U of A Offices Collaborate to Host Event for International LGBQT-Plus Community

The International Students & Scholars Office is excited to collaborate with Counseling & Psychological Services, the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education and the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to host an event for the international LGBTQ+ community and their allies from 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, in the Holcombe Hall Living Room.

This event is designed as a safe, educational opportunity for international undergraduate and graduate students of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to learn about campus resources that are available for international LGBTQ+ students. This event will also include conversations about study abroad experiences.

Staff and students from the U of A celebrate at the Fayetteville Pride Parade in June 2021.

The groups also hope to support newly arrived international students to find community while networking with other LGBTQ+ and ally students and professional staff on campus. Krishen Samuel, a doctoral student and Fulbright Scholar from South Africa who is an integral part of the planning, said leaders will discuss unique challenges and cultural adjustments that students might face at the U of A.

Assistant director in ISS, Nami Bagirimvano, said, "Diversity, equity and inclusion topics are very important within the field of international education, and we'd like to be more present and visible for international LGBTQ+ students, staff and faculty and be part of the support system."

Gonzalo J. Camp, mental health clinician and outreach coordinator, said that advocating for the needs of underrepresented students is one of the cornerstones of diversity work at Pat Walker Health Center and CAPS. "Creating this safe space for our LGBTQ+ students is paramount to help them feel welcomed and allow them to live the experience of belonging to our campus," he said. Camp, who is originally from Argentina, has served as an advocate and mental health resource for international students and scholars.

Anthony DiNicola, inclusion liaison for the Office of the Chancellor and coordinator of cultural communities, emphasized the importance of including all members of the LGBTQ+ community. "As we launch the expansion of the Multicultural Center to include our Cultural Identity Centers," he said, "it is important to celebrate, support and value this incredible group of intersectional individuals."