U. organization will launch campus bus designed to emulate LGBTQ+ pride this summer

To celebrate its 30th anniversary and more than 50 years of LGBTQ+ organizations existing on campus, members of the Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities (SJE) have decided to display a pride design on a campus bus beginning this summer.

There will be a launch event for the appearance of the new bus during LGBTQIA+ Welcome at the beginning of the Fall 2022 semester.

The design that will be on the bus is inspired by the 2017 Philly Pride flag. It will include black and brown stripes, signifying inclusivity of all communities, with a slogan “Rutgers Rides with Pride” as well as a link to the SJE website, according to the article.

Lindsay Jeffers, assistant director of programming of SJE, said this design was first envisioned by the organization and then created by a design consultant.

“It’s important to note that the Philly Pride flag on the bus includes a black and brown stripe,” she said. “First of all, this acknowledges the contributions of communities of color to the queer and trans community, and second, it speaks to the ongoing struggle for racial justice within the queer and trans community.”

Keywuan Caulk, director of SJE, said the goal of showcasing this design on the bus is to elevate the organization’s presence, demonstrate how queer and transgender identities are valued and appeal to potential new students at Rutgers.

Caulk also said especially in light of the recent proposed book bans and legislation in Florida which restricts the observance of LGBTQ+ content in schools, it is an especially important time to demonstrate support for the community and celebrate diversity and inclusion at Rutgers.

“I hope that our queer and trans community will feel seen and celebrated. This act of visibility shares Rutgers' commitment to queer and trans inclusion,” he said. “There is a lot of great equity work done behind the scenes in policy advocacy, programming and community building. It’s time to share that in more high impact and public ways.”