illustration by Emily Dearborn and Liana Kindler On February 15th, renowned gender theorist, philosopher, and professor Judith Butler delivered a guest lecture at UCLA hosted by the RAVE organization, a UCLA faculty group dedicated to “Resistance Against Violence Through Education”…
Students Explore Intersectionality and Advocacy at LGBTQ Leadership Retreat
This past weekend on Jan. 14 and 15, over 30 students attended the first-ever LGBTQ Student Leadership Retreat at Pilgrim Pines Camp. Students spent the weekend gaining leadership skills through workshops, exploring their identities, and making connections with others. “Queer…
An Open Letter to UCLA Re: Milo Yiannopoulos
To any it may concern, I request that the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and its administrators intervene to prevent Milo Yiannopoulos from speaking on campus, specifically at the February 2nd event reportedly being held by the Bruin Republicans…
I’m Never Coming Out to My Family
And here’s why that’s OK. Coming out to my friends was hard enough (and the consequent decision I have to make of whether or not I want to come out to every new person I meet… but that’s another story…
University of Chicago Condemns “Trigger Warnings,” and Safe Spaces; Misunderstands What It’s Condemning
The prestigious University of Chicago issued a letter to its incoming freshmen stating that they will no longer condone the use of “intellectual safe spaces” or “‘trigger warnings.’” This letter, penned by Dean John “Jay” Ellison, is UChicago’s effort to fully…
On Acceptance, Comfort, and Pride: A Reflection on LGBTQ Week at UCLA
It’s hard for me to say the word “proud” when it comes to my sexuality. I’ve always been impressed by people who seem to unapologetically embrace their LGBTQ identities. At the same time, I’m acutely aware that I’m still far…
An Open Letter to Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest
Dear Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest, While usually I would applaud the efforts of people who seek to counter discrimination and safeguard the rights of regularly marginalized groups, I would draw the line where such efforts enter the realm of insulting,…
Upcoming Event: Lavender Health Alliance Hosts Blood Drive
by Guest Contributor Austin Beltrand The Event: The Lavender Health Alliance will be hosting a Blood Drive at the UCLA Blood and Platelet Center during Thursday and Friday of 3rd week as part of USAC’s LGBTQ Awareness Week. The donation center…
The Gender Conundrum: An Introduction
Does anyone remember when “gender” and “sex” used to be synonyms? Language constantly evolves, especially during times of social change. As America grows more and more PC nowadays, it can seem overwhelming to keep up with all the new words…
Asexuality 2.0
Last year, I wrote an article affirming my identity as asexual and bi/panromantic. I included the perpetual onslaught of moments in my life where I was directly or indirectly made to feel that there was something inherently wrong with me.…