ASUN encourages campus community to uplift and support the LGBTQIA+ community
The Pride Parade on July 24 gives us all an opportunity to share our support for the LGBTQIA+ community
This summer - as various events occur with the intent of uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community - ASUN understands the importance of not only showing our support for LGBTQIA+ people all year long, but also to highlight the history and share the hardships involved in the journey of this community.
From the Stonewall Riots in 1969 to the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015, the history of queer communities has been riddled with tragedy and struggle. Although society has come a long way, the LGBTQIA+ people still face discrimination. According to the Human Rights Campaign, there have been 17 anti-LGBT bills enacted into law in 2021. This goes to show that we must continue to make an active and conscious effort to be a positive force for progress within this community.
The Associated Students of the University of Nevada acknowledges the importance of celebrating and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community, not only during the Reno Pride Parade and Festival, but every day of the year. While Pride events are great avenues to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, they often ignore the necessary advocacy and change that comes after for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Wolf Pack supporters.
While we at ASUN acknowledge that gradual progress is being made, there is still an infinite amount of work to be done and we are proud to be a part of that never ending change. The Associated Students of the University of Nevada has been a proud sponsor of Reno Pride since the event was created. We also offer initiatives all year long with the goal of uplifting and benefitting queer people, such as the “Out or Not, You are Loved” and the “Proud to Be ____ at NV” campaigns, and have more events in the works for the upcoming fall semester.
When asked about ASUN and its impact and benefit to the LGBTQIA+ community, ASUN President Austin Brown stated:
“ASUN has provided a platform for students to be their true and authentic selves at the University of Nevada. We have created a culture that uplifts students and embraces the differences that make us unique, while also making the most of the shared love of our institution and serving the students we represent. ASUN has given me an opportunity to represent the voice of LGBT students and I feel honored to represent our community to the state of Nevada, showing others that we are part of the Wolf Pack and we are full of love and Pride.”
We encourage you to join the Wolf Pack in the Reno Pride Parade on July 24th, starting at 10am on the corner of 5th and Virginia Street. Look for the mascot and cheerleaders and walk with us. Join Alphie, Wolfie, and our cheerleaders in walking the parade route, where we will be handing out 1,000 Wolf Pack Pride flags. Also among the celebrations, Reno Pride Festival will be happening at Wingfield Park from 11AM - 5PM. Be sure to find the ASUN booth and purchase a Wolf Pack Pride t-shirt, with sales going to the Queer Student Union (QSU) Scholarship fund. If you can’t make the event, stop by the Nevada Wolf Shop bookstore in the Joe Crowley Student Union after the event to purchase your shirt.
Below are some resources for individuals in the University and Reno communities.
