Greetings, Gayhounds & Friends!

It's hard to believe that Easter break is almost upon us and Sexuality and Gender Diversity Week (SAGDAW) is already behind us! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the various programs throughout the week as well as all of the departments and student organizations who partnered in support of such an important week of celebration, education, and visibility! 

Unfortunately, with celebration and visibility often comes backlash, and SAGDAW wasn't spared of this. The colorful LGBTQ+ flags througout campus and the handmade signs by members of our community resulted in both online and in-person experiences of harm. Some just can't handle our beauty and our power. 

I'm grateful to our colleagues in Title IX and Bias Compliance who partnered closely with us in submitting bias reports and offering supportive services to students. If you were at all impacted by any of these incidents of harm, please consider submitting a bias report which can be done anonymously, if desired. And if you haven't seen it yet, check out their helpful resource on steps to take if you see social media posts exhibiting bias.

Please know that I (and the entire Thrive Center team) am always here to support in whatever ways may be most helpful. Do not hesitate to reach out and schedule a time to connect. And always remember, those few voices may be loud, but when we gather in community, our voices, our power, and our joy will always be louder. 

And the queer joy didn't start or stop with SAGDAW! Check out our recent collaborative posts (post 1 / post 2) with Campus Ministry sharing about our recent travels to LA for this year's IgnatianQ confernce. It was so great to gather with folks across the AJCU to celebrate the intersections of queer identities and spirituality!

Have a wonderful and restful break and look forward to seeing everyone back on campus for what is sure to be a busy and fun wrap up to the academic year!

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!

In Today's Issue

1. Health & Wellness Corner
2. Education & Advocacy Corner
3. Upcoming LGBTQ+ Campus Events
4. Campus Partner Events
5. Connect With Us

Hey Hounds, Let’s Talk About Reproductive Health 

With Pride Month just around the corner, it’s a great time to reflect on our futures—and that includes our reproductive and fertility health. Whether you’re thinking about starting a family someday or simply want to understand your body better, this week’s newsletter is all about affirming options, inclusive care, and planning on your terms.

Family Planning & LGBTQ+ Fertility Options 

Planning a future that includes parenthood? It’s never too early to learn about your options. 

• Egg & Sperm Freezing: LGBTQ+ individuals may consider fertility preservation before starting hormone therapy or gender-affirming procedures. 

• Surrogacy & Adoption: There are many paths to parenthood. LGBTQ+-inclusive adoption agencies and surrogacy programs are increasingly available. 

• It’s Okay Not to Know Yet: Just exploring what’s possible? That counts too. Your timeline is your own. 

Menstrual Health for Trans & Nonbinary Students 

Periods can be uncomfortable for anyone, but for trans and nonbinary students, they can be especially challenging. 

• Dysphoria is Real: Experiencing menstruation when it doesn’t align with your gender identity can be distressing. You are not alone. 

• Accessing Care That Gets It: Affirming providers can help you navigate options like menstrual suppression or hormone-based solutions. 

• Products That Work for You: From reusable products to more discreet options, find what supports your comfort and dignity. We also know that they can be expensive and so we've got some for you! Pop by the Pride Resource Room for free tampons and pads (s/o to SGA for supplying the products!)

Access to Affirming OB/GYN Care 

Reproductive healthcare should be inclusive and respectful. 

• You Deserve to Feel Safe: It’s okay to ask if a provider is LGBTQ+ affirming before scheduling an appointment. 

• Campus and Community Clinics: Loyola’s Student Health Services can help guide you to affirming providers both on and off campus. 

• Routine Checkups Matter: Annual visits to a reproductive health specialist are an important part of long-term health, no matter your identity or relationship status. 

Helpful Resources 

• GLMA Provider Directory – Find affirming reproductive health providers 

• Trans Lifeline – Peer support and reproductive health guidance for trans individuals 

• Family Equality Council – Resources on LGBTQ+ family planning, adoption, and surrogacy 

• Center for Reproductive Rights – Advocacy and education on reproductive healthcare access for all identities 

Reproductive health is for everyone. Whether you're planning for the future or focusing on the present, you deserve information and care that honors your identity. 

With Pride (and care), 
Juan Varon, Class of 2027 
LGBTQ+ Health & Wellness Outreach Coordinator 
lgbtqwellness@loyola.edu 

Hello Gayhounds & Friends!  

Welcome Back! Below are some important headlines to take a look at before the Easter Break! 

Noteworthy News  

Hands-off Protests erupt across the nation.

• On April 5th, thousands of protests occured in all 50 states to protest the current administration's policies, including the infringement on LGBTQ+ rights. 

Funding cuts from the Trump Administration continue to impact the LGBTQ+ community. 

• The National Institute of Health, under the direction of the Trump administration, has cut more than 270 LGBTQ+ health grants, totaling over $125M during the past few weeks. 

• The Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to terminate Education Department grants for teacher training that officials deemed to violate their policy opposing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. 

• The Trump administration has created a Title IX Special Investigations Team focused on keeping transgender women and girls from sports teams and restrooms designated for females.  

• A trans student in Florida has been arrested for violating a bathroom law in an act of civil disobedience. 

Resources 

Learn more about Uncloseted Media: 

• “An Investigative media company providing you with objective, nonpartisan, rigorous, original journalism that examines America’s anti-LGBTQ landscape and elevates everyday American heroes.” 

And read some of their latest pieces!  

• “In the Hidden World of Donor-Advised Funds, Anti-LGBTQ Groups Make Big Money” 

• “Advocates Beat 91% of Last Year's Anti-LGBTQ Bills. How?” 

• At Three Years Old, Their Child Expressed a Trans Identity. What Did They Do? 

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

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