When you hear the words “business conference,” you may think stuffy suits, boring lectures….boring stuff in general.

I ask you, have you been to a queer business conference?

It exists…The Out for Undergraduate Business Conference (OUBC) takes place every year, and is sponsored by some of the biggest names in business including JP Morgan, UBS, Deloitte, and BCG to name a few.

And if you’re thinking that lacking a business degree or any working knowledge of business will inhibit your chances of getting accepted into the program…this isn’t the case.

I was a history major and really had no knowledge of the business world, besides the experience I had attained as part of the USC Global Fellows Program, which I also recommend that you check out.

http://careers.usc.edu/students/internships/global-fellows-internship-program

All that was needed was a resume, a statement of purpose…nothing too serious.

The rewards…

If you qualify for a program scholarship (all you need to do is check a box on the application itself), OUBC will pay for the entire program: travel costs, lodging, food. Just bring a little pocket cash to enjoy New York City’s sights and nightlife while the program isn’t in session.

I remember, I had a test on Thu., got out of class around 2 pm, and packed my things to make a flight to New York that same day. Not gonna lie…I felt like a bit of a jet-setter.

The program takes it further. After whisking you to New York City, OUBC put us up in the Grand Hyatt in central Manhattan. The hotel is walking distance from the JP Morgan offices, where the program was held.

You’ll meet tons of successful and bright queer youth with whom you can enjoy nightlife after the program is done. I remember we went bar hopping in Hell’s Kitchen the first night, got home around 4 am…and woke up at 7 am for the next day of activities.

I got about 10 hrs. sleep the entire weekend, but the program gave me a taste of a lifestyle that can be attained with a little hard work. Although I did come from a history background, the insightful discussions revealed to me ways I could apply the skills I had cultivated in the humanities in a professional business setting. The discussions weren’t over my head, and I came home with a book full of notes and insightful tips.

Assessing the demographic of program participants, women are HIGHLY encouraged to apply. Out of 200 something attendees, about 20 were women. Let’s equalize that gap!

I HIGHLY recommend applying to the OUBC conference. Check back for the application in the spring of 2012. Although the program takes place in the fall, program dates and site location differ from year to year. Below is a link to OUBC’s website.

http://www.outforbusiness.com/home

What are you waiting for?!? A friend told me about it, and I immediately applied. Three weeks later, I was calling the American Express travel agent with whom you book your ticket to New York. It felt pretty awesome when the travel agent asked, “So Mr. Wilson, what departure times work best for you?”

THE OUBC Conference can expose you to a new range of career opportunities. Take advantage of the opportunity to network and explore what you can achieve with your USC education.

On Tuesday, November 22, 2011, Dennis Cho, a student leader from our community, passed away.  Dennis was an active and passionate student advocate who worked to build bridges between Fraternity and Sorority organizations and the LGBT community.  Through educational and confidential discussions, Dennis made himself available as a safe and supportive person for students that simply needed a person talk to.  His activism and passion will not be forgotten by the LGBT Resource Center (LGBTRC) or the Queer and Ally Student Assembly (QuASA).  The LGBTRC and QuASA will make certain that his passion for campus education and awareness of LGBT issues continues for years to come.  We were honored to have worked with Dennis and share in his vision.

We would like to invite you all to show your support for and solidarity with Dennis at a Candlelight Vigil tonight and a Memorial Service on Wednesday. Below is the information.

Candlelight Vigil: Monday, November 28 at 8pm at The Lawn of ADPi House (Corner of University Ave. and 28th Street)

Prayer & Memorial Service: Wednesday, November 30 at The United University Church at USC (817 W 34th St Los Angeles, CA 90089) 3:15 pm (Doors Open & Casket Viewing) 4pm (Services Begins)

http://www.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/0_kno8bawj/uiconf_id/5223812

Cho to be Remembered at Candlelight Vigil ATVN.

Rachel, uRap Coordinator for 2011-2012

Rachel will serve as the University Rap Coordinator this upcoming school year.  Her previous experience within the USC LGBTQ Community includes uRap facilitator, Generation Queer participate and executive board member for the Queer and Ally Student Assembly.  Get to know Rachel, a leader within the LGBTQ Community.

How and why did you get involved with the USC LGBT
Community?

When I first came to USC, I didn’t self identify with the
LGBT community, I felt I was more a skier, hiker, feminist, engineer who
happened to like women. Some of the first people I met at USC invited me to
come to the Queer and Ally Assembly’s Welcome Back Dance with them and ever
since then I’ve been part of the community. While this initial involvement was
because of my friends, I choose to stay and eventually take on leadership positions because of how welcoming and supportive this community was and still is. It gave me an opportunity to learn about others and myself while having a great time with the people around me.

How is it being a queer women at USC?

Being a queer woman at USC has been a positive experience. I
was born and raised in Utah, and while I loved living there, my sexuality was
definitely not accepted by a large part of the community. While USC and its
football players aren’t perfect, I feel comfortable and generally accepted on
campus. USC has provided a lot of opportunities for me to try new things and
have new experiences that would have never been possible in Utah. Most of all,
it allows me to learn more about my queerness while having a great time in
college.

What are you looking forward as the uRap coordinator for
next year?

I’m looking forward to playing a larger role in this discussion group that I’ve enjoyed for the last two years. Helping to provide a warm environment with great people, new and old, that helped me when I was first getting involved in the community. Whether it’s encouraging people to look at new perspective or talking with a new face over hot coco at the weekly trips to Starbucks after the meetings, I look forward to engaging people in the supportive environment that’s characteristic of uRap.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be
and why?

If I could change one thing in the world I would want there to be more respect. Respect for each other’s ideologies, cultures, sexualities, etc. I think that if there was more respect for human life and nature then the world would be a more peaceful and understanding place. When you respect another person you see them as more than just an object to use to obtain personal wealth and power. In essence, respect undermines our fabricated hierarchies that have allowed people for so many years to ignore suffering and destruction around them.

As a new student, I thought you would enjoy some advice from a former student and leader from within the USC LGBT Community. Joshua Morris was the first person that came to mind due to his dedication and leadership to the community throughout his time at USC. Read some of his suggestions below. – Vincent E. Vigil, Director for the USC LGBT Resource Center

How can a new student start their involvement in the LGBT Community? What organizations or leadership positions would you suggest?

Students at USC are lucky to have a great number of opportunities to get involved in the LGBT Community. The Queer and Ally Student Assembly is USC’s award winning and nationally recognized LGBT organization. A great way to get started is attending the general meetings which are held every other week. I personally first became involved through the confidential LGBT discussion group, uRap. As a freshman and spring admit, I believe the strong emphasis on support and friendship in the group really helped me to feel confident in my sexuality and in my potential for leadership.

A fantastic organization to get try out is the Freshman Advocacy Board (FAB). FAB is a fabulous group because it gives first year students a chance to put on events for not only their group but for the larger USC LGBT population as well. It’s also the best bet for learning what skills and knowledge are needed for leadership in organizations along the way. If you are interested in putting on event, contributing to the community or just having a fun time, I would encourage you to run for positions on the FAB Executive Board such as Publicity Manager, Vice President or President. Other ways to get involved are through organizations such as Rainbow Scholars (my personal favorite), Jewish Alliance for GLBTs and Straights, Trojans for Equality, Genesis 9:13, and OutReach: Out to Serve. You can also check out the programs sponsored by the LGBT Resource Center like the Speaker’s Bureau, LGBT Peer Mentoring Program or live on the Rainbow Floor.  For more information about involvement opportunities, you can contact USC’s LGBT Resource Center or look at their website: http://sait.usc.edu/LGBT/.

Freshman Advocacy Board Logo

How did you get involved with the LGBT Community?

I was in the closet at the beginning of my USC career. I longed to interact with other LGBT students but I had no idea where to find them. Luckily, I encountered a uRap flyer on my Residential Advisor’s door. Of course, I walked by the flyer at least three times in order to memorize all the necessary details such as time and location, so that I could copy it down later in my dorm room. After attending the uRap discussion, I was amazed at how inviting and though provoking the experience was. I became hooked and later, branched out into other parts of the LGBT community.

Josh and friends at the LGBT & Ally Welcome Back BBQ

My sophomore year, I became a student worker at the LGBT Resource Center andwas appointed Creative Research Specialist of QuASA. Eventually, I held numerous leadership positions including being a founding member of Genesis 9:13, Rainbow Scholars President, OutReach Training Coordinator, and Assistant Executive Director of the Queer and Ally Student Assembly. My involvement with the USC LGBT community showed me just how easy it is to step up to the plate and contribute to a cause that is important to you as long as you have the desire and dedication.   

Any final thoughts on how a new student can get involved?

If you want to get involved, my advice is to step out of your comfort zone. The first attempt is always the hardest, so attending LGBT related events, programs, and meetings is a great way to break the ice. Also, talk to people! I met some of my best friends at QuASA related groups and events. You’ll also meet leaders and members that will be more than willing to give you advice on how to become a participating member of the community or even just how to meet other people with similar ideas and interests.

Emily April Allen is the first supportive Ally in the Queer and Ally Student Assembly's history to be elected as the Executive Director.

Why are you an Ally?

I’ve been an Ally as long as I can remember. I was born into a very diverse family. First of all, we’re very Jewish, and my family lives in Fort Worth, Texas, which doesn’t have the hugest population, so we were different in that respect. But we’re also a very LGBT-friendly family. My parents were always supportive of the queer community, but it wasn’t a huge topic of discussion until my siblings came out—my older brother as gay and my younger sister as a lesbian in their senior years of high school. But in my family, nothing really changed. My siblings expressed their sexual identities, but that was it. We were still the same family, just a little more vocal in exuding rainbow pride.

How did you start your involvement?

When I entered USC, though, I realized I could take my passion for being an Ally and turn it into something…well…useful. I started getting involved in the Queer and Ally Student Assembly, or QuASA (which was called the GLBT Assembly at the time), my freshman year, but only a bit. I stayed where I was comfortable, which was in the member organization JAGS: Jewish Alliance for GLBT’s and Straights. I was president of that organization my sophomore year, which put me on the executive board of QuASA. I wasn’t prepared for how immersed I would get into the inner-workings of the queer community at USC, but after a few months learning about how to program events, my enthusiasm for spreading my pride throughout the USC campus heavily increased. I loved learning about how we as a board could reach out to the LGBT and Ally community through programming, promotion, and positive presentation. I was encouraged to consider applying for the Executive Director position at the end of my sophomore year, and I took it on. I was elected for the 2010-2011 year.

What motivates you to stay involved?

There are many reasons why people may scratch their heads at why a straight, white, Jewish girl would have an interest in heading an entire assembly devoted to the LGBT community. And I understand why people would also question why anyone would elect a straight, white, Jewish girl to head this assembly. But to be honest, I don’t think it was too big an issue.

In my opinion, Allies are a part of the community. I think it’s even more of a reinforcement that the queer community looked past labels and focused on who I was as a person and a leader. No one ever vocally doubted me, and if they did without my knowledge, then I hope that I proved them wrong throughout the course of the year.  As for why I had an interest, it saddens me that this is such a prevalent question. Why does someone have to identify with every part of a community in order to support them? That’s the biggest message I hope I sent to Allies: that you don’t have to identify as LGBT to make a difference in the LGBT community. Allies play a huge role in supporting and advocating for this population, and every voice is important.

Of course, I am personally connected to the community because I am so close to my brother and sister, but that’s just the spark that set off my involvement. I think that everyone can find something that’s important to them and that they’re passionate about and turn it into something bigger. Just like I started out with JAGS, in a space I was comfortable in, it’s important to get out of your comfort zone and do things that make you proud of yourself.

You started The Ally Project.  What is it?

The whole idea of starting small was what inspired me to begin the Ally Project in October 2010. Called “Coming Out as an Ally,” I created this project to acknowledge how much support there really is on this campus, even if people don’t speak about it publicly. With tons of help from some amazing members of the board, I took pictures of over 1000 people, on campus and beyond, holding signs that said “I Am An Ally,” and encouraged people to post pictures of their own on our Facebook group.

This project was an emotional and inspiring experience for me in that it showed how many supporters we had at USC, and how many people were willing to be vocal about it. It also brought together different corners of the USC campus, from cultural groups, to the Greek community, to comedy groups, etc., to join as one. The enthusiasm and support I received from the USC community–students, faculty, and staff–was overwhelming.

This project proved to me, and hopefully all that were involved, how much a little message goes a long way. This is truly what I am most proud of this year, and I hope that it becomes an ongoing tradition. I am looking forward to focusing my attention even more on this project next semester.

Where do you see QuASA in the next five years?

In five years, I hope to see QuASA continue programming diverse events that appeal to a wide range of interests. I also hope that more people become aware of all the events we do put on—we program many, and they are all equally wonderful, but not equally acknowledged! It is due to the amazing efforts of the executive board that these events are possible. People with creative and inspirational minds create a creative and inspirational community.

I also hope to see other Ally directors in the future, or at least more Allies playing crucial roles in promoting acceptance and equality. It’s not about who you like, it’s about who you are—and all you need is motivation for change. Being the director of QuASA was without a doubt the most fulfilling and meaningful experience I’ve had at USC. It is with bittersweet emotions that I pass my position on, but I’m so excited to see all of the new changes that QuASA makes next year!

We’ve all seen the “Real World” before….for those of you who haven’t, this is how it goes…

STEP 1: Get seven (7) strangers, and put them in a house…

STEP 2: Make sure selected group is VARIED….from all walks of life…

STEP 3: Let them run wild…

STEP 4: Watch…

By following these steps carefully, you can make your own “Real World” experience…for better or for worse…

Why am I going over the “Real World’s” generic plot structure? It’s because I lived it this past summer. It’s now the new year…let me rewind rewind about 7 months ago…

MIDDLE OF MAY…

I’m sick…I get better…time to go…The excitement which was mounting up 2 months prior to May had surprisingly passed come May 27^th. It was Thursday. I would embark on my 25-hour journey to Shanghai at 10:35 that night. Packing…waiting….last meal, I think it was pizza.

At the airport, I start to get exicted…and a little nervous. My family accompanies me to the gate. I give them a big hug, knowing that it would be two months before I ever got to hug them again.

I go through security…a breeze. I’m flying with my friend, Reem, also a Global Fellow. She’s busy organizing med school apps…I listen to music.

They start to call the different row sections for seating. I look out the window. A huge plane with two engines on each side. I walk down the jetway and see the fluorescent lights zooming past me as I walk on. I get inside…there’s two floors. Find my seat, and look out the window.

After everyone’s seated, I feel the plane leaving the terminal. That’s when it hits me. Whether I liked it or not, I was now on my way to Shanghai. No matter how hard I begged, the plane would not return back for me. I was in for the journey of a lifetime. Time ‘til return: roughly two months.

25 HOURS LATER (including a 5.5 hr. layover in Manila)…

I’m in Shanghai…

Initial thoughts…

Pudong Intl. Airport is huge, the drive into the city…exciting to say the least, in the city….it was the year 2020, or at least looked like it.

After…I find my room. 30^th floor. Skyscrapers for miles. I see the Pearl Tower from my window. It glimmers at night…the whole city does. Cars zooming by on Yan’An Elevated Road…Shanghai…it hits me.

It would take me at least 200 pgs. to describe, explain, try to communicate all the things I did in China over the summer and the impact of being surrounded, enveloped, immersed in a culture TOTALLY dissimilar than mine for two months. I’ll try to give you highlights…

FOOD, Zhujiajiao, Clubbing, Exploring, Lights, Work, Travel, Learning, Reflection, Tiananmen Square, Great Wall, Friends….

I have given China no justice. My trip cannot be explained by merely writing it in a blog, nor can it be fully understood by reading it.

For formality sake, I’ll tell you what I did over the summer…internship wise. I was a co-founder in the launching of Paparazzi Sweets in China. A new candy store…and I helped build it up from scratch.

Cool internship, awesome adventures, priceless experiences. I’ve led you up to China (describing the journey there)….Figure out what it’s like to actually BE there…

It’s called the Global Fellows Program. It’s through the Career Center, downstairs in the Student Union. Best of all, it’s all-expenses paid. Just bring pocket money. Not limited to China….they also have locations in Tokyo, Hong Kong, etc.…CHECK IT OUT! I believe applications are due in November…so GET ON IT! You’re already on the computer…type in “global fellows USC” in google or something…learn about it, apply…GO! You won’t regret it!

-Marshall Wilson

USC Global Fellow 2010

Shanghai

RetailCo Inc.

At November’s University of California Institute for Research in the Arts conference, the emphasis was on college courses that couldn’t be planned out according to set syllabi and fixed course objectives, because students were expected to be co-creators of the classes in which they often found themselves enrolled. Whether capitalizing on emergent interactions with online or offline communities, such courses defy predictability, because the students on the class roster aren’t the only participants in a new generation of service learning courses that take advantage of social media technologies. For example, at the Otis College of Art and Design, a course like neighborgapbridge might begin with a shopping list on the first day of class, progress to a trip to the grocery store around the corner, and end with a cookout at the local park. Of course, the basic questions that neighborgapbridge explores are ones rarely posed in a traditional lecture hall: “Can artists + designers collaborate + assume the role of ethnographers to investigate their neighbors? Can they identify ‘gaps’ in communication and propose ‘bridges’ to connect them?” Half-way through the semester, professors allow for the big “student takeover” to take place, and then they sit back to observe what happens. The Student-Based Creative Exchange at UC Santa Barbara turns the curriculum entirely over to students, who might choose sewing, welding, and button making over conventional reading, writing, and research activities. One of the most enthusiastic proponents of this new form of anarchic digital-oriented project-based service learning is Mark Marino of the University of Southern California. Last year Marino’s students signed up for a summer semester of a required writing course but ended up creating SOS Classroom.

Students Show Concern for Education, Disadvantaged Youth

As Marino explains it, the project emerged out of a rapidly unfolding news event:

To read the entire blog post, click here.

Coming out of the closet seems to be a major issue among many homosexuals to feel comfortable with their lives. However, imagine being confused about your sexuality while living in a nation where consensual sex between two people is subject to capital punishment. In Iran, sex between two homosexuals is punishable by death.

Throughout its 30-year history, the Islamic Republic of Iran has expressed hostility toward the gay and lesbian community not just to the people of Iran, but to those around the world as well. It is not uncommon to hear a cleric during Friday prayers in a mosque, where brotherly and sisterly love is supposed to be preached, attack homosexuals. Iran has had a long history of human rights violations. Mainly, people of religious minority communities that exclude Judaism and Christianity are outcast and denied educational rights. Well-known Ayatollahs, government officials, and appointed heads of state further spread messages of hate to human rights by proclaiming that gay marriage is a reflection of weakness among the Western states. We all know that the Iranian government has always chastised America since its inception.

Locals affairs such as gay marriage may still be a concern to homosexuals in Western countries like ours but people must remember a time when coming out of the closet itself seemed like an abnormality.It may take a long time before the gay marriage issue is settled however I believe that the most basic of human rights which allow a person to live without hurting others around them should be defended.

One such example of an innocent execution was that of a 24 and 25 year old youth in November 2005. Their story of human rights violations is not the only one. In fact, the hanging of gay people is available for public viewing to spread a hateful message of discouragement to anyone who is gay to live a legal lifestyle.

Unfortunately the law is so flexible in Iran that a ruling cleric or “a just judge” is allowed to interpret the definition of anything found offensive by an Iranian policeman. These two youth were accused of kidnapping, rape, and sodomy. When a government is belligerently unjust in administering justice for the safety of its citizens, how will it sustain itself without outrage from its own people?

The LGBT community in the Western states is waiting to see more results from the president’s decisions on whether or not to support gay marriage. Many people of the Iranian community in the United States with whom I speak to are awaiting for the president to improve his performance on making a clearer statement to Iran that human rights must be obeyed. While the LGBT awaits for more action on issues at the local level, perhaps the actions will send a clear message of concern to the president that he should take action in stopping the homosexual genocide in Iran. I hear young Iranians always getting complimented by people of other races. Perhaps we can increase the unity, diversity, and good relations amongst the people of our world by protecting one another from injustice.

Pictures From An Execution Come Into Focus

 

 And another thing:

When “the president” of Iran proclaimed “We don’t have gays” in front of an intellectual audience of Columbia University students who laughed at his remark, it made me think if he was in denial of either a.) being gay or b.) really having gays in his country.

A seemed like the more logical choice however, I was concerned once I noticed that homosexuality is punishable by death in Iran, in an effort to eradicate itself from what it believes as ”impurities”. Did the president of Iran try to say that Iran doesn’t have gays….anymore? I wonder because 10% of the world’s population is gay, according to statistics, which includes people of every race, creed, gender, etc…

First of all be yourself (if it worked at your previous college, chances are it will work at SC). Second, get involved. I wouldn’t have the amazing friends I have if it wasn’t for my involvement in the LGBT community. I am not advising that you become a member of every club just to make friends. However, USC offers numerous clubs and volunteer opportunities and one of them is sure to take up your interest. Join a club that catches your eye. You will meet people who share similar interest as you which could lead to some of the best times of your life. Third, don’t be afraid to talk to people in your class (no one is listening to the professor anyway). People here are extremely friendly and are always open to meeting new people. You can never have too many friends it might take time, but sure enough you will be enjoying the truly amazing social life that University of Southern California offers!

My first year at USC as a LGBT transfer student wasn’t as lonely as I thought it would be. There are no specific LGBT groups that help transfer students adjust, but in all honesty you don’t need it. There is a special interest floor called the “Rainbow Floor” where the doors are always open if you need someone to talk to, play guitar hero with, or watch America’s Next Top Model.

The Welcome Back BBQ is a great way to meet new people and see familiar faces that you will see throughout the year. In addition to the other popular events, the weekly U-Rap meeting is another great way to meet people, voice your opinion on LGBT related issues while, and learn new things. I could go on forever, but like I previously said everyone has a different approach when it comes to adjusting to new things so just do whatever you feel comfortable with. Explore, explore, explore! Chances are USC offers many LGBT clubs and events that your previous school and high school did being that we are rated among the top LGBT friendly campus.

Apart from being involved in the LGBT community, I also got involved with things that are major related. I joined the concert committee, music industry club, and attending various events on campus. A little off topic, but if LGBT issues and events don’t interest you then get involved in things you feel passionate about. Who says just because you are LGBT means you have to attend every protest and be super involved? You also don’t need LGBT friends to help you adjust or make transfer life easier and there are other ways to meet LGBT students. You just need people you feel comfortable and have a good time with.

Just remember as a transfer LGBT student here at the amazing University of Southern California you are never alone. You will have help from getting the grade, to making friends, and making great connection in the LGBT community that can last a lifetime. Of course it will take some effort on your end, don’t be afraid to step in and make you time here one that you will never forget!

Armando Quiroz, former Resident Advisor for the Rainbow Floor, and Deshawn Helmick, former co-chair of FAB

As you’ve doubtlessly heard from any parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, legal guardian, piraguero (shaved ice vendor), locksmith or counselor who’s done the undergrad thing, “College is what you make it.” It’s as if every diploma issued comes with the solemn obligation to dispense these words at every turn, to every incoming freshman or any person who looks remotely college-bound. In a break from the convention of conventional wisdom, however, these words appear to be true. Most unusual, no? College ‘is what you make it’ insofar as you can decide your own level of involvement; choose to pursue as many or as few interests as you like; spread yourself thin (imagine a bagel with a fine coating of schmear) or centralize your energies (visualize, if you will, a heaping dollop of sour cream atop nachos).

Reaching back into the many memories from my own first-year experience—all the way back to the 2008-2009 academic year—I believe there’s something to be said for spreading yourself a little thin…at least at first. The transition to la vie universitaire isn’t one anyone should have to make alone, but there’s no reason anyone should have to. For those first few weeks (if not months, perhaps), everyone’s a new kid. Feel free to explore things you wouldn’t have previously. A lot of students who weren’t at all involved in their high school Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) find that LGBT life at USC is too good to pass up.

The University of Southern California is…a university – that’s some real talk. As with any university, there is always going to be an intramural team you can join, a student-run publication to which you can contribute or an improv group for which you can audition. However, USC’s Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Assembly (GLBTA) and its subsidiary student organizations truly constitute some of the most remarkable and, frankly, bad-ass attributes of the University.

FAB, the Freshman Advocacy Board, caters specifically to the needs of LGBT first-years. More often than not, those needs are straightforward: meeting people and finding stuff to do. Admittedly, FAB isn’t the most activist of the campus’ LGBT student orgs, but civil rights and equality will always need advocating and campaigning for: socializing is a pressing need too, especially for first-years. FAB is a great jumping-off point for anyone new to ‘SC—freshman and transfer alike. Show up to a meeting and see how you like it. Show up to a few more meetings and have your say in how the titanic sums of money USC reserves for all things gay gets shoveled around. It’s a “budget,” but in name alone.

Meetings of the umbrella-organization GLBTA are good for getting to know the heads of the GLBTA many “member orgs.” At GLBTA meetings, the Executive Board members of all the subsidiary groups report on what their particular organization has been up to and is planning for the future. Groups represented include the Ally Alliance; Genesis 9:13, an LGBT bible-study group; JAGS, the Jewish Alliance of Gays and Straights; the confidential discussion group uRap; EMRI, an organization campaigning for marriage equality; and more.

General advice: Pipe up if ever you have something interesting to say. Get as many G.E.s out of the way as you can early on, unless you were celestially predestined to be a psych major or whatever. If you see someone you know around campus with someone you don’t know, go say “hi!” Mutual friends are the easiest to make. Don’t overdo it with Campus Cruiser, just because you’re a Trojan doesn’t mean you’re no longer ambulatory. Explore Los Angeles!…and while you’re at it, Go Metro®. Be free with your meals and frugal with your Dining Dollars—the latter are as fleeting as the imagined buzz from self-fermented grape juice. If you want to, do it. If you might want to, do it. If you don’t want to, don’t do it.

At USC, LGBT students enjoy access to a wealth of resources: resources for making friends, making connections and making the grade. I’m happy to report that these benefits kick in ‘day one’ of your first year. So whenever you’re walking across our gorgeous University Park Campus thinking it’s a good day to be Trojan…remember it’s a better day to be a gay one.