Cal State Fullerton: An LGBTQ Friendly Campus
California State University, Fullerton serves as a safe space for the Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender, Queer community and its allies through its LGBT/Queer Resource Center, which offers programs for students on campus.
Posters and flyers have been posted across the university promoting weekly programs surrounding advisement and identity support such as, “Queer Talks” and “T*Time.”
“Within club meetings or in the center they’ll have powerful discussions, sometimes host movie screenings, speaker events, etc.,” said Taylor Kimiko Saucedo, 20, communications major at Cal State Fullerton. “The programs they put on are always very informative.”
Along with the group activities available to students, Cal State Fullerton also offers an LGBTQ Resource Center Scholarship where anyone can donate to through the center’s online website. The website also expands on the 10 or more programs held for students throughout the week, which provide support and information on LGBTQ resources.
“I think it’s awesome having a space that allows students to study and hang out in a safe and comfortable environment,” said Saucedo. She added that although the university does a good job at supporting the center with marketing, she wants to try and get more gender-neutral restrooms and other programs going for LGBTQ students and their peers.
According to Craig Loftin, lecturer in American studies at Cal State Fullerton, there is always something that people can join where they are the center. “You have a lot of raps, groups…it makes people feel more welcome,” said Loftin. He said Cal State Fullerton offers a queer studies minor, which educates students on how sexuality plays out in literature and in history. “The queer studies minor is a great way for students to learn about how gay studies impacts all students’ lives,” added Loftin. “It’s a meaningful class for me to teach.”
The university has flyers set in place in multiple classrooms, offices and buildings across the campus reading, “LGBTQ Safe Space,” with the continuous attempt of displaying a supportive space for all students of LGBTQ interest.
“When that personal moment happens, there’s somewhere to go to,” Loftin added. According to Loftin this is not a brand new issue. He shared his journey in “coming out” and how, when attending USC, the university’s support in LGBTQ interest allowed his experience to be completely transformative.
“This campus, which is so diverse, there’s a welcome mat,” he said. “This campus does a great job.”
