SW New Mexico News

The Office of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity’s LGBT+ Programs at New Mexico State University (NMSU) is marking Pride Month by being recognized as one of the most inclusive universities in the country. NMSU has received a 4.5/5 rating on the Campus Pride Index, a leading national nonprofit organization focused on creating safer college environments for LGBTQ students.

“Our Campus Pride Index score matters to incoming students, and it matters to our LGBT+ students, faculty and staff because it evidences the hard work by our office and our queer communities in creating intersectional and equity-based solutions at NMSU, such as Inclusive Housing and Preferred Name, which promote the autonomy, rights and wellbeing of LGBT+ people,” said Sophia Sangwanthong, director of LGBT+ Programs. “I am so happy to hear a student chose NMSU because of the policies and programming we created to support their success!"

During June, LGBT+ Programs will host the Annual State of Pride Panel at 11 a.m. Friday, June 7 via Zoom. All are welcome to attend by emailing lgbt@nmsu.edu with their name, organization or school affiliation. The panel includes LGBT+ students, faculty and staff discussing their experiences and concerns regarding equity at NMSU.

"The Annual State of Pride Panel is a unique and important event for the NMSU community that can really lead to change, and I hope all faculty, staff, and students will consider attending," Sangwanthong said.

Throughout the year, other events include OUTober, annual drag shows, movies, speakers and public health events open to the public. "What we might be most proud of are our event series and student groups. Event series like Pride Season and OUTober center intersectional programming and education," said Lore Falls, program coordinator for LGBT+ Programs. "Our weekly seven student groups give graduate and undergraduate students space to find community."

The LGBT+ Programs at NMSU serves 2,500 students, faculty and staff offering resources such as a computer lab with free printing services; a student lounge; an LGBT+ research library; among others.

Additionally available is an LGBT+ Student Support Group through Aggie Health & Wellness offering specialized counseling staff for mental health care.

“The resources we offer open the door to the larger LGBT+ community in Las Cruces,” said Miranda Saenz, a student employee at LGBT+ Programs.

The programs office operates 56 hours weekly: from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; until 10 p.m. on Tuesdays; closing earlier at 4 p.m. on Fridays.

For more information visit their Instagram @nmsu_lgbt.