The Hill needs an LGBT-themed floor, as it would create a forum for discussion of identity

More than 15 years ago, UCLA established the LGBT Campus Resource Center. It was ahead of the curve at the time, and UCLA was ranked No. 1 along with 18 other colleges by the Campus Pride index of colleges as a gay-friendly campus in 2010.

But UCLA has not maintained the positive environment its ranking would suggest, as it is one of two UC campuses without an LGBT-themed housing option. UCLA should continue to be on the front lines of LGBT rights and should encourage acceptance by introducing an LGBT-themed housing option.

The current lack of such options has not gone unnoticed by students.

Juan Espinoza, a second-year political science student, said though the campus has facilities for educating students on LGBT issues, the Hill has shown a lack of growth in this area.

Jewel Pereyra, a third-year women’s and gender studies student, who is also a resident assistant, said she has heard similar complaints, not only from residents, but other resident assistants as well.

Both Pereyra and Espinoza are part of a group of nine students who are in the process of lobbying for an LGBTQQIAA-themed floor, called the Progressive Floor Initiative. This floor’s title encompasses the categories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, allied and asexual students. The Progressive Floor Initiative aims to establish the floor as an option for undergraduates by fall of 2013.

The effort of this group of students is commendable. UCLA presents diversity as a central facet of the True Bruin spirit. These students are both opening the campus up to diverse lifestyles and taking initiative in creating a space for those lifestyles.

Espinoza said the group has been in contact with various professors from the LGBT studies department at UCLA, some of which have agreed to provide the floor with the occasional lecture to encourage education on LGBT issues.

Students are given the opportunity to study all facets of their identities on campus, but as of now, students who identify as LGBTQQIAA may not be able to find the time to take classes to explore that side of their personality, especially if their major is not specific to that subject. The themed floor will provide an alternate learning environment, where students can expand their knowledge of LGBTQQIAA issues in a non-classroom setting.

The LGBTQQIAA theme would join a host of five other themes that are currently on UCLA’s campus, including the Chicano/Chicana Latino/Latina studies, Afrikan Diaspora studies and sustainable living themes.

The aim of the floor is not to erase the individual identities of these students and lump together all nine groups. Its purpose is to establish an LGBTQQIAA presence on the Hill, so that ignorance of the community does not persist. Students who take notice of the new themed floor may feel inspired to educate themselves on the nine different sub-communities living there.

The floor would seek to override these stereotypes and misunderstandings. Jasmin Williams, a second-year undeclared student, who is also a member of the Progressive Floor Initiative and is active in queer student groups, said the aim of the floor would not only be to cater to the needs of those who identify as queer and gay, but also those who identify as allies, as well. She said the floor is intended to reach out to all those who are interested.

Raja Bhattar, director of the LGBT Campus Resource Center, said he supported the initiative. He said though UCLA is consistently ranked as an LGBT-inclusive campus, part of an educator’s role is to provide a space where students feel supported and challenged to explore their multiple identities in a way that is safe.

Being with other LGBTQQIAA-interested students on a daily basis will encourage a forum for residents of the floor to express themselves and their thoughts. The education gathered from this kind of engagement will empower students who identify as LGBTQQIAA to defend themselves against prejudices outside of the UCLA bubble.

The LGBTQQIAA-themed floor is not about segregation or exclusivity. It seeks to follow the example of the current Chicano/Chicana Latino/Latina floor and the Afrikan Diaspora floor which are modeled after student identity, but do not discriminate when it comes to accepting any and all interested students. The floor is about education for everyone, not just those who fall under the stereotypical “gay” umbrella.

Every student should consider the value of living in a specialized community that recognizes the importance of understanding one’s own identity, as well as the identities of others. This is a higher education institution, and learning need not stop the moment we step over our thresholds.

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