Mission Statement

UCOP Pride is dedicated to providing advocacy, education, and community building for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, genderqueer, and non-binary community, and its allies, within UCOP and beyond.

History

In 1990, University of California students, staff, faculty, and alumni met to establish the UC Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex Association (UCLGBTIA), a systemwide umbrella association for all UC locations focused on addressing LGBT issues. UCLGBTIA actively met as a Steering Committee until 2007; it gave rise to campus LGBT resource centers, studies programs, chancellors’ committees, and the UCOP LGBTI Staff Association (LGBTISA). In 2012 LGBTISA changed its name to UCOP Pride.

Values

We value Collaboration and Solidarity

We recognize that our biggest opportunity for impact rests in our ability to collaborate, both within and outside of UCOP’s LGBTQI community and the field of higher education. We value the experience of the individuals who have come before us, and proactively seek out opportunities to leverage each other’s strengths. We stand in solidarity with each other and our allied partners, tied together by our common struggle, sharing both the benefits and the risks.

We value Empowerment and Courage

We believe that supporting and strengthening the empowerment of individuals is a critical component to achieving the collective good. We are out, in-front, and lead by example, but recognize that courage takes many forms. We support colleagues who use the methods and means appropriate to them to achieve their full potential, control their own destinies, and fully and freely contribute to the university’s tripartite mission of teaching, research, and public service.

We value Diversity and Intersectionality

We celebrate the diversity in our community as a core organizational value, while drawing strength from our shared experiences and honoring the differences between us. We recognize that our community, as a whole, consists of multiple identities and our individual members stretch across racial, ethnic, and cultural lines. We see this as a unique opportunity and are committed to holding ourselves accountable to proactively reflect and utilize the full richness of the LGBTQI community.

We value Justice and Equity

Our very existence is founded on the desire to promote justice, not just for the LGBTQI community, but for all groups that are underrepresented and underserved. While we strive to promote equitable access to the University of California, we must also consciously confront barriers in ourselves, such as racism, class oppression, sexism, transphobia, xenophobia, ageism, and ableism that deny access, power, and fair treatment. The participation of all members of our community, at all levels of authority and influence, is a necessary ingredient to our success.

Events

• Valentine’s Day flower sale fundraisers that benefit local nonprofit organizations that serve the queer community
• Annual UCOP-wide Pride ice cream socials during the month of June
• Participation in the Oakland Pride Parade
• Knowledge dissemination presentations and webinars