Sterling celebrates all aspects of identity. Our LGBTQIA+ Pride group is a student-run social and educational group for all people in the LGBTQIA+ community, providing a space for members to express themselves and receive support from fellow LGBTQIA+ community members. At Sterling, about half of our student population are members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“We believe in the transformative power of community, and we model that belief by ensuring that we are free from the weight of hate, discrimination, and fear. Each of us is committed to furthering the dignity of all, through our programs, policies, and relationships.”
— Favor Ellis, Dean of Community
Meet Moxie
“We are all here to be good people for ourselves and others,” said Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, Moxie Mehegan, who is also the advisor for PRIDE. “At Sterling, we can lean into addressing micro-aggression because we aren’t wrestling with the harm people face in the rest of the country and the rest of the world. It’s beautiful to be in a space where my peers trust me enough to say, “that hurt,” and to give me the opportunity to grow and change.”
“I’m learning the places where I can do better, show up better both for myself and others,” said one student. “It’s more invitational than corrective. We’re close enough here that we trust each other enough to give feedback.”
Sterling’s Student Life department provides strong support and advocacy to our queer and trans students and works closely with healthcare providers, community centers, and mental health providers to provide affirming and knowledgeable resources for care, transition, and empowering support to our LGBTQIA+ students.
We embrace our rural location as a defining characteristic of Sterling College. 15-20% of queer Americans live in rural areas, and we take great pride in having built a community which celebrates each of us in all of our identities, allows for authentic and brave self-discovery, and offers a true sense of belonging to the people who call this place home. At Sterling, we are constantly learning how to make connections, foster relationships, and build community.