亚洲AV

Mason graduate student helps create LGBTQIA community through mentoring program

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Dan Kingsley. Photo provided

Dan Kingsley, a graduate professional assistant in 亚洲AV鈥檚 , helps to create community through the center鈥檚 . The program links up lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and ally-identified first-year students with mentors to help promote their personal and academic success, health, and well-being. Kingsley also helps facilitate in which people of similar identities can connect.

鈥淚 like to call it a built-in buddy system to help students and create spaces where we can foster community engagement,鈥 said Kingsley, who is working on a master's in psychology concentrating in . 鈥淎s someone who is at the intersection of being autistic and queer, I have sometimes not had the resources I need or spaces to meet other people with similar identities. I鈥檓 most proud when I hear about students finding the spaces we鈥檝e created helpful.鈥

The LGBTQ+ Resources Center hosts monthly get-togethers for mentees. To start off the year, the center held a virtual murder mystery puzzle.

鈥淭hat was a great group bonding activity,鈥 Kingsley said. 鈥淭hey had so much fun with it.鈥

Kingsley also co-advises the (QSLC) with , director of the LGBTQ+ Resources Center.

鈥淒an has been an essential part of our staff team this year,鈥 Kinchen said. 鈥淒an鈥檚 thoughtfulness, instincts, and insights are all part of why we've enjoyed so much success on campus this year.鈥

Kingsley earned his undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Northern Colorado. He picked Mason for his graduate studies because he wanted to work with , assistant professor of cognitive and behavioral neuroscience with a specialty in autism spectrum disorder in the Department of Psychology. Kingsley鈥檚 lab work is focused on biological sex and autism.

Kingsley, a transgender man, said that in his classes, 鈥渢here are moments for me when I realize I am with people who don鈥檛 always know how to respect pronouns.鈥

Kingsley said that his work at the center gives him 鈥渃ommunity and comfort.鈥

鈥淢y position working with the resource center has me surrounded by people I know respect and understand me,鈥 Kingsley said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great group.鈥

, assistant director of the LGBTQ+ Resources Center said that 鈥淒an has a particular skill for listening鈥 and 鈥渉as been a driving force behind some of our newer programs that are responsive to student needs and wants.鈥

鈥淒an embodies so much of what success can look like for LGBTQ+ students at Mason,鈥 said G茅za Kelemen, who is also an instructor in .