Queer and trans black, indigenous, and people of color (QTBIPOC): the sun of LGBTQ + rainbow

Abstract SOL: Multicultural LGBTQ + Support Network (SOL) is an initiative at Oregon State University (OSU) that uplifts students who are at the intersections between queer and trans identities and nonwhite racialized identities. Historically, OSU is a predominantly white institution, with major student-led activism that has shifted the progressive course of the school. SOL was born when a Black gay graduate student noticed a communal gap and founded a support group that upholds LGBTQ + students of color (QTBIPOC students). Emulating the spirit of SOL’s founder, its core goal is to highlight the voices and activism of QTBIPOC students. Structure-wise, SOL is designed to be in interdependent relationships with other institutional cultural centers, allowing it to envision shared leadership with a focus on the holistic wellbeing of SOL student staff as well as the QTBIPOC students it serves. SOL’s impacts are felt by multiple QTBIPOC-related communities on campus. Nevertheless, the lessons learned from SOL are also a reminder of perseverance to keep advocating for further QTBIPOC-student-centered institutional support. Through this brief report, we hope other colleges could study and apply judiciously to their schools what SOL practices to elevate the overall campus and academic experiences of QTBIPOC students everywhere.