You may have noticed...
The LGBTQ+ Services Committee has changed its name. After a lengthy process in which team members brainstormed, discussed, brainstormed more, and discussed more, our committee has a new name.
Moving forward, we'll be known as Pride. To go with it, we have a new logo, too!
Since 1997, we've had four names: the Gay & Lesbian Services Committee, GLBT Services Committee, LGBT Services Committee, and LGBTQ+ Services Committee. These names got the job done and the point across but never really felt like “the one.” They always felt a bit too formal truthfully. Plus, try saying them five times, it’s a lot! After 25 years we all felt that it was time for another, hopefully final, change.
Team member Chris says, “The new team name doesn’t (by nature of being an acronym) exclude any identities that we may not even realize have been coined and that are under the LGBTQQIP2SAA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, two-spirit, asexual, and ally) umbrella. We, of course, want to include everyone but the long acronym isn’t EASY to say or remember for most people. It may have been the LGBTQ+ Services Committee, but as humans become more willing to learn, grow, and understand more about themselves, we should all have pride in ourselves regardless of sexuality, sexual identity, gender, skin color, etc…”
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, pride can be defined as "the quality or state being proud: such as reasonable self-esteem, confidence, and satisfaction in oneself."
Pride can be found in all that we do... it conjures a sense of belonging and connectedness; of existing without fighting and of being supported, encouraged, and empowered no matter what.
