Student Resources: Pride Alliance
Posted: November 03, 2022 | Author: Abbie Cochrane | Read Time: 4 minutes
With information on allyship, including a glossary of LGBTQIA+ terms, and resources for students who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, the Southern Utah University Pride Alliance helps to update policies on campus to make SUU more inclusive and welcoming to LGBTQIA+ students.
LGBTQIA+ Resources
SUU Pride Alliance’s website provides campus resources to LGBTQIA+ students, faculty and staff, as well as access to local and regional resources. A few resources are listed below.
• There are several general healthcare service providers that are LGBTQIA+ friendly in Utah; Family Healthcare in Cedar City, Transgender Health Program in Salt Lake City, and Planned Parenthood in St. George. There are several resourcesfor mental health services, LGBTQIA+ friendly therapists, nearby hormone replacement services, and other such LGBTQIA+ friendly services.
• TransEquality gives information about how to change your name in any state in the country, along with how to change your name on your driver’s license and birth certificate. For SUU students, your name on record is the legal name under which you were accepted to the university. Any current or former student who wishes to change their legal name on their official academic record can do so by completing a “Change of Personal Information” request form and submitting it to the Registrar’s office, along with a government photo identification or social security card. Learn more about official name changes.
• SUU follows the NCAA Policy on Transgender Student-Athlete Participation. Transgender student-athletes should be allowed to utilize locker rooms in correlation with their identified gender. Privacy provisions are accessible to all students and other measures can be taken if requested. Any student who identifies as gender queer, nonbinary, genderfluid, agender, or any other gender should review the NCAA Policy on Transgender Student-Athlete Participation and follow it accordingly. Other statements concerning transgender student-athlete participation.
• Many of the buildings on SUU’s campus provide gender-inclusive restrooms! Click this link to learn where they are.
LGBTQIA+ Allies at SUU
LGBTQIA+ students can always find help and support at Counseling and Psychological Services. They are available to schedule an appointment or refer outside medical care, therapy, and counseling sources. Check out SUU’s Wellness Center to receive extra help with anything inhibiting daily life or clouding the mind.
Off campus, local and regional organizations also provide resources and support. Pride of Southern Utah is a non-profit, LGBTQIA+-oriented organization that believes that everyone belongs. And Cedar Pride has community meetings on the first and third Wednesday of the month at the Cedar City Public Library. Other helpful resources include CAPS resources for LGBTQIA+ students, Encircle: LGBT+ Family & Youth Resource Center, Equality Utah, and Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.
Safe Spaces on Campus
There are many places around campus that are referred to as “safe spaces'' for LGBTQIA+ students. Some examples are the SUU Center for Diversity and Inclusion, the Pride and Equality Club, SUU Pride Alliance, LGBTQIA+ Allies and Community CAPS Group, and The Feminist Club. The CDI partners with the Pride Alliance in advocating for LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and community members. There are also regular SafeZone trainings hosted by the Pride Alliance for faculty, students, and staff that bring marginalized genders and sexualities to light, where participants discuss how to make campus a safer and more welcoming place. Not only does the CDI serve as the organizing space for the Pride and Equality Club, but there is also a computer and a couch.
Pride and Equality Club at SUU
Student allies and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are encouraged to join the Pride and Equality Club (PAEC). PAEC plays a big role in helping LGBTQIA+ students find their community. It gives people the sense that they are not alone, knowing that there are friends and allies on campus.
PAEC itself is a community of caring that touches the heart of every SUU student who identifies as LGBTQIA+. The club also provides students with insight on Queer issues and raises awareness both on campus and in the community to help resolve them. Service opportunities initiated by PAEC are a great stimulant to set positive change in motion.
The Pride Alliance is a key player in helping SUU become a more inclusive and welcoming campus for students of all genders and orientations. Visit the Pride Alliance website to learn more about how to become an ally, or for LGBTQIA+ resources.
Tags: Student Life
