Frequently Asked Questions

What is QSA?

The Queer Student Alliance at UTEP is a student organization that provides a safe and supportive environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Asexual, and other Queer individuals, as well as for straight and cisgender members of our community to join their friends learn how to be better allies. Join us for discussions, films, socials, workshops, and more! Also find out about opportunities and resources in our community. Sign up for our mailing list here.

What is LGBTQ?

This acronym stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning. The letters I and A are often also added (LGBTQIA), which stand for Intersex and Asexual. It is meant to be inclusive of everyone that does not fit into the standard narrative of everyone being straight and identifying with the gender they were given at birth, though some people do not identify with this and may use other acronyms or identities or none at all, which is totally valid! Visit the UC Davis LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary for more information by clicking here.

If you have any suggestions for Spanish language LGBTQ+ dictionary/glossary please let us know! There is a lot of variance in Spanish language terminology because there are so many Spanish speaking countries with different cultural roots and histories all over the world, so when everyone comes together in the USA, for example, it is not always obvious what terms they use. Which is why it's a good idea to ask how a person identifies, if they are comfortable telling you. Even in the English language there are many different terms that are used casually, but due to westernization influencing academics and mainstream LGBTQ+ discourse, certain terminology is more widely adopted. This also has led many Spanish speaking people to adopt English language LGBTQ+ terminology.

What is Queer Prom?

Queer Prom is an all inclusive dance for people to come be themselves and bring who they want to bring without fear of exclusion. Some schools may have strict dress codes or require that students bring opposite sex partners to their dance. Queer Prom provides an alternative for LGBTQ+ students, community members, and allies to come together for a good time. Whether you are currently in high school, want a second chance at your prom, or just like having fun, you are invited!

Please do note that this is a sober event. There's plenty of time to party somewhere else afterwards! :)

I'm not LGBTQ+, can I join QSA, go to Queer Prom, etc.?

Of course! Everyone is invited to join us. We only ask that as a guest/ally you be respectful of the differences and boundaries of others, and not disclose any information about others outside of these spaces without their consent. Which is a good thing to do all the time anyway!

I can't go to Queer Prom, but I'd like to help. What can I do?

** Invite anyone who might be interested to the event on Facebook or send them a link to our website (bit.ly/utepqsa). Ask your friends and family to follow us on Facebook and Instagram

** Buy a ticket even if you don't attend, or you can pay for tickets for a high school LGBTQ club if you know students who would like to attend. All proceeds benefit our club and other community events we host, as well as going towards an LGBTQ scholarship fund.

** Again, mention our organization to people! Point them to our resource page if they are looking for something outside of UTEP.

My child plans to go to Queer Prom, will chaperones be present?

Community leaders as well as faculty and staff from our colleges and high schools are usually present at the event in addition to officers of QSA. You and/or another friend or family member are more than welcome to join us!

I have a cool picture to add to the site from QSA history!

Awesome! Send us an email to qsa@utep.edu and let us know what's up, don't forget to attach the picture(s)! If you have any QSA history to share with us, or information about other Queer/GLBT/LGBT student organization that came before us, please send it to us as well :) Keeping record of this stuff is really important to us.

I can't find the answer to my question on this site :(

If you looked through the website and read through the FAQ and still did not find your answer, send us an email to qsa@utep.edu and maybe we can help.