Students and their families had the opportunity to interact with colleges and universities that value lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and ally individuals at the West Coast Campus Pride College Admission Fair earlier this month.

The fair, a free and public event, featured colleges across the country that demonstrate a commitment to LGBT values by participating in the LGBT-Friendly Campus Climate Index. The fair was held at the San Diego LGBT Community Center in Hillcrest on April 18.

Promoting SDSU

San Diego State University actively participated in the event to promote awareness and visibility of its LGBT and ally resources, programs and organizations on campus to prospective students.

The event served as a useful tool for high school students and youth groups to familiarize themselves with colleges that identify as LGBT-friendly, as well as getting to know what the campus offers in terms of academic and student life, policies, campus safety, housing and counseling services.

Queer Aztecs and allies

SDSU Director of Diversity Aaron Bruce represented SDSU at this year's college fair, along with students from LGBT organizations on campus, including the multicultural queer-based sorority Gamma Rho Lambda.

According to Bruce, LGBT recruitment and retention efforts are one of many university-wide diversity initiatives, and these types of outreach opportunities allow SDSU to connect with prospective students and their families early on.

About the fair

Campus Pride Admission Fairs are hosted by Campus Pride, the only national, nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBT students.

For more information, please visit the Campus Pride website.