Interest in FAQ@A began at the start of the Spring '06 semester. After a few meetings, the early members crafted the mission statement, "to create a welcoming environment within the Annenberg School for Communication for ASC students, faculty, staff, and alumni interested in supporting and/or who identify with marginalized gender communities. FAQ@Annenberg will work to heighten tolerance, visibility and knowledge of these communities through various networking events, scholarly and social programming, and other community building activities. In keeping with ASC directives, the group's activities will work to create within the culture of Annenberg and for the University at large a place where diversity of identity is celebrated and cutting-edge conversations are encouraged."

In its first step to fulfilling that mission, on March 22nd, members of the FAQ@A advisory board and ASC Admissions Staff participated in Allies Training, sponsored by the USC Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans Resources Center . The Faculty and Staff Allies Program acquaints participants with various campus and LGBT resources in and around the USC campus and, once trained, participants are given "safe zone" ally stickers to post in their respective work areas to indicate to other students, staff, and faculty that they are supportive individuals who can provide information on the types of queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and transsexual resources available to the USC community.

FAQ@A's first project was to host the Day of Silence on April 26th. The Day of Silence is a student-led event encouraging students to spend a day in silence to reflect the way discrimination, bullying, and harassment silence the LGBTQ community and their allies every day. Encouraging tolerance makes Annenberg a more inclusive environment for people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression-- Annenberg is situated in a unique position to cause an impact as the School for Communication.

FAQ@A is now preparing to hold a more visible, active role in the USC community, especially within Annenberg. Be sure to check back for the latest news, and information about events and activities.