“Be Accepted” and “PRIDE” messages collectively drape the white walls of the Pride Center at the University Student Union, Inc. The intricately placed rainbow themed furniture invite visitors to sit down, relax and converse in a warm, inviting atmosphere among those who understand and accept anyone.
The 2012-2013 school year, has died down and marks the first official school year that the Pride Center has been open for CSUN students.
“It’s been a great and successful year,” said Kimberly White, LGBTQ clerical assistant. “A lot of students now know who we are on campus.”
The Pride Center opened its doors this past fall semester and is a growing asset to the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer community at CSUN.
“Those who need the resources benefit from the assistance that we provide,” said LGBTQ peer mentor Ruben Rodriguez.
This year was a great start for the resource center. Activities such as T-Time group discussion, Trans-Awareness week and Coffee Nights assisted the Pride Center in gaining a following of students.
In the fall semester 200 students participated in the National Coming Out Day events, which included a variety show that featured testimonials and performances.
“At times we would have at most 30 people in here [Pride Center] to mingle and get to know other students from the community,” said Rodriguez.
The Pride Center is open for the summer to continue to provide services such as peer mentoring and unique programming for students of the LGBTQ community at CSUN.
“Anyone in need of mentoring, help or a place to hangout is more than welcome to visit,” said White.
This summer students can participate in T-Time starting June 11 from 5p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the LGBTQ summer book club starting June 5 at 5p.m. or outings such as the Los Angeles Pride Celebration.
“We are looking forward to growing our following and providing more inclusive resources for other communities that may be overlooked,” said White. “Now that we are here, we are trying to go more in depth with our programming and resources for the following year.”
The Pride Center’s summer hours are Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.