Intersectionality and Belonging on Campus: Working With Howard’s LGBTQ+ Community feat. Jose Cadiz
In America, 1.2 million adults identify as black and LGBTQ+. But for many, discrimination is even harder than their white counterparts for their intersectional identities. Here at Howard University, efforts to support LGBTQ+ students have resulted in the formation of the Intercultural Affairs and LGBTQ+ Resource Center.
But what else can we be doing as a community and a campus to support those who identify as black and queer?
Joining us to discuss this deeper is Jose Cadiz, the Director of Development in Institutional Giving at Howard University.
Jose sits down with host Frank Tramble to discuss why these types of resources are necessary for students as well as staff, offers some guidance on using and learning people’s pronouns, where we could be driving more support on campus, and preparing students to head into the workplace and bring these values with them.
From HU2U is a production of Howard University and is produced by University FM.
Episode Quotes:
On having the important obligation to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ community
[05:01] I think with becoming an HBCU administrator, I had an obligation and a duty to the people of color, the black LGBTQ+ bison here, alums and current students, and our future students as well, students that are coming that identify in the LGBTQ+ community. It's really important to have this sense of belonging, first and foremost, for the LGBTQ+ community because we create so much of a narrative.
Working together to address mental health issues
[10:56] What we do to cultivate that is reach out, be a good collaborator, and continue to make sure that our students are seeking these services and feel welcome. A lot of it is just creating a space where students, specifically LGBTQ+ students, feel that someone is there. And they see them.
Preparing students to think critically when it comes to choosing their career
[18:45] When I speak to my students about their career plans and what they're looking for in a job, they always mention, "I want to see myself in that culture." They don't say money. They don't say geographic location. They say, "Can I be happy there with all of my identities? And that's a true testament to how we prepare our students and create this space for students to think critically and to think long-term when it comes to what happiness looks like.
Show Links:
- Historic Pride Night at Howard University Celebrates Diversity, Inclusion
- LGBTQ+ Support at Howard
- Dr. Wayne Frederick
- Bison Celebrate 7th Annual Lavender Reception
Guest Profile:
