The Department of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity at Pace University has hired Professor Rachel Simon as its new Assistant Director and LGBTQA Coordinator.

Simon first got her start at Pace in 2011 as an adjunct professor in gender studies. She has always appreciated the beauty in engaging with students by challenging their understanding of sexual identity, talking to them, and gaining an insight of their life at Pace.

The role of Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs isn’t just a new job or position, according to Simon. This is an opportunity for her to help increase visibility of and advocate for the LGBTQA community at Pace.

“I feel that the campus has always been accepting, but not encouraging,” Simon said of the climate on campus.

By means of more educational programs, and working very closely with the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), Simon wants to create a physical space for the gay community on campus.

Coming from a background where she relocated frequently to cities including Dallas, Cleveland, Buffalo and Washington DC, Simon feels she has her feet deeply planted here at Pace. She is an advocate in Pace’s push for equality and acceptance, tackling most things that she feels are hindering the students from really understanding and experiencing the world around them.

Some changes she would like to see on campus include better recognition of identity.

“I feel a lot of bisexuals on campus are invisible,” Simon said. “I’m worried that the name GSA doesn’t really adhere to all kinds of people, what if you don’t classify yourself as being gay or straight, is that it for you? Are you not welcomed?”

Nonetheless, for Simon it’s important that the LGBTQA community come out and help in making Pace’s campus recognize their existence and authenticity.

For more information on Simon and her efforts in the Department of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity, visit an LGBTQA lunch discussion group on Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.