A new student orientation for LGBTQ+ students drew about 100 participants at Washington State University this fall.
The program called Q*Hort was created in 2019 as a space for incoming LGBTQ+ students to find a community, said Matthew Jeffries, director of campus climate and community building and of the Gender Identity/Expression and Sexual Orientation Resource Center.
Besides communicating typical information that an incoming student might need, this year’s event offered a panel discussion featuring current students and a banquet that included students, faculty and staff.
“We wanted incoming students to see representation across the university and that people here are thriving,” said Josie Cohen-Rodriguez, LGBTQ+ student life and community coordinator.
WSU sophomore JoJo Maestas was a member of the student panel. The value of Q*Hort, he said, is to help students who “might have grown up feeling a little bit out of place in society and show them that there are people out there who could end up being a potential best friend, mentor or just help along the way.”
Q*Hort covers information such as how to choose a major and opportunities for getting involved in student organizations. But it also provides targeted information that queer students might need, such as how to change their name or pronouns in various WSU systems, or where to find appropriate health care.
Both Jeffries and Cohen-Rodriguez say programs like Q*Hort are an important step in making WSU an inclusive and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ students.
That work “requires constant vigilance and a willingness to engage in dialog and conversations,” Cohen-Rodriguez said. The good news is that the campus community is receptive to those conversations, she said, adding, “I feel supported in the work we’re doing.”
Jeffries said discussions are under way for other new programs such as an LGBTQ+ study abroad program and creating a living-learning community for LGBTQ+ students.
“In my wildest dreams 10 years ago I wouldn’t have thought of this, but we’re there,” he said.
