice. \u00a0I am inspired every day by the courage and integrity of our students, their willingness to speak their truth to power. \u00a0\u00a0Many of you developed your political, organizational, and negotiating skills in PRIDE. \u00a0Nothing makes me happier than to see shy freshmen join PRIDE and graduate four years later as confident, mature leaders in their communities.<\/p>\n