While the larger culture, particularly in major urban areas, moves towards greater acceptance, the idea that the gay community still needs protection remains relevant. “The queer experience of the street is different” than that of straight males who typically dominate street art, says urban planning professor at Cal State Northridge Brettany Shannon. She points to the disproportionate number of LGBT youth who become homeless due to family rejection and abuse. According to the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, 40 percent of all homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+. --Los Angeles Magazine

Strength United, which was established through CSUN’s Michael D. Eisner College of Education, is staffed with a licensed psychologist, social workers, clinicians, mentors, advocates, educators and researchers. Graduate students studying marriage and family therapy and social work provide direct counseling services, and undergraduates staff Strength United’s 24/7 crisis intervention and hotline services. --The San Fernando Valley Sun

Being named a California State University Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholar is the affirmation microbiology student Carolina Gonzalez was looking for as she enters her final year at California State University, Northridge. --The San Fernando Valley Sun