QSAP is a relatively new organization on the UIS campus. In an interview, Rith Scott, QSAP President, provided details about the organization, upcoming events and ways students can get involved. QSAP stands for Queer Student Ambassador Program. The organization is directed at LGBTQIA+ students and their allies on campus, and they work closely with the Gender and Sexuality Student Services (GSSS). According to Scott, QSAP has been hosting social events; however, they are planning to incorporate educational components in future events.
QSAP’s goal for students is to build LGBTQIA+ connections on campus. “In addition to community, we want to also cultivate discussion, opportunities, advocacy, and queer joy,” Scott said. “QSAP is not just about queerness; it also encourages members to think about intersectionality and the way different parts of one’s identity affects their queer experience.” While the organization focuses on queer joy and LGBTQIA+ connections, allies are more than welcome to join, and events are open to all students.
On March 21, QSAP and the Baking Club completed their “Slay with Parfaits” event. At this event, students made cheesecake parfaits and chatted with each other. On April 4, the organization will be hosting a zine-making event from 5:30 p.m. -8 p.m. in the LRH Great Room. Here, students will learn about the origins of zines (self-published magazines or short texts) in marginalized communities and have the opportunity to create their own.
Currently, the organization has openings for students who have an interest in building the organization’s roots, as it is a fairly new RSO. For students interested in having a more hands-on role, inquiries can be emailed to Rith Scott at [email protected]. If students are interested in joining the organization, they can request membership via UIS Connections, or email Scott. After that, they will be added to the organization’s GroupMe. To stay up to date with general information on QSAP, you can find them on Instagram @uis.qsap and on UIS Connections.
