As part of efforts by the student organization Sexual Awareness for Everyone (SAFE) and the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, an event was held recently to commemorate the group’s first-ever Strut Your Cords graduation ceremony.
Striving to promote an environment of social justice, equal rights, tolerance, and acceptance for everyone on campus, SAFE is a space for students of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as allies, who are seeking peace and acceptance, as well as support during their processes of self-discovery. They also help to educate the community on issues related to LGBTQ+ current events, sexual and domestic violence, and mental health.
After a dinner and several speeches, the graduating students were presented with their teal cords—the color associated with showing support for sexual assault survivors—by someone they felt supported them throughout their journey at TLU and was an integral part of their success, including friends, family, and professors. To commemorate this occasion for TLU, participating SAFE members were presented with a shadow box of their cords and event invite.
“It was great to be part of the first-ever Strut Your Cords ceremony,” TLU President Dr. Debbie Cottrell said. “I’m grateful for our SAFE student leaders, and the faculty and staff who work with them, for stepping forward and ensuring that this important celebration of inclusivity took place. SAFE is one of many student organizations that helps TLU celebrate its diversity while providing opportunities for growth and leadership on our campus, all in the spirit of being a place that welcomes all.”
For decades, students at colleges and universities around the country have been celebrating their academic achievements and cultural heritage at specialized commencement events. These events provide a sense of community for marginalized students who often experience tremendous culture shock at their institutions. This ceremony honors our LGBTQ+ students for the gifts they have brought to our campus and their achievements throughout their time here and that they belong here.
“SAFE is a place where you can look around and see people who think and have gone through similar experiences as you,” member Johnathan Rodriguez said “SAFE is bigger than just a club. It has been a family for me.”
“It's a family,” said member Val Quintanilla. “I love love, and I love being able to share something so beautiful with people you are comfortable around and I think everybody should feel included.”
“I was coming into Texas Lutheran as a black queer kid, and I was scared that I wasn’t going to have anyone or any place to belong,” member Phoenix Semaj said. “So, when I found Black Student Union and SAFE, I realized that I had found my community.”
“This group is amazing, honestly,” said member Mason Aleman. “That might be an understatement. Every moment I have shared with this group has been beautiful and I am proud of the stuff we are doing.”
“I feel like my main goal in life is to help make people happy or continue their happiness,” member Benicio Ruiz said. “Everyone deserves to be happy. This club has been a vessel for me to continue to do that.”
“SAFE is a safe space,” said member Ashton Smith. “It’s a place where I can be more myself. This group truly does mean the world to me. I feel like I have made some of my closest friends for life.”
Pictured above (Left to Right): VP for DEI Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Sia, President Cottrell, Ashton Smith, Johnathan Rodriguez, Phoenix Semaj, Benicio Ruiz, Mason Aleman, Val Quintanilla, and Title IX Director Leslie Flores.