First Year Queers And Allies (FYQA)

FYQA is a group of 10-15 first-year NYU students who meet weekly in the NYU LGBTQ Student Center to learn about, and collaborate to create programming that explores contemporary LGBTQ issues. Members of FYQA engage in community building, advocacy and activism, and participate in one of the country's only LGBTQ themed Alternative Spring Breaks.

Any and all first-year undergraduate or first-year transfer students may apply. As the First Year Queers and Allies name suggests, Allies are encouraged to apply.

FYQA runs throughout the 2012-2013 academic school year. This year FYQA will be meeting on a weekly basis for approximately one and a half hours per meeting. On occasion members of FYQA meet outside of the designated meeting time to go on social outings, and work on projects together.

• Coordinated "Gender Poetry Slam" for Trans Awareness Week
• Day-long program orientation that focused on team and leadership development as well as LGBT Safe Zone training.
• Speaker series featuring NYU faculty that specialize in LGBTQ topics research
• Created and sold gender neutral Valentines to support Alternative Spring Break
• Hosted a campus-wide program on Transgender Youth
• Advocated for a "gender neutral" housing policy
• Participated in a week-long LGBTQ themed Alternative Spring Break in Washington DC

Beyond this, FYQA also build a strong community of colleagues and friends.

Some of the programs and projects from last year will also be done during the 2012-2013 academic year, but one of the great things about FYQA is its flexibility. Last year, participants had the opportunity to create and participate in projects they were interested in. This year we are once again looking to tailor the program to reflect the interests of the group.

This year's Alternative Spring Break will take place in Washington DC.

More information about Alternative Break and other programs will be shared during our information sessions in September.

Come to one of our information sessions!

Wednesday, August 29th 1:30-2:30pm
Friday, September 7th 12:30-1:30pm
Tuesday, September 11th 5:30-6:30pm

Informational sessions will be held in the LGBTQ Student Center (Kimmel Center, 60 Washington Square South, Suite 602)

Past members of FYQA and group advisors will be there to discuss the program and answer any questions you may have. These sessions are not mandatory, but they are recommended.

Click here to apply online!

All applications are due by September 14th! Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview within the week.