PRIDE was established in 2018 by the students and alumni of National Law University Jodhpur [“NLUJ”], with the vision of creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students at our university. Since its inception, PRIDE has been dedicated to promoting awareness, providing support, and organizing events that celebrate diversity and inclusivity.
Queer collectives like PRIDE are essential to transform mindsets, encourage acceptance, and provide a space for individuals to be themselves. The recent formal recognition of PRIDE in July 2024 as an official society at NLUJ signifies a strong institutional commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion [“DEI”] on campus.
PRIDE aim to serve as a representative body for all queer, questioning, and allied students by advocating for and supporting them. Our mission is to address the various issues that the young queer adults coming from a diverse array of backgrounds face, understand their needs, and educate all the stakeholder of the university on how intersectionality works in queer spaces.
PRIDE has undertaken several key initiatives since its establishment. The society has developed an active social media presence to spread awareness and keep the university community informed about LGBTQ+ issues and events. On June 11, 2022, PRIDE co- hosted a guest lecture by Mr. Arvind Narrain on “The Principle of Non-Retrogression and Queer Rights,” providing valuable insights into queerness and its intersection with law. Additionally, the society organized a “Pride Picnic” on July 30, 2024 to build community and foster connections among queer students and allies, reinforcing its commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
KEY OBJECTIVES
The following objectives form the foundation for the society's initiatives and activities, guiding our mission to improve the well-being and acceptance of queer individuals within the university community:
1. Promoting inclusivity through policy changes:
PRIDE seeks to actively engage in policy advocacy to advance LGBTQ+ rights and institutional changes. It strives to collaborate with student unions, administrative bodies, and faculty members to advocate for the implementation of inclusive housing policies, and comprehensive anti-discrimination measures. The collective endeavours to work tirelessly to ensure equal treatment and opportunities for queer students across all aspects of university life.
Further, the collective seeks to engage with faculty members to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in academic spaces and curricula, fostering a more inclusive learning environment for all students.
2. To provide support and create a safe space:
Recognizing the importance of mental health support, PRIDE is committed to organizing peer support groups and launching awareness campaigns addressing LGBTQ+ mental health issues. It plans to offer peer support and mentoring programs specifically designed for queer students. The society is dedicated to establishing regular meetings and support groups to discuss relevant issues and experiences. It also works to create both physical and virtual safe spaces where queer students can freely express themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination.
3. To organize events and raise awareness:
PRIDE is focused on hosting educational workshops and seminars on LGBTQ+ topics to increase understanding and acceptance within the university community. It intends to plan social gatherings to foster community building among queer students and allies. The society is set to coordinate awareness campaigns, including an annual Pride Week celebration, to highlight LGBTQ+ experiences and contributions.
It also aims to develop comprehensive educational resources on LGBTQ+ issues for the broader university community and collaborate with faculty members to incorporate LGBTQ+ topics into relevant curricula.
