By Ira Bohm-Sanchez, July 31, 2014.
In 2013, Arizona State University received a failing grade (2.5 out of 5) on its overall campus pride, according to CampusPrideIndex.org. Earlier this year Campus Pride was at it again, and this time around ASU earned an A.
ASU isn’t the only school working to improve its overall LGBT-friendly climate. In 2011, Maricopa Community Colleges added gender identity to its non-discrimination policy.
While school administrations continue to make progress within their campus climates, student involvement is also a key factor in these scores.
From having a safe and fun place to hang out to establishing connections for future employment, LGBTQ clubs and groups provide student with outlets to make connections, find support and become involved.
Whether you’re a senior in high school or heading into a doctoral program this fall, here is a list of LGBTQ resources available to students affiliated with Arizona’s top three public institutions.
Arizona State University | Campus Pride Index Rating: 4.5 out of 5
ASU, a top-ranked research university, boasts one of the largest undergraduate populations in the nation spread across four campuses. The majority of ASU’s LGBTQ groups are based at the Tempe campus, since it is the largest and also the home of the school’s LGBTQA Services office (located on the third floor of the Memorial Union).
Contact: 480-965-9665; lgbtqa@asu.edu.
Ways to get involved at ASU include, but are not limited to the following:
Human Rights Campaign
HRC at ASU is a civil rights organization that works to achieve LGBTQ equality on campus and throughout the state.
Contact: hrcatasu@gmail.com or facebook.com/hrcasu.
InQUEERy
InQUEERy is a interdisciplinary collaborative of scholars based out of the School of Social Work at the Downtown Phoenix campus. The group meets monthly and provides a space for students and faculty to work together on queer research projects and journal articles.
Contact: Natasha Mendoza, Ph.D., LMSW, tadoza@asu.edu.
LGBT Devil’s Pride
As a chapter of the ASU Alumni Association, this club unites graduates for business and camaraderie through various events, meetings and fundraising efforts.
Contact: Gabriel Escontrias, Jr., Ed.D., gabriel.escontrias@asu.edu.
ASU LGBTQ Coalition
The LGBTQ Coalition is an umbrella organization that comprises the school’s student groups and clubs, and acts as a one-stop shop for finding out what resources and spaces are active on campus.
Contact: 480-965-8690; lgbtq.coalition@asu.edu; facebook.com/asulgbtq.
National Lesbian and Gay Journalist Association
The ASU Chapter of NLGJA is a group of journalists, media professionals, educators and students that fosters fair and accurate coverage of LGBTQ issues. As the first student chapter in the U.S., this group offers members access to mentorship, educational and networking opportunities.
Contact: Robert Soares, robert.soares@asu.edu; facebook.com/groups/NLGJAArizona.
Sigma Phi Beta
The Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Beta is a fraternity for men “from all walks of life” that participates in Greek life activities, as well as community service and philanthropy.
Contact: 1-888-PHI-BETA; info@sigmaphibeta.org; sigmaphibeta.org/arizonastate.