Greetings, Gayhounds & Friends!

It's a big week over here in the Thrive Center! Yesterday we celebrated International Trans Day of Visibility and still have much to share so pop by the Pride Resource Room to pick up some stickers, resources, and plenty of good reads from the Queer Little Library. 

I'll be headed to Los Angeles bright and early Thursday morning with a group of 6 students and Yulianna Otera Asmar from Campus Ministry to attend this year's IgnatianQ Conference at Loyola University Marymount. It's an exciting opportunity to bring together LGBTQ+ students and allies from across Jesuit colleges and universities to network, learn, and celebrate the queer community! 

The only downside of our travels is that we'll sadly be missing out on this year's BSA Fashion Show, one of the greatest traditions here at Loyola! So do us a favor and get your tickets to enjoy the hard work, stunning looks, and incredible choreo!

Last but not least, next week is SAGDAW (Sexuality & Gender Diversity Awareness Week)! Take a look below for some of the programming happening throughout the week to celebrate Loyola's LGBTQ+ community!

Much thanks,
Pat & the Thrive Center team


Pat Cassidy (he/him)
Co-Director, Thrive Center for Student Success
pjcassidy@loyola.edu / 410-617-2112
Schedule a time to connect with me!

THE GAYHOUND GETS A PUPPY!

MEET BIANCA, THE REAL LIFE GAY-HOUND

In Today's Issue

1. Health & Wellness Corner
2. Education & Advocacy Corner
3. Upcoming LGBTQ+ Campus Events
4. Training & Resources
5. Campus Partner Events
6. Academic Connections
7. Connect With Us

Hey Hounds, Let’s Talk Mental Health 

With midterms behind us and finals creeping up, it’s more important than ever to check in on your mental and emotional well-being. For LGBTQ+ students navigating college, life can come with unique stressors, from systemic discrimination to the pressure of showing up in spaces that weren’t built for us. You deserve support, care, and community.

LGBTQ+ & Minority Stress 

Being part of a marginalized community often means carrying invisible stressors. This is called minority stress; the additional mental and emotional strain experienced due to prejudice, discrimination, and social stigma. Whether it’s misgendering, microaggressions, or lack of representation, these experiences can deeply affect your mental health. 

• It’s Not Just You: If you feel overwhelmed or exhausted, you’re NOT alone. LGBTQ+ students are at a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms. 

• Build Your Support Network: Lean into spaces where you feel affirmed—whether that’s friends, student groups, or identity-affirming professionals. 

• You Deserve to Thrive: You are NOT a burden. Your identity is valid, and seeking help is an act of self-love and power. 
 

Substance Use & Harm Reduction 

Sometimes, we cope in ways that aren’t always healthy, and that’s human. The LGBTQ+ community has historically higher rates of substance use, often as a response to trauma or marginalization. Rather than shame, we focus on harm reduction and access to support. 

• Check in with Yourself: Reflect on what your body and mind need. Sleep? Connection? A breather? 

• Create a Routine: Even small structures like morning walks, journaling, or scheduled downtime can make a big difference. 

• Reach Out: The Counseling Center and Thrive Center are here to support you. You deserve affirming, identity-aware care. 
   

Helpful Resources 

• The Trevor Project – LGBTQ+ Mental Health – Free 24/7 support for LGBTQ+ youth 

• GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality – Substance use and mental health resources 

• Togetherall – A safe, online mental health support community available to Loyola students. 

• Loyola Counseling Center – Schedule an appointment with affirming counselors on campus.

Take what you need, leave the rest, and remember, you are worthy of care. Let’s continue building a campus where your mental and emotional wellness isn’t just supported but prioritized. 
 

Take care of yourself, 

Juan Varon, Class of 2027 

LGBTQ+ Health & Wellness Outreach Coordinator 

lgbtqwellness@loyola.edu 

Hello Gayhounds & Friends!  

Welcome Back! Below are some important headlines and resources to take note of this week.  

Noteworthy News  

• LGBTQ+ health research and resources under attack 

  • The Trump Administration canceled almost 70 grants last week, worth around $40 million in total. Most of the funding was used to research the health of gay, lesbian, and transgender people. 
  • Rumors of tremendous funding cuts to, or total repeal of, the CDC’s AIDS Prevention division by the Trump Administration instills fear in the LGBTQ+ community. 

  • The VA has placed limits on transgender veterans' access to healthcare. Former soldiers will no longer be provided hormone therapy through the Department of Veterans Affairs unless they are already receiving such care. 

Resources 

• Some good news! 

  • AP: “How a shelter hit by Trump’s aid cuts protects LGBTQ migrants in Mexico” 

  • Raleigh News & Observer: “Raleigh recognizing LGBTQ+ history as Trump administration removes it” 

  • Austin-America Statesman: “Here's why hundreds of LGBTQ Texans rallied against anti-trans bills: 'We have to show up” 

• And some insightful resources!  

  • ACLU: “Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures in 2025” 

  • Human Rights Campaign: “MEI 2024: See Your Cities' Scores” 

  • AIDS United: “CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention Is Under Attack! We Must Fight Back” 

Stay well and reach out if you are in need of any support! 

All the best, 

Katie Browne, Class of 2025 
Global Studies Capstone Intern

Participate in a study looking at the experiences of LGBTQ+ Latinx/e college students at a Catholic unviersity! Email john.hernandez@regiscollege.edu for more information. 

Events

There are so many different ways to connect with us!

• Follow us on Instagram @loyolalgbtq
• Pop by our office: 3rd Floor Student Center - Office Suite 315
• Reach out by email: pjcassidy@loyola.edu
• Schedule a time to meet with Pat (he/him; Co-Director of Thrive Center for Student Success): Pat Cassidy's Bookings Calendar