UArizona Pride: An LGBTQ+ Student Perspective

June 23, 2022
Melissa, International Admissions Unibuddy Ambassador, University of Arizona

International Admissions Unibuddy Ambassador talks about finding the right fit and feeling accepted

 

Finding my perfect university was beyond finding a place where I feel accepted as a scholar, but also as an individual. As a queer woman, discovering a school that not only accepts me but supports me is of the utmost importance; a school like the University of Arizona.

I'm Melissa, and I am a sophomore at the University of Arizona, majoring in English. I am a Unibuddy Ambassador on the International Admissions team at everywhere.arizona.edu. I am born and raised in Tucson, Arizona and I am really passionate about becoming a teacher and moving out of the U.S. to pursue my career.

The University of Arizona has taken strides to ensure that each and every student on campus feels accepted and respected. The university offers clubs, organizations, and workshops in educating about LGBTQ+ identities and history so that each student on campus feels safe and understood.

Let's take a look at those different resources for LGBTQ+ folks on and around campus!

  • Queer closet: An entirely free and accessible donation-based clothing/accessory “store” designed to create an affirming experience for all genders and bodies!

  • Pride Alliance: A drop-in resource center that offers a supportive social and academic environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer, as well as allied, students at the University of Arizona.

  • Delta Lambda Phi Omega Chapter and Gamma Rho Lambda Phi Chapter: A fraternity and sorority devoted to queer and allied individuals striving to exemplify diversity, support, and unity both within UArizona and the community.

  • Campus health: On-campus center that provides LGBTQ+ health services which include testing and treatments, along with mental health services to ensure that you are supported and heard.

In addition to these resources, there are also queer organizations within the different colleges at UArizona. There are also plenty of opportunities to fill your course load with queer-related classes, from LGBTQ+ history to the current struggle. I have taken “Women in Russian Literature and Culture” and “Gender & Contemporary Society”; both of these classes, while not entirely focused on the LGBTQ+ community, have incorporated injustices within culture, class, and gender.

In celebration of pride month on campus, I invite you to also join me at the Tucson Pride Festival on October 1, 2022! Your identity is yours and UArizona is here to support you and welcome you with open arms. Happy Pride month!

Melissa's Unibuddy Ambassador Profile

Melissa is a sophomore from Tucson, Arizona, USA, and can answer a lot of your questions about living in Tucson. Melissa speaks English, and pursues hobbies and interests ranging from politics, gender & feminism to writing and fashion. Melissa's favorite course is Women in Russian Literature and Culture. You can connect and chat with Melissa and other Unibuddy Ambassadors at everywhere.arizona.edu/unibuddy. Follow the Unibuddy Blog here.