Celebrating Niner PRIDE
Pride Month is a time to celebrate the experiences and achievements of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) communities, while acknowledging and participating in the work still to be done for equality.
As members of Niner Nation have celebrated Pride Month in various ways, we wanted to take a moment to highlight two Niners and reflect on their experiences, in our campus, Charlotte, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Meet David
David Buckner is a sophomore studying pre-nursing and health systems management here at UNC Charlotte. While David is connected to various clubs and organizations on and off-campus, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions is lucky to have him on our Visit Team as a Niner Guide. Can you share about your experience being in the LGBTQ+ communities at UNC Charlotte?
Being a part of the LBGTQ+ communities at UNC Charlotte has been wonderful!
I am from a very small town that is not very accepting and coming to Charlotte I have not only found people like me, but I have been able to embrace who I truly am.
How have you felt supported as an LGBTQ+ student at UNC Charlotte, or in the city of Charlotte?
I have felt more supported for being a gay man at UNC Charlotte and in the city of Charlotte than I have ever been in my life.
UNC Charlotte professors have never once made comments or acted differently towards me for my identity, clubs I have joined have had meetings talking about how to be a true ally to the LGBTQ+ communities, and I have been truly embraced by the student body.
In the city of Charlotte, I have found multiple organizations that have been true allies to the community, found support through companies during pride month and beyond, and have seen the representation of my own community throughout the city.
One event that brings UNC Charlotte and the city of Charlotte together would be the Pride Parade. The Pride Parade is truly a special event to people like me as it shows just how much the community cares for us.
What does Pride Month mean to you?
Pride Month means being accepted and heard. Moreover, it means that the community around us sees the need for growth in regards to the legislation and treatment of LGBTQ+ communities.
Lastly, Pride month is truly impactful for me because I get to thank the people who paved the way for me, especially black transgender women.
David was kind enough to also share some advice with LGBTQ+ students who plan to attend UNC Charlotte:
Meet Bianca
Bianca Munoz is a junior studying music education and international studies here at UNC Charlotte. Similar to David, Bianca stays busy by being involved in multiple clubs and organizations on campus. Once again, our office is grateful to have her on our Visit Team as a Niner Guide.
Can you share about your experience being in the LGBTQ+ communities at UNC Charlotte?
I have felt supported as an LGBTQ+ student through the classes I have taken! With my minor in Women’s and Gender Studies, I have been able to learn so much about queer history and different identities, and even outside of this minor, I have taken various courses, like a liberal studies course about music, where I was able to learn about queer musicians and how their identities influence their art.
As a music education student, I find it so important and very encouraging that I have been able to learn about LGBTQ+ musicians and see that representation so that I can be best prepared to support my future students.
How have you felt supported as an LGBTQ+ student at UNC Charlotte, or in the city of Charlotte?
There are a variety of ways that I have felt embraced as an LGBTQ+ student at UNC Charlotte. I joined Queer Year 1 my freshman year, and I felt so encouraged by the fact that I could make friends with so many other LGBTQ+ students on campus.
I also had the opportunity to participate in Charlotte Pride and march in the parade through a program with Office of Identity, Equity, and Engagement (IEE), which was especially meaningful to me because the event took place my first week living on campus, so I felt embraced by the community as soon as I arrived on campus.
Additionally, Bianca has some advice to share with LGBTQ+ students who plan to attend UNC Charlotte:
At UNC Charlotte, we value David, Bianca, and all other members of Niner Nation who are also members of the LGBTQ+ communities. We recognize that their voices and experiences enrich our University as a whole and we strive to amplify and support them.
If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ communities at UNC Charlotte, we celebrate you! We hope you find our campus to be a welcoming environment, one in which you feel at home.
Whether you are a new Niner, prospective student, or parent of a Future 49er, we hope you share our enthusiasm for diversity! Happy Pride Month!
For more information about campus and community resources offered to members of the LGBTQ+ communities, visit Inside UNC Charlotte.
For information about Charlotte Pride’s Annual Celebration, view the schedule of in-person events here.