CSUN Men's Soccer Celebrates Pride Night on Oct. 12

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. --- The CSUN Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) and men's soccer program, in collaboration with the CSUN Pride Center, will host a Pride Night as part of the match against Cal State Fullerton at Matador Soccer Field on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. As part of the event, t-shirts will be given out to fans and there will be information about the Pride Center and other resources available on CSUN's campus.

The CSUN Pride Center supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning students, faculty and staff through programming and educational outreach to improve the campus climate at CSUN for LGBTQ individuals as well as advocate for the respect and safety of all members of the campus community. They can be reached at pride@csun.edu and 818-677-4355.

"This is the first Pride Night that the Pride Center and CSUN Athletics are partnering on this year and we are excited about promoting inclusiveness across the CSUN campus and at athletic events," said Sarina Loeb, the Director of the Pride Center. "The idea came from a former intern who wanted to help build a relationship between the Pride Center and the CSUN athletic department. The Los Angeles Dodgers and LA Galaxy have both hosted similar events as have other campuses across the country and CSUN wanted to be a part of that. It was great to be involved in the Ally Training with the CSUN men's soccer team. I think the student-athletes left with a great sense of empathy as to coming out to family and friends and being true to one's self." 8026

The Pride Center is located in the University Student Union Sol Center, second floor and is open throughout the day for CSUN community members. The men's soccer program went through Ally training with the Pride Center. The presentation focused on inclusion, respect and dignity for all members of the CSUN community.

"The training was about understanding the process of coming out and we went over a lot of the terms and vocabulary associated with the LGBTQ community and this event," CSUN senior defender and team captain Patrick Hickman said. "I think we all learned to be more inclusive of all people and to embrace all backgrounds. We did a few activities that put us into the role of someone who has come out to their family and friends. The training really opened our eyes to how hard that it can be and how it changes a person's life."

The match with the Titans comes one day after the 28th anniversary of "National Coming Out Day" and continues to promote a safe world for LGBTQ individuals to live truthfully and openly.

CSUN's chapter of Gamma Rho Lambda, the first queer-based, progressive, all-inclusive sorority on campus, will also be present at the match to hand out information. Additionally, CSUN's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Alliance (LGBTQA) will also be tabling and providing resources at the event.

SAAC is comprised of student-athletes from all of the Matadors' 19 NCAA Division I athletic programs. They meet on a monthly basis to plan and coordinate philanthropic ventures for the department and programs throughout the year.

CSUN Men's Soccer Celebrates Pride Night on Oct. 12

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