Pride Center

The Focus is on Diversity, Advocacy and Social Justice During the Pride Center’s “Changing Same” Week at the USU

April 13, 2018

Northridge—The Pride Center of the University Student Union (USU) will present a series of dynamic discussions and events promoting diverse ethnic backgrounds and cultures, advocacy and social justice during the weeklong “Changing Same” event. From Monday, April 23 to Friday, April 27, this educational and inclusive event will also provide compelling information and insightful experiences relevant to the multitude of backgrounds within the LGBTQ+ community. Join us for thought-provoking workshops and fun events to be held in various locations around the CSUN campus and at the USU!

“Our goal for ‘Changing Same’ is to provide a safe and inviting platform that will help students explore different perspectives on topics that matter,” said Shelly Ewen, Pride Center Student Assistant and Event Lead. “We live in a world where it’s more important now than ever to be informed on advocacy and social justice, what diversity really looks like, and the huge role intersectionality plays in today’s society.”

At “Changing Same”, students can experience awesome events each day of the week. On Monday, April 23, you can take part in the “Disability Justice Workshop” with Dr. Shayda Kafai in the Flintridge Room in East Conference Center at the USU. Later in the evening, you can watch riveting spoken word performances at the Open Mic event in the Games Room where students will speak on their personal experiences of being queer.

On Tuesday, April 24, trans activist A.T. Furuya will present an engaging Social Justice Workshop in the Flintridge Room. Later that evening in the same room, check out an intriguing panel discussion on the experiences of current CSUN students and alumni who identify as LGBTQ+ and as a person of color.

On Wednesday, April 25, Melissa Yingst will provide new perspectives on social justice and share what it means and how to become an ally to the Deaf LGBTQ+ community in the Reseda Room at the USU. Later that Wednesday in the Thousand Oaks Room, there will be a screening of the documentary, Transformation, in collaboration with Gamma Rho Lambda. The star of the film, Madin Lopez, will also speak live at the event and participate in a Q+A session after the screening.

On Thursday, April 26, Deaf Queer woman of color Storm Smith will deliver a captivating presentation on her journey from growing up in Los Angeles to becoming an award-winning film maker during college in Washington, DC and her current position as art director at a major New York ad agency. Learn how you can find your inner strength while overcoming adversity in the evening at Johnson Auditorium, next to Jacaranda Hall.

On Friday, April 27, you can engage in a fun networking event where you will enjoy a Drag Show and Vogue contest, view showcased art, and discuss self-acceptance and self-love in the evening at the CSUN Black House, located on Halstead Street.

Don’t miss out on the Pride Center’s inspiring “Changing Same” weeklong event! For more information about the Pride Center and the University Student Union, please visit csun.edu/usu or contact the Pride Center at pride@csun.edu.

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