Commitment to an Inclusive Community Award

Here is what was said in the nomination for the Pride Center:

“I would like to nominate the Pride Center and its staff at the University of Georgia for the Commitment to an Inclusive Community Award. The Pride Center, located within Memorial Hall, embodies these principles through its innovative initiatives, expansive programming, and significant impact on the UGA community, particularly among the LGBTQIA+ student population and their allies. Over the past academic year, the Pride Center has observed a notable increase in student engagement, attributed to the broad spectrum of facilities and the introduction of innovative initiatives designed to meet the diverse needs of the LGBTQIA+ and Ally community. 

For instance, the ‘Sugar Rush’ Welcome event saw attendance soar from 20-30 students to over 140 in the 2023-2024 academic year. Similarly, the “MasQueerade” Halloween Social event attracted more than 200 students and daily foot traffic in the office has also increased significantly, averaging 40-50 students a day, thanks to new amenities and in-office programs. The Pride Center has significantly expanded its range of programming, conducting more than 28 unique events and initiatives throughout the academic year. This expansion reflects the Center’s evolving role and increased capacity in fostering inclusive educational experiences that are well-attended and fill a crucial need for LGBTQ+ students at UGA, while also expanding the overall community’s knowledge base. 

The frequency of scheduled and departmentally requested Dawg Ally Trainings has notably increased, doubling in number just in the fall semester of the academic year 2023-2024, reflecting a heightened demand and commitment to these essential training sessions. This is indicative of the growing awareness and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ issues within the university and underscores the critical role of such initiatives in fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment. The breadth and diversity of programs initiated by the Pride Center have seen considerable growth, from events such as Sugar Rush, MasQueerade, and Trans Day of Remembrance to new initiatives like the Queer Hispanic Heritage Month Film Festival, Lesbian Visibility Day, and an expanded iteration of Cookies and Condoms. This increase not only reflects the Center’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity but also its dynamic response to the evolving needs and interests of its community. The “Cookies and Condoms” initiative, introduced by the Pride Center in Fall 2023 and now a monthly fixture, represents a collaborative effort with the Clarke County Health Department to
promote safe sex practices within the University of Georgia community. This program not only facilitates discussions on safe sex and provides free access to various types of condoms but also features complimentary, confidential HIV testing conducted by the Clarke County Health Department. Hosted in a private space provided by the Pride Center, these services are available to all students, faculty, and staff. As a cornerstone of our commitment to well-being and healthy living, “Cookies and Condoms” is a key component that mirrors the Student Affairs 2025 Strategic Plan component of Well-Being. 

Beyond these programs, the Pride Center’s contributions extend to advisory roles with student organizations, facilitation of Socratic dialogues, confidential consultations, provision of video game amenities, and hosting various impromptu events. These activities underscore the multifaceted and dynamic support the Pride Center offers, emphasizing its integral role in fostering an inclusive and engaging campus environment. The initiatives undertaken by the Pride Center align with the strategic objectives outlined in the Division of Student Affairs’ 2025 Strategic Plan, highlighting its critical role in advancing diversity and inclusion awareness, knowledge, and skills within the UGA community. The Center’s efforts in developing innovative methods for increasing and valuing diversity, creating opportunities for respect across differences, and promoting the advancement of equity and inclusion in daily work, institutional policies, and practices are commendable. The Pride Center’s dedication to advocating for underrepresented and marginalized populations, establishing staff development opportunities to increase understanding and awareness, and its substantial contribution to fostering an inclusive community at UGA make it an exemplary candidate for the Commitment to an Inclusive Community Award.”