News and Views

QSCC apologizes for unsafe space for queer people of color

The apology, which the Queer Student Cultural Center posted on Instagram, doesn’t cite specific incidents but pledges improvement through action steps.

The QSCC has nine active identity groups — including Roots, a group for queer-identified students of color. Graphic from the QSCC’s website and created by Liv Novotny.

Conversion therapy ban clears MN House

The bill, authored by Rep. Athena Hollins (DFL-St. Paul), will now move to the Senate.

If the bill is passed, Minnesota would join 20 other states and the District of Columbia in banning conversion therapy for minors. Illustration by Noor Adwan.

Lutheran Campus Ministry Offers Queer-Affirming Faith Community

LCM-TC holds a Christian worship group that welcomes and celebrates LGBTQ+ identities.

For National Coming Out Day during fall semester, LCM-TC did public blessings for queer people on campus. Photo courtesy of Megan Schoenbauer.

LangIn researches gender-inclusive foreign language

A University of Minnesota graduate student group is researching how to embed gender inclusivity in languages that traditionally exclude it.

Lavender House Gives LGBTQ+ Students Space To Explore Identities

The Learning Living Community occupies two floors in Comstock Hall and creates a safe and inclusive space for queer students to connect with people of similar identities.

Lavender House was founded more than 15 years ago and is one of few LLCs that allow returning students. Photo by Karri Seland.

UMN workshop sheds new light on sex ed

The University of Minnesota is offering an inclusive weekly workshop open for anyone to speak about all forms of sex and sexual experiences.

Workshop discussions are sex positive and include several topics from kinks to non-monogamous and non-heterosexual romance. Illustration by Amena Ahmed.

Roots resumes meetings after staff shortage

The Queer Student Cultural Center identity group, which is for queer-identified students of color, highlights intersectionality on campus.

Arthi Jegraj started as Roots’ new facilitator this semester. Photo courtesy of Jegraj.

Struggle, reclamation and the word queer

How a word went from derogatory to meaningful for some people.

The word queer emerged as a slur against homosexual men in 1895, but activists and community groups have begun reclaiming the word. Image courtesy of Pink News.

GSC Mentorship Program Helps Build Community Among Queer Students

The Queer Peer Mentorship Program allows students to find mentors and establish relationships with other LGBTQ+ students.

The program started this spring semester. The program’s kickoff event was originally scheduled to take place in February, but had to be rescheduled due to weather. Illustration courtesy of the GSC.

Queer Book Club Creates Conversations, Community

The Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life hosts a book club that allows students to read, analyze and have meaningful conversations about queer literature.

The club meets every Friday in a hybrid format with some members joining in person and other joining via Zoom. Photo by Sommer Wagen.

3-Day UMN Event To Explore Queer, Trans* Ecology

The event will explore the intersection of queer theory and interdisciplinary fields through panels, workshops, art exhibits and more.

The Queer and Trans* Ecologies Symposium will take place March 23-25 and will look at the intersections between the arts, humanities, social and environmental sciences and food science.

Gender and Sexuality Center, Boynton host Self-Love Day

The event included pet visits, queer-affirming haircuts, vaccinations and more, while giving queer students opportunities to connect through self love.