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PFSA Newsletter, Volume 09, Black History Month & Month of the Womxn, February 2021
PFSA
Greetings, PFSA! First, Happy New Year. I hope you have settled into Spring 2021 and that you are all finding harmony amidst the state of the world. This newsletter is special because we are celebrating the current Black History Month and the upcoming Month of the Womxn. Within PFSA, our value of community acknowledges and uplifts the intersection of queer black communities and transgender and gender diverse people. As society continues to evolve (in spite of what seems like resistance from those in opposition), the acknowledgement of queer black leaders, queer womxn, gender diverse, and a combination of one or more of these identities, within pivotal moments in our country has become more widely known. Breaking down stigma and educating others through visibility is so important. While I know that it is not possible for everyone to share their story because of safety or because they are questioning, the more we remember those before us who helped catapult the LGBTQ+ movement forward, the more real it becomes for our younger black, brown, and gender queer family to feel loved and be themselves openly. These next couple of months, find time to pause, to attach yourself to an organization in support of these communities, or even watch a documentary to learn something you didn’t know. As always, PFSA is here to support you.
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PFSA Newsletter, Volume 08, Holiday Wishes, November 2020
PFSA
How quickly the year has gone by! As we prepare to celebrate the holidays in this new normal, please remember to make choices that will keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. We are all in this together. The PFSA is also aware that during this time it can be especially difficult for those of us who may not have a family to go home to, so be kind to yourself and consider hosting a zoom celebration so that you can stay connected to your chosen family and friends. Human connection, especially for the LGBTQ+ community, is critical to survival and emotional/mental well-being. Looking back on fall 2020, we have all weathered through a lot, but we see you and we are here to support you and connect you to any UCF or community resources you might need. Even if just an email, feel free to reach out and stay connected to your PFSA council. We will see you in the spring and are looking forward to continuing virtual PFSA gatherings.
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PFSA Newsletter, Volume 07, LGBTQ History Month, October 2020
PFSA
Welcome to Fall 2020: A different world at UCF. I want to commend you for making it through the summer and for charging through the fall, albeit changes around us. The PFSA is here and continues to be committed to LGBTQ+ needs by raising awareness and celebrating who we are. I also want to acknowledge this summer’s monumental SCOTUS ruling that the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits sex discrimination, applies to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Moving forward the newsletters will be coming out every other month, and what better way to start than during LGBTQ+ History Month? Although pride month looked different this year, let us focus our energy during LGBTQ+ History Month toward continuing to learn from and support our black, brown, and transgender communities. There are so many influential queer leaders locally, nationally, and globally who have done the great work to create inclusion for LGBTQ+ communities. This October, we once again honor their legacies so they are known throughout UCF and beyond.
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PFSA Newsletter, Volume 05, Black History Month, February 2020
PFSA
February is Black History Month, and as we recognize past and present struggles of the Black community, we also celebrate Black excellence. The Black community is rich with history, identities, cultures, all of which include those who are LGBTQ+. Sometimes in underrepresented communities, the intersection of queer identity is erased, but we should always try to tell the full truth of an individual’s story to broaden minds and to educate. From Bayard Rustin, to Martha P. Johnson, to Wanda Sykes, to Frank Ocean, to Janet Mock, there are political and public figures who have revolutionized ways of thinking in our country. We must also keep raising awareness about the violence, laws, and systems that continue to marginalize Black men, Black women, and Black trans/non-binary people. Join us this month as we reflect on Black excellence and continue to lift our voices for those who are also LGBTQ+.
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PFSA Newsletter, Volume 04, Happy New Year!!, January 2020
PFSA
Happy 2020 and welcome back to UCF. This semester we are committed to continuing partnerships, organizing community events and meaningful programs, as well as, helping to create action related to LGBTQ+ community needs at UCF. Within the next few months, we will be meeting as a membership to look toward the spring semester. I hope you had a restful break and that you found ways to re-energize for all that is to come.
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PFSA Newsletter. Volume 03, Using Self Care, November 2019
PFSA
This month I am inviting you to practice self care. Often times we get caught up in the everyday hustle and forget that we are beings who need to pause and do the work to be more whole. As someone who is a part of the LGBTQ+ community, learning to love myself did not come through the validation of others. Instead, it was being open to counseling, introspection, and leaning on my chosen family who wrapped me with love every time I had to face one of my fears. As the holidays approach and there is time to reflect, remember to be easy on yourself and to embrace the support of those around you. Whether it be your family, your chosen family, your friends, your therapist, or your partner—find what makes you happy and gives you peace. Allow for space to heal and love who you are where you can. While I know this is easier said than done for some of us within the LGBTQ+ communities, remember that PFSA is here to support and listen.
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PFSA Newsletter, Volume 02, LGBTQ History Month installment, October 2019
PFSA
LGBTQ+ history month is a reminder of all those that came before me who were brave enough to be out and proud when the world rejected them. Their bravery inspired change and created visibility across political and social platforms. This month also reminds me that we still have long strides ahead to ensure protection and equal rights to all the communities in the LGBTQ+ spectrum; in particular our transgender and gender queer communities. Above all, this month makes me joyful that we have such a rich history of resilience and fills me with pride to be living my authentic truth.
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PFSA Newsletter, Volume 01, Our first installment!, September 2019
PFSA
Welcome back to a new academic year! My name is Justin Andrade and I’m the Pride Faculty and Staff Association (PFSA) President. I am ready for an exciting and active year with the PFSA. Our goals as the PFSA Council 2019-2020 are to engage new and existing members through general body meetings, develop community partnerships, create innovative programs and leadership positions, and of course, to be a positive support for our LGBTQ+ students through LGBTQ+ Services’ Alliance Mentoring Program and PFSA scholarship opportunities. Our newly appointed leadership has committed to addressing the needs of the LGBTQ+ faculty and staff community through honest and collaborative dialogue at all levels of the university. Thanks to the hard work of the PFSA Council, we are bringing back a monthly newsletter to keep you up to date. We hope you enjoy our first installment and we look forward to seeing you and accomplishing great things together.