As a second-year student at UTD, I hold a special place in my heart for the pride wall in the SSA. Although I wouldn’t figure out my own identity until much later in the year, seeing it for the first time in June 2025 acted as a sign that, despite everything, there was a place in Texas that acknowledged and welcomed everyone. When I did finally figure out I was transgender in September 2025, that acknowledgement allowed me to rest easy knowing that I had a safe place to be who I am, away from a difficult home environment.
So one can imagine my disappointment when the pride wall was removed — not even three days after Pride Month. I had hoped that, despite the current political climate, UTD would remain an environment where LGBTQ+ students like myself were acknowledged and welcomed, an environment we could trust to be safe. Unfortunately, it’s becoming less and less clear each day whether that trust is well-placed.
Students shouldn’t have to worry about whether they’ll be safe — or whether they’re even welcome — while pursuing their education. I hope the university can understand that, and consider the message it’s sending. And even if it doesn’t, we won’t forget.
Maryam Sheikh, BA. Media Arts and Design 2029