Queer Studies

Follow the Rainbow: CSUN Shows Pride Year-Round

June 25, 2019

Martin Pousson begins every semester by coming out to his students.

He does this, Pousson said, because there are still high rates of violence against LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual and other terms) individuals in many parts of the world. He knows that for some students — whether they come from another country, out of state or even from a less-than-accepting family — CSUN might be the first place they have found acceptance.

“They can come out in the Queer Studies Program,” said Pousson, a professor in the College of Humanities, where he teaches creative writing and Queer studies courses. “They can come out in the Pride Center. They can come out in some of their classes.”

Thanks to the efforts of student activists and faculty, CSUN boasts a fully staffed Pride Center, a Queer Studies Program (which offers an interdisciplinary minor) and a rich history of LGBTQIA+ involvement.

This month, the Delmar T. Oviatt Library also unveiled a Pride Month display, which features bestsellers, fiction, memoirs and children’s literature that celebrates the creativity and community of those who identify as LGBTQIA+.

“The display helps to demonstrate to others who might not be aware of the numerous contributions the LGBTQIA+ community has made to society,” said Coleen Martin, coordinator of outreach services for the Oviatt Library. “[These] books touch upon the experiences of the community, as well as their legacy.” Article continues on CSUN Today.