LGBTQ+ students and allies are invited to join the P.R.I.D.E. Alliance, which acts as a “judgement-free zone.”
Courtesy of P.R.I.D.E. Alliance
By Aubrey Carr
USF St. Petersburg’s P.R.I.D.E. Alliance is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in a communitive and casual way.
Although the organization is designed to create a community for LGBTQ+ students, the P.R.I.D.E. Alliance invites anyone with a passion for acceptance and inclusivity to join.
Ashley George, a junior in digital journalism and media studies and membership coordinator for the P.R.I.D.E. Alliance, said organization meetings are kept relaxed and fun for members.
“We usually discuss events that we are hosting, national days, (such as National Coming Out Day, Bisexual Visibility Day, etc.) and just talk about LGBTQ+ related topics,” George said. “Lots of queer icon discussions, personal stories/experiences and even just friendly conversation about school.”
Beyond the organization’s bi-weekly meetings, the alliance also offers a variety of events centered around queer identity, such as last month’s Bisexual Mixer or the recent Coming Out Day photo wall.
The alliance’s mission statement is to be “an organization devoted to providing a safe space to all students who identify as [LGBTQ+],” in addition to providing “advocacy and awareness to the USF St. Petersburg campus, as well as the St. Petersburg community.”
George emphasized P.R.I.D.E.’s mission toward creating a space for LGBTQ+ individuals where they feel not only welcomed but valued.
“It is important that schools have organizations that celebrate and validate members of this community because so many of our youth struggle with their identity and need a safe space,” George said. “As our times keep changing and progressing, it is important to educate others and keep pushing for inclusivity.”
According to a study by Rutgers University, LGBTQ+ students experience suicidal ideation four times more frequently than their straight peers, due in part to a lack of resources; cementing the need for a protected space amongst fellow queer-identifying persons.
George said the P.R.I.D.E. Alliance’s executive board hopes to turn the organization into just that.
“Outside of the community, we strive to educate others, and keep the conversation going to promote a more accepting society,” George said. “[The P.R.I.D.E. Alliance] discusses what it means to be and what it’s like to be a part of the community, and we to work create a safe space for these individuals on campus.”
George is hopeful about P.R.I.D.E. Alliance’s future after its abandonment due to COVID-19.
“If we keep reaching people like we have been, I think we will continue to grow as an org. We also have some great events in the works, so I think those will be fun and fulfilling as well,” they said.
Though George is pleased with the recent interest in the organization, they are hopeful for even more outreach from members in the coming weeks.
“If there is anyone that identifies with the LGBTQ+ community or is in questioning, we are a judgement-free zone and would love to welcome you to get involved,” George said. “You never have to share anything regarding your identity unless you are comfortable, and you might even end up meeting some other great people.”
The P.R.I.D.E. Alliance meets in the Office of Multicultural Affairs every other Tuesday from 4 to 5 p.m. More information on the organization and its upcoming events can be found on BullsConnect.
