The Pride Center for LGBTQIA2+ Diversity

Resources Events

About

The Pride Center for LGBTQIA2+ Diversity is located on the first floor of the University Center. If you are entering the building through the first floor, it will be on your righr hand side. The space is currently under rennovation. Please contact us if you experience any issues finding us or experience accessibility issues. We welcome people from all backgrounds regardless of their sex, gender (identity), gender expression, sexual orientation, and romantic orientation.

Mission

The Pride Center for LGBTQIA2+ Diversity is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual, “+” (LGBTQIA2+) -centered communal space that envisions, nurtures, and advocates for a flourishing, healthy, and inclusive LGBTQIA2+ community. We do this through connection, expression, social justice, and student leadership development-based initiatives.

History

The Pride Center for LGBTQIA2+ Diversity originally opened its doors as the “Freedom Alliance Lounge” on August 1, 1995, and was located in the Sondheim basement. This space was created for UMBC’s first LGBTQIA2+ student organization (Freedom Alliance) as a gathering space for queer students to connect and build community in a discreet and safe space. Its current location in The University Center opened in July of 2007 in response to the U.S. Reserve Officer Training Course (ROTC) having an active chapter at UMBC the previous year. During this time, the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” U.S. military policy was still in effect, which banned military officers from being openly LGBTQIA2+ or risked being dishonorably discharged from their role. As a result, student, staff, and faculty LGBTQIA2+ leaders advocated for a space where students could feel safe and feel that they also belonged to the greater UMBC community. Since then, The Pride Center has experienced immense growth and has become part of the larger Diversity and Inclusion area within Campus Life and sister space to The Mosaic and the then Interfaith Center in 2010. Over a decade later, The Pride Center continues to be a place of creating connections and relationship building.

Full UMBC Retriever dog silhouette with progressive pride flag inside

Location

First floor, University Center (UC).

Hours

Fall & Spring

  • Currently under rennovation

Contact

Additional Resources

Students at Pride Center Tabling Event

LGBTQIA2+ Involvement Opportunities

Queer Pride Advisory Board

Coming out of the work of the LGBTQIA2+ Campus Climate Workgroup, and the Queer Leadership Council, the Queer Pride Advisory Board (QPAB) is a committee co-led by The Pride Center Professional, Student Staff, and LGBTQIA2+ student organization leaders. The group is composed of several student, staff, faculty, and alumnx members interested in creating a more inclusive environment for UMBC’s LGBTQIA+ student community.

  • Eligibility
    • This group is open to LGBTQIA+ org appointed and elected leaders, as well as elected and appointed leaders to UMBC’s shared governance groups (e.g. SGA, GSA).
  • Time Commitments & Role Description
    • Time and role commitments may vary semester to semester and are based on the needs of the LGBTQIA2+ leadership. This group is responsible for but not limited to running the Campus Pride Index, planning the LGBTQIA2+ leadership retreat, and co-plan the Annual Lavender Graduation Celebration. This workgroup meets monthly for 90 minutes to address the community’s needs.

Updated list of LGBTQIA2+ Organizations (Student, Staff, Faculty & Alumni)

Departmental Library

Each area has a wide array of books that all UMBC community members can borrow. Our collection of books can be found through our LibraryThing account. To check out a book, please visit one of our centers. Please note that our collection of Dialogue, Training & Leadership Development books is co-located in The Mosaic.

Accessibility

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Events

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