UTEP student organization, Frontera Folx, is breaking stigmas around tough conversations on campus, while also inviting the community to participate in discussions about reproductive rights and LGBTQIA+ activism on campus. Along with UTEP sorority, Sigma Lambda Gamma, Frontera Folx hosted a safe sex kit distribution event Feb. 9, at Centennial Plaza.  

The event provided students with access to free contraceptives, lubricant and pregnancy tests.  

Chair of morals and ethics for UTEP Gammas, Graciela Compean, says she believes in the importance of inclusivity and generosity.  

“One of our principles is morals and ethics, so we want to promote obviously within ourselves to be better people, but also give back to the community,” Compean said. 

The UTEP Gammas hold the safe sex kit distribution event every year but decided to collaborate with Frontera Folx after learning about the organization’s objectives.  

Frontera Folx, founded in 2019-2020, acts as an educational and judgement free zone for all students and people of the El Paso community.  

For some, the topics of reproductive health and sex education are seen as shameful or humiliating, but Frontera Folx works to help change the narrative.  

“It’s something that’s normal and should be talked about, and not in a hush-hush sense,” Frontera folx president, Jordan Alvarado said.  

Students feel it is important to have organizations such as these to increase knowledge within the student and Hispanic population.  

“I think many people, when they think about sex or reproductive rights, they are not very well informed,” Compean said. “Within our culture, or at least mine, it’s a taboo to talk about these kinds of things.” According to the CDC, young women and women who identify with racial or ethnic minorities have higher rates of unintended pregnancies. These statistics are attributed to inadequate sex education and access to resources within their communities.  

Members of Frontera Folx understand that the stress and financial uncertainty students often experience can make it difficult to seek help. To combat unplanned pregnancies and sexual disparities, the organization partners with several non-profit organizations across the nation to provide their services for free.  

“Our population is not educated. There’s also the financial barrier, so when people like Frontera Folx are available, they offer free resources for students, and it can benefit the population and protect students,” UTEP senior Brianna Reyes said.  

The events held by Frontera Folx provide students with knowledge and assistance necessary to thrive in a supportive environment. Tabling events on campus also presents students with the opportunity to form new relationships with peers who share similar fears, values and beliefs.  

Alvarado, a member of the organization since 2022, has seen tremendous changes in the way the UTEP community responds to pro-reproductive rights and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. 

“I love doing the tabling events because one it’s in a weird way, bringing people together because people are waiting in line and they’re talking to us and they’re talking to each other in line, which is really cool to see how everybody like just kind of interacts and it’s over contraception,” Alvarado said. 

With one semester left, Alvarado hopes that the work of Frontera Folx creates a lasting impression on the community and acts as a constant resource for years to come.  

For information on how to get involved in the organization, students can visit MineTracker or follow @fronterafolxon Instagram for more resources or questions.

Alyda Muela is a contributor and may be reached at [email protected]; @aly.rose.photos on Instagram.