Diversity Rules Magazine

12|Diversity Rules Magazine | May 2023 Campus Pride is launching a storytelling campaign for 2023 that centers the experiences of LGBTQ+ col- lege students. Current students, recent alumni, and campus faculty and staff are encouraged to submit stories about their own experiences at campuspride. org/shareyourstory. "Sharing our stories has always been part of the fab- ric of Campus Pride," said Campus Pride Founder, CEO and Execu ve Director Shane Mendez Windmeyer. "With this campaign, we are naming storytelling as a key strategy for movement building and invi ng LG- BTQ+ students to share the work that they are doing on campus and the challenges that they are facing." Stories are powerful advocacy tools. By providing a glimpse into the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ stu- dents, stories help others visualize and understand the reali es of campus life. Compelling narra ves can move allies to take ac on—and help to change the minds of people who have not thought of them- selves as allies. At the same me, current and pro- spec ve college students can be empowered and emboldened when they see themselves reflected in the stories of their peers and recognize that they are part of a larger story and community of changemak- ers. "The work these young leaders, advocates and ac v- ists are doing on their campuses and in their com- muni es is vitally important—both for the current genera on of college students and for those who will follow them," said Windmeyer. "By sharing their stories, we want to li up their efforts and honor the courage they exhibit by working for change in a cli- mate where LGBTQ people are under a ack on and off campus." One way Campus Pride is weaving storytelling into its work this year is by invi ng Camp Pride alumni and guest speakers like Eureka O'Hara (from HBO's Emmy Award-winning "We're Here" and RuPaul's Drag Race) to share their stories with a endees at Camp Pride, which will be held in Charlo e, N.C., July 12-16, 2023. Registra on is open for both Camp Pride's Student Leadership Academy and the Advi- sor Academy for advisors, faculty, staff, graduate stu- dents and other professionals who support LGBTQ+ college students. Campus Pride encourages anyone who is interested in a ending to register soon at campuspride.org/camppride; the early registra on discount has been extended through April 30 and a few scholarships remain available. The Share Your Story campaign is generously sup- ported by Campus Pride's ongoing partnership with Victoria's Secret PINK. PINK has provided vital sup- port for numerous Campus Pride projects since 2021, including funding scholarships for Camp Pride. ABOUT CAMPUS PRIDE Since 2001, Campus Pride has been the leading na- onal organiza on dedicated to building future LG- BTQ and ally leaders and crea ng safer communi es at colleges and universi es. Learn more at Campus- Pride.org. Share Your Story Campaign Storytelling campaign Centers the Experiences of LGBTQ+ College Students.

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