In a secluded area of the Memorial Union lies a room that, for many, means much more than its four walls. UND’s Pride Center is a place on campus that’s dedicated to encouraging inclusivity and support at the university, and its value to the campus and our community should not go unnoticed. 

UND’s Pride Center was founded in 2017 by a group of students looking to create a safe space on campus where LGBTQ+ individuals could seek refuge, and today, it still serves as such. The Pride Center has grown into something that’s much more than just a spot on campus; it offers education, resources, and events that are meant to raise awareness and build confidence in LGBTQ+ individuals here in the area. 

One valuable aspect of the Pride Center is the educational opportunities for faculty, staff, and students. The center’s team organizes facilitated workshops to help develop skills in creating and encouraging safe environments for LGBTQ+ individuals. Just a few of the workshops include a Gender Identity and Exploration Workshop on November 15th and the Allyship in Action Workshop on November 17th.  

The center also provides online learning modules for people to gain knowledge, awareness and understanding. These modules can be found on the Pride Center’s website and are available for anyone interested in becoming more educated on LGBTQ+ subjects.   

Additionally, the Pride Center offers a newsletter and blog to share updates, whether that be news about events or academic reminders for university students. 

One valuable opportunity for students is the weekly study table that the center holds. On Mondays and Tuesdays from 4pm to 7pm, students are welcome to visit the study table, and it serves as a chance for students to connect with peers and hold themselves accountable for academics all at once.  

As for other upcoming events available to students, the center will be having a Pride Center Spa Day on November 16th. Their website says of this event, “De-stress with DIY self-care and destress items in a relaxing, stress-free environment.” With classes and midterms, this is another chance for students to connect with peers while also allowing themselves a chance to rest and reset.  

Throughout Transgender Awareness Week, from November 13th to November 20th, the center will be honoring the International Transgender Day of Remembrance by setting up a display to honor victims of trans-related violence and abuse. This display will be “located outside of the Pride Center and Student Diversity & Inclusion in Memorial Union 200.” This display serves as a powerful homage to many, and it is worth checking out once it is set up this year.  

While these are many opportunities and events offered by UND’s Pride Center, they aren’t the only ones. To find more information and updates regarding the center, their website is @UND>edu/pridecenter.  

Ava Stockstad is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].