“I hope in the future being queer at HBCUs will be normalized”: Jasmine J. Moye on LGBTQ+ Inclusivity at HBCUs
Student-activist Jasmine J. Moye. Photo courtesy of Jasmine J. Moye
By Jaimee A. Swift
Non-binary student-activist Jasmine J. Moye (they/them/theirs) envisions a future where being LGBTQ+ at historically black colleges and universities is normalized, humanized, and affirmed.
Jasmine J. Moye’s interview is a part of ‘Voices in Movement’ February 2020 theme, #MakingBlackQueerHistory: Black LGBTQ+ Women and Non-Binary Student Activism at HBCUs. To read the descriptor, please click here.
A non-binary activist from Galveston, Texas, Jasmine J. Moye believes there is a more inclusive future for LGBTQ+ students at HBCUs. A freshman studio art major and TESL minor (teaching English to non-native speakers), Moye is a member of SPECTRUM, Fayetteville State’s premier and only LGBTQ+ student organization on campus.
I spoke with Moye about their perspectives on LGBTQ+ rights and representation at Fayetteville State University; why LGBTQ+ representation is important at HBCUs; why SPECTRUM is a much-needed and essential space for students on campus; and their thoughts on the future of the LGBTQ+ student body at HBCUs.
Being at Fayetteville State University, do you feel as if the campus is inclusive of its LGBTQ+ student body?
Jasmine J. Moye (JJM): “I was a little shaky about being non-binary at an HBCU because I know sometimes how people can be when it comes to anything different. However, once I was here, I felt like I was welcomed. One of the benefits is that people do try to understand and if they don’t understand, they ask a lot of questions. Of course, there is an occasional person or a teacher that doesn’t quite understand. At times, I feel excluded because people keep using my dead pronouns. However, I feel with time this will change because I feel there are a lot of programs at my school that spread awareness about people who are different. You see a lot of ‘Safe Zone’ signs around campus and there are professors who are educated about LGBTQ+ issues. If they are not educated about it, they will point you in the right direction on where to go.”
“One of the benefits is that people do try to understand and if they don’t understand, they ask a lot of questions.”
Why do you think LGBTQ+ representation is important at HBCUs?
JJM: “Growing up in a Black household, there was toxic energy towards homosexual people and transgender people. They were not really aware about the LGBTQ+ community. When you are away from home, students should be welcomed––especially when you are away from home and you don’t have the type of support system at home because you are homosexual. It is important to see other people that look like you and that come from the same background as you and be represented in the same way as everyone else.”
“I hope in the future being queer at HBCUs will be normalized and nonjudgemental. I would like no judgements or prejudice towards folks who are LGBTQ+ at HBCUs.”
Why is it important for you to be involved with SPECTRUM?
JJM: “Since I’ve been in SPECTRUM, I try to help others who are not as comfortable with their identities. I am one of two non-binary people that are in SPECTRUM and I feel like other people––especially transgender people––need to feel included as well. I try to walk others through tough times, just like the president of SPECTRUM has helped me. There have been times where I’ve felt excluded––everybody feels that way––but SPECTRUM is like a home.”
In the future, how would you like to see LGBTQ+ inclusivity at Fayetteville State University and at other HBCUs?
JJM: “I would just like to see it normalized. In the future, I don’t want for it to be a shock for people to see trans people who are pre-hormonal who are dressed the way they identify as. If someone says they are homosexual, it should be okay. If someone else says they are non-binary, it shouldn’t be confusing or anything. I hope in the future being queer at HBCUs will be normalized and nonjudgemental. I would like no judgements or prejudice towards folks who are LGBTQ+ at HBCUs.”
You can follow SPECTRUM on Facebook.