LGBTQ+ Collective

The LGBTQ+ Collective supports an inclusive, intersectional community championing the rights, identities, and contributions of LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, staff, and allies. Through diverse programming across all academic lens, we empower and elevate LGBTQIA+ voices, promote social justice and queer belonging across cultures, and advocate for educational enrichment and community engagement at Lehman College and beyond.
CONTACT
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Matthew Frye-Castillo
Lecturer/ Director, Program for Professional Communications/ Faculty Advisor, The Meridian
Email
Campus Resources
Vision
We envision a thriving, inclusive community at Lehman College where LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff are empowered to excel, innovate, and lead in a culture of respect, belonging, academic excellence, and social justice. We aspire to be a transformative force in higher education, renowned for innovative programming, interdisciplinary collaboration, and unwavering support for LGBTQIA+ identities across all fields and cultures. Our goal is to serve as a model of inclusivity and excellence, fostering a global culture bridging diverse perspectives, preparing all members to make meaningful contributions.
Values
Inclusivity and Intersectionality
We honor and embrace diverse identities, recognizing that individual experience is shaped by intersections of nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, ability, and other dimensions of identity. Our community is built on respect, understanding, and mutual support.
Empowerment and Education
We believe that knowledge fuels positive change. Through workshops, events, and interdisciplinary programming, we promote awareness, professional growth, and empowerment for our members and the Lehman community.
Community and Connection
Strengthening connections across cultures and identities, we strive to create a supportive environment where LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, staff, and allies can experience community, a sense of belonging to support collaboration, advocating for an inspiring future.
Advocacy and Social Justice
Dedicated to dismantling structural inequality, we are committed to an equitable future by embracing initiatives that support LGBTQIA+ rights, advocating for systemic change, and fostering a culture of compassion, understanding, and advancement.
Innovation and Academic Excellence
Grounded in Lehman College’s mission as a minority-serving and Hispanic-serving institution, we support initiatives in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences, promoting creative and academic excellence.
Courses Offered
- LGBTQ+ Literature (Spring 2025)
- Critical analysis of short stories, novels, poetry, drama, memoir, film, graphic, or multimedia narratives by, for, and about LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) people. Changing social, political, and cultural contexts. Feminist and queer theories of gender and sexuality.
- Queer Theatre (Fall)
- Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered drama from Christopher Marlowe through Mae West to the present.
Upcoming Events
March 25, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Herbert H. Lehman Memorial Lecture Speakers: Selenis Leyva and Marizol Leyva
Sisters Selenis and Marizol will share their heartfelt story of love, hope, and authenticity.
April 9, 2025
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Spring Dance Concert An evening of original choreography by majors and guest artists.
An evening of original choreography by majors and guest artists.
Steering Committee

Assistant Professor, History

Dean & Professor Chief Librarian

Lecturer/ Director, Program for Professional Communications/ Faculty Advisor, The Meridian, English

Assistant Professor (Theatre), Music, Multimedia, Theatre & Dance

Assistant Professor (Dance), Music, Multimedia, Theatre & Dance

Lecturer, Finance, Information Systems & Economics
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Matthew Frye-Castillo
Lecturer/ Director, Program for Professional Communications/ Faculty Advisor, The Meridian
Email
- Office of Compliance and Diversity