AccessU: Queer on Campus

Reporting that amplifies the voices and centers the experiences of LGBTQ+ communities at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Profiles

Riley, who uses any pronouns, including they/them, said their desire to work in student advocacy was sparked as an undergraduate student at Hamline University. Photo courtesy of Riley.

GSC director creates safe spaces for LGBTQ+ members

Mycall Riley works to facilitate intergenerational conversations and promote a sense of belonging within queer communities on and around the University of Minnesota campus.

In 2021 a student in Gonzalez Lesniak’s Spanish class told him the Spanish language, which is highly gendered, felt unsafe. Before that interaction, Lesniak had never thought about gendered language. Photo courtesy of Gonzalez Lesniak.

Queer graduate student helps found inclusive language program

Fernando Gonzalez Lesniak helped start the program with other graduate students after realizing how gendered some languages can be.

St. Croix started off at the University of Minnesota as an undergraduate philosophy student. Photo courtesy of St. Croix.

Professor demystifies philosophy, queer experience

Catherine St. Croix’s teaching and scholarship help queer people explore their own identity and coming out process through games and new spaces.

Nguyen uses their own identity as nonbinary and queer, as well as being a Vietnamese American and a first-generation college student, to assist students in connecting with others or discussing their interests. Photo courtesy of Nguyen.

GSC program director finds purpose in work

How J Nguyen went from feeling dissatisfied in school to feeling fulfilled helping run the Gender and Sexuality Center’s programs.

Hillis has been supporting students at a critical time in their lives as they make the transition from home to college. Photo courtesy of Hillis.

Non-binary housing manager moves to new position after 11 years

Andy Hillis reflects on their time as the business operations supervisor for two residence halls as they prepare for a new role at the University of Minnesota.

She’s the First aims to empower and educate girls who face poverty and other results of gender discrimination. Photo courtesy of Claire Witzmann.

‘She’s the First’ leader prioritizes queer inclusion

The president of the student group focused on female empowerment, is taking steps to actively include and welcome queer and nonbinary students.

Lauren Christian said one of the most difficult aspects of being a queer student in the nursing program is finding other students who share a queer identity. Photo courtesy of Christian.

Nursing student sees lack of queer representation in field

A queer nursing student does her best to mentor peers and raise awareness about LGBTQ+ needs.

Nina Hernandez Beithon leads individual and group therapy to support students and address mental health struggles as they develop their identities. Photo courtesy of Hernandez Beithon.

UMN counselor helps students discover, embrace their identities

Diversity liaison counselor Nina Hernandez Beithon aids students in processing negative experiences and identity development.

Victoria Lee became an active ally for LGBTQ+ communities after her sister came out to her a few years ago. Photo courtesy of Lee.

UMN student learns LGBTQ+ allyship through sister

Victoria Lee now works as a coordinator in the University of Minnesota’s Gender and Sexuality Center.

Emma Molls graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2011 and also works as a University librarian. Photo courtesy of Molls.

UMN alum returns to lead queer networking orgs

Emma Molls, leader of Pride@Work and Pride Affinity Network, is passionate about forming intergenerational connections in LGBTQ+ communities on campus.

Chirayu Dongre is the designated counselor for international LGBTQ+ students during their time at the University. Photo courtesy of Chirayu Dongre.

ISSS counselor offers support for LGBTQ+ international students

Chirayu Dongre is the person international LGBTQ+ students go to if they’re looking for support related to their identities.