OUTober at CSULB: A Month of Pride and Awareness

By Justin Lagace

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is proud to celebrate OUTober LGBTQ+ Month from October 1 to October 31. This month of recognition aims to celebrate and uplift the voices and stories of LGBTQ+ community members across The Beach.

A group of CSULB community members at the Long Beach Pride Parade.

Throughout OUTober, CSULB will share resources and host engaging events to bring the Beach community together as we appreciate the contributions and significance of the LGBTQ+ community, celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and transgender pride, and find ways they can be supported.

The Division of Academic Affairs is committed to inclusive excellence and the success of all diverse students, staff, and faculty. As such, we support academic programs, curriculum, and professional development initiatives that promote the holistic success of our students and recognizes their unique value and experiences.

In recent years, many great strides have been made in equality and equity for Queer and Trans individuals. However, there is a continued struggle in the fight for true acceptance and equality of Queer and Trans people as they face ongoing discrimination and challenges.

Here at The Beach, it is our hope that through our intentional efforts and compassion, we can cultivate spaces and learning environments where our LGBTQ+ community feels safe, secure, and encouraged to express their truest self.

LGBTQ+ Programs and Resources to Know:

CSULB LGBTQ+ Resource Center – The LGBTQ+ Resource Center was established to serve the greater campus community by striving to create a safer and supportive environment for all LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff, as well as the community members who identify as allies. The center hopes to advocate for and educate on topics related to homophobia, heterosexism, inclusive language, and other sexual and gender identity issues. The center's space can be used for group meetings, support programs, teach-ins, and other sexual and gender identity-related programs.

CSULB Trans Advocacy Coalition (TAC) - TAC was established in 2020 to provide a central space for trans, non-binary, and intersex members of the campus community to access information and resources that support their needs. TAC offers an easily accessible set of educational and advocacy resources for those wanting to engage in trans-inclusive practices and to learn more about how to be advocates alongside trans and nonbinary folks.

CSULB Queer and Trans Faculty and Staff Association (QTFSA) - The mission of the Queer and Trans FSA (QTFSA) is to facilitate community-building, resource development, and advocacy for all faculty and staff members of our (a)gender, (a)sexual, and (a)romantic communities. We see gender, sexual, racial, and economic justice as intertwined, and are committed to pursuing intersectional approaches to recruitment, retention, professional development, and all other aspects of campus life. Through this supportive structure, we seek to provide a foundation that empowers professionals and students on our campus to achieve their goals.