When Luca Nagy '07 decided to attend college in the United States, the trans-Atlantic journey from Hungary was just another step in what she calls a lifelong pursuit of randomness.
Now, after being part of the Pride Alliance for less than a year, Nagy has become its president — and thus the most prominent advocate for gays and lesbians on campus. "I like doing stuff like that," Nagy said. "I like being completely random."
The Pride Alliance is the largest campus organization representing the interests of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning students.
Recently, the group was responsible for the "Love = Love" posters that took over University lampposts and bulletin boards during the week following Valentine's Day.
A similar campaign last year met with mixed results when many posters were removed because of a technicality involving University regulations.
And the organization is often in the news, offering gay-friendly views on topics such as ROTC's role on campus and whether the USG should support gay marriage in New Jersey.
During her presidency, Nagy stressed that she plans to conduct business much the same way as before. She said that the Pride Alliance's major events, including the fall Drag Ball and the week of events around the annual National Coming-Out Day in October, will stay the same. Queer Articulations, a film festival that the Alliance organizes every spring, will be held next weekend.
Aside from event logistics, there are several campus issues Nagy hopes to address. "There is a lack of community and a whole bunch of problems we're facing," Nagy said. "I feel like people are really conscious about gay rights on this campus but there is definitely not enough of a social atmosphere for the gay community."
To promote campus unity, Nagy plans to create more functions that people of all genders, ethnicities and sexual orientations will be interested in attending. One of her proposals is to hold frequent concerts.
Amy Paeth '08 said that Nagy's philosophy about gay and lesbian rights enhances her leadership style.
"She's certainly not a militant type," Paeth said, "and I've never seen her upset or riled up by opposition."
Paeth added that Nagy is not limited to her role as Pride Alliance president. "Her gay leadership is just one part of who she is — she's also a talented athlete and a great friend."
Though she was not an active member of the Alliance until this year, the appeal of being an activist has captivated Nagy. "My freshman and sophomore years, I had too much going on," she said, mentioning crew and a job in the dining hall.
"Now it is the politics of the issues that keep me interested."
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