About

Mission and Vision

The LGBTQ+ Student Center (LGBTQ+SC; est. 2005 as the LGBT Resource Center) is one of seven identity-based centers housed under Student Equity & Inclusion Programs (SEIP) in the Division of Student Affairs. The mission of the LGBTQ+SC is to provide support, education, advocacy, and community for all undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Southern California with an emphasis on students across the spectra of gender and sexuality. In carrying out its mission, the LGBTQ+SC is committed to engaging in its pillars of support, education, advocacy, and community by programming across the multiple intersections of identities within the diverse LGBTQ+ community, collaborating with its SEIP and university partners, and fostering intentional identity development and leadership development for USC students.

Learning Outcomes

Support

Students will be able to identify and access resources available for LGBTQ+ students at USC, off-campus, or online.

Education

Students/Staff/Faculty will be able to explain relevant concepts, terminology, and identities related to gender identity and sexuality; practical knowledge will be demonstrated through social interaction.

Advocacy

Students will be able to articulate cultural and social contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and identify their roles and opportunities in this ongoing contribution.

Community

Students will be able to discuss their sense of belonging at USC as it relates to diverse gender and sexual identities and its intersections with race, ethnicity, nationality, ability, religion, and more.

Center Staff

Megan van der Toorn

(she/they)

Director, SEIP Intercultural Services

Megan van der Toorn (she/they) joined the Trojan Family in July 2020 when she began her role as Director of SEIP Intercultural Services, overseeing the LGBTQ+ Student Center and Gender Equity Resources. Prior to coming to USC, Megan worked for six year’s at UCLA’s LGBTQ Campus Resource Center, serving first as Program Coordinator and then as Assistant Director. During her time at UCLA, Megan facilitated LGBTQ competency trainings for over 5000 UCLA students, staff, faculty, and LA community members; provided career and leadership development for undergraduate LGBTQ students through the creation and implementation of UCLA’s LGBTQ Student Leadership Retreat; conducted broader assessment and strategic planning for the LGBTQ Campus Resource Center; and, most importantly, had the privilege of mentoring countless students through their queer identity development journeys.

You can contact Megan at mvandert@usc.edu.

a.b. Monzón

(they/them y elle)

Center Supervisor, LGBTQ+ Student Center

Abrahán (a.b.) Monzón (they/them) currently serves as the Center Supervisor for the LGBTQ+ Student Center, with over a decade of experience in social justice education, community organizing, and leadership for social change. a.b. comes to USC with previous experience working in leadership and diversity education and both LGBTQ+ and gender equity resources in higher education, as well as a deep commitment to volunteering and community service. As a leader, a.b. takes an intersectional approach to develop and support thriving and resilient communities. They enjoy working with young leaders to develop skills and strategies that support positive social change.

a.b. was born and raised at the borderlands in Imperial County and Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico and identify as Latine, queer, and non-binary and a first-generation immigrant, college student, and professional. They hold a Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership from California State University, Fullerton and a Bachelor of Arts in Feminist Studies from University of California, Santa Barbara. They are passionate about leadership development and are particularly inspired by Sylvia Rivera and her tireless advocacy to center those at the margins of the LGBTQ community. On their free time, a.b. enjoys camping, playing kickball, and supporting drag art.

You can contact a.b. at amonzon@usc.edu

Contact Us

Address: 3601 Trousdale Parkway, STU 415 | Los Angeles, CA 90089-0890
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 10am-6pm; Fri: 10am-5pm

Student Staff

Hassan B. Marong

(he/him/his)

Graduate Assistant

Hassan is an M.Ed student in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs. He graduated from Central Michigan University with a B.A.A in Communication with minors in Leadership and Event Management. Hassan is passionate about equity and justice work in the Higher Ed field.

Myriam Alcala

(they/them/theirs)

Student Worker: Outreach Assistant

Myriam Alcala is a latinx journalism and English student at USC. They are a part of the Latinx Student Assembly e-board, Dimelo, Annenberg Media as editor and Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc.

Arjun Bhargava

(all pronouns)

Student Worker: Digital Outreach Assistant

arjun bhargava is a queer & non-binary communications and design student. they love houseplants, creative expression, and lady GaGa.

Annika Bjorklund

(she/her/hers)

Student Worker: Graphic Design Assistant

Annika is a senior majoring in design at Roski and minoring in cinematic arts. She's passionate about (queer) literature, gluten-free baked goods, and curating Spotify playlists. When not at the LGBTQ+SC, she can be found speeding across campus on a Razor kick scooter.

Meredith Byrnes

(she/her/hers)

Student Worker: Operations Assistant

Meredith Byrnes is a senior majoring in East Asian languages and cultures and minoring in photography and urban planning. When she isn’t loading yet another roll of film into her camera, she can be found drinking inordinate amounts of caffeinated beverages or working on the LA Times online crossword puzzle; her current high score is 915.