As Pride Month begins and celebrations approach, the Queer and LGBTQIA2S+ Advocacy Board (QLAB) at the University of Nevada, Reno prepares to recognize and support the various LGBTQIA2S+ groups on campus. Founded less than a decade ago, QLAB comprises faculty and graduate students dedicated to promoting safe zones and fostering allyship on campus.
In addition to the safe spaces QLAB provides on campus, QLAB also regularly updates and maintains a that members can add to. Students are encouraged to submit their ideas to the guide by emailing the Queer Student Union.
Aryn Taylor, a doctoral student at the University and the incoming co-chair of QLAB, says the group continues to expand. It currently has over 40 members from various campus roles involved in the group, including several from the residential life department.
To create more spaces for queer students, the RLHFS (Resident Life, Housing and Food Services) department organized the Gender, Sexuality, and Identity (GSI) floor at Great Basin Hall and other gender-inclusive housing options throughout many residential halls on campus. QLAB often supports these students through events and resources primarily spearheaded by the other QLAB incoming co-chair, Meena Pannirselvam, the resident director for Great Basin Hall and the GSI floor. In addition to this, Travis Hardwick, the assistant director of residential education and QLAB member, institutes protocols where students can speak with approved housing staff about gender-inclusive housing anonymously if they so desire. In such cases, one of two RLHFS employees who are also QLAB members (Aryn Taylor or Travis Hardwick) will call the student, ensure they are safe to speak and then discuss the personal matter.
“Before we ask them anything, we like to ensure they are in a safe space to talk instead of jumping right into sensitive topics,” Taylor said. “Our gender-inclusive housing is designed to create a safe and comfortable environment in all spaces for all students.”
QLAB also addresses issues on campus such as homophobia, transphobia and hate speech with resources to help people make their voices and opinions heard.
“We take it upon ourselves to create templates for calls and messages that people could use to voice their opinions combating hate speech. We want to ensure that the community knows how to express their views and stand against remarks that do not align with our institution’s values,” Taylor said.
Despite some limitations such as how queer students are supported in their home lives, QLAB remains committed to its mission of elevating LGBTQIA2S+ voices and creating comfortable spaces on campus for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals.
“We’ve been able to connect and collaborate with various undergraduate groups to host numerous events,” Taylor said. “Trans Day of Visibility was a notable one, as well as Coming Out Day Gala and Queer Liberation Panel. We most often partner with residential life and the Orvis School of Nursing, but also a lot of other community organizations to ensure our messages reach across all areas of campus.”
QLAB encourages all departments at the University to participate in the . The Orvis School of Nursing, Multicultural Center, and the University mascots, Alphie, Wolfie and Luna, plan to participate in the parade, some using floats and others marching with banners. The Orvis School has been especially involved in LGBTQIA2S+ initiatives, offering multiple resources to members of the community. Many members of QLAB are currently employed by the Orvis School, including Jasen Brooks, a faculty advisor, lecturer and researcher for DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) healthcare. He is an acting chair for QLAB.
QLAB prioritizes utilizing queer-owned businesses for their events, whether it be for catering or other services. This helps create an environment where students feel safe and accepted by everyone around them, including those who may be closeted or unsure about their identity.
“We are expanding our reach,” Taylor stated. “We’re now working with campus partners, students and queer-centered local businesses. We try to appeal to all aspects of queer life, both on and off campus.”
By adhering to its mission of creating and maintaining safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals on campus, QLAB strives to keep the University an inclusive and supportive environment for all community members. More information regarding QLAB can be found on the QLAB website.
