He is dedicated to understanding the powers that shape our civilization, and how young countries such as the U.S. Since completing his master’s degree in international relations and politics at the School of Global Policy & Strategy, Xu would like to pursue a career with a think tank or an international organization involving outreach and research. Xu’s key messages centered on his strong mission to make a difference in the United States and defend U.S. Xu was chosen by peers to be the Rainbow Graduation student keynote speaker “I’m over the moon I was excited to have the chance,” he said. “It’s a place where everybody can show their most vulnerable sides and truly be themselves.” “There are no strangers at the LGBT Resource Center,” said Xu.
Graduate student Emerson Xu recalls feeling instant belonging when he first visited the center. Some bonds were forged among residents of the LGBTQIA+ Living Learning Community, while others developed strong friendships-or even life partnerships-as interns at the LGBT Resource Center. Though representing many identities within the queer community, a warm sense of connection emanated around the room during the event. Graduate student Emerson Xu was chosen by peers to be the Rainbow Graduation student keynote speaker and shared that he would like to make a difference in the United States. Each graduate was recognized individually, including details about their UC San Diego involvement and future plans, and received a certificate and rainbow-colored tassel to embellish their cap at All Campus Commencement. Simmons and Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Becky R. Khosla, Executive Vice Chancellor Elizabeth H. The celebration included remarks from Chancellor Pradeep K. “So many folks are taking what they learned here and giving it back to their community, which is incredible.”
“The best part of the event was hearing about each student's favorite memories and where they are going next after reflecting on what they gained from being part of UC San Diego’s LGBTQIA+ community,” said Shaun Travers, director of the LGBT Resource Center. The event, called Rainbow Graduation, was hosted by the university’s LGBT Resource Center to honor the achievements of 115 undergraduate and graduate students. Khosla speaking at Rainbow Graduation.īrightly colored streamers marked the way to the Stage Room on Saturday morning where a record number of graduates who identify as LGBTQIA+ gathered to celebrate the completion of their UC San Diego degree. Celebrations of PrideĬhancellor Pradeep K. Photos by Erik Jepsen, University Communications. Time will tell if a Jewish mitpachat, or headscarf, brand will follow suit, creating their own LGBTQ-supporting rainbow hued headscarf.Kaitlyn Avila, a former LGBT Resource Center intern and current student assistant in the Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, receives her celebratory certificate upon completion of her degrees in communication and international studies. The company’s founder, Azahn Munas, told the Gay Times, “Our campaign aims to highlight the diversity of crowds who attend the Sydney Mardi Gras each year, which includes members of the LGBTQ community and their many supporters and allies…We also wanted to celebrate the diverse nature of our fans, who range from trendy Muslim ‘hijabsters’ to festival goers to drag queens, who all love our bold and colourful designs.”Īccording to their site, MOGA is a brand that, “prides itself on creating innovative fashion that is unique, bold, and daring, celebrating its wearer’s individuality and personal style.” This year’s Mardi Gras celebration is in its 40th year. The collection sold out in less than a week. The Pride flag-esque hijab was created last year to support Australia’s legalization of same-sex marriage - legislation which Australia’s parliament overwhelmingly voted in favor of. Yesterday, UK-based Gay Times reported that MOGA, a Muslim-owned Melbourne brand that sells women’s headscarves and shawls, would be re-issuing their pro-LGBTQ rainbow-print scarf for Sydney, Austrailia’s annual Mardi Gras celebration.