Louisiana State University's (LSU) brand new 18-credit-hour minor in LGBT Studies is about one month in its first semester of existence.
According to USA Today, Elaine M. Maccio, an associate professor in the School of Social Work, introduced the LGBT Studies program last fall in a pilot course. Afterward, she presented her proposal for the minor program to Faculty Senate Courses and Curricula Committee and received her approval.
Damon Andrew, dean of the College of Human Sciences & Education, said the courses in the new minor program cover a wide variety of different subjects.
"A few years ago, I recognized in LSU's curriculum a paucity of courses on sexuality in general, and a gap regarding LGBTQ - lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer - topics in particular," Maccio told USA Today. "Since a number of colleges and universities around the country already have courses, minors, majors and even entire departments and research centers dedicated to LGBTQ topics, I knew LSU needed to have something similar if we wanted to remain competitive."
She said LGBT Studies will examine issues facing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual community from different angles, such as race, religion and class.
"We can't examine sexuality and gender identity in a vacuum," Maccio said. "Everyone claims multiple identities, and it's that intersectionality that adds to the richness and complexity of who we are as individuals and communities."
Jordan Krebsbach, a senior majoring in communication disorders, said she was glad to see her school join a larger movement of other institutions becoming more-LGBTQ conscious. Already enrolled in the program, she said she likes that the program's courses are designed for both straight and LGBTQ students.
"The class is absolutely amazing and so educating," Krebsbach told USA Today. "As a member of the culture, I'm amazed at how little I knew about LGBT history."
