Learn more about the dedicated team behind our LGBT+ programs. Meet our passionate staff members who are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the community. Discover their roles, expertise, and contributions as they work tirelessly to support and advocate for LGBT+ individuals.

Dr. Sophia Pook is a transgender, disabled, Lebanese-American scholar whose research focuses on the intersections of politics, technology, and autonomy. She directs the LGBT+ Programs at NMSU and also teaches in the English Department. Sophia has worked to create the Preferred Name Rule as well as gender inclusive housing and restroom options, for which NMSU has received national attention. She holds Master’s Degrees in Philosophy and Communication, and a PhD in Rhetoric and Professional Communication. She is currently engaged in grant research to examine healthcare for transgender individuals in southern New Mexico, as well as efforts to bring more attention to accessibility in DEI work. She has been invited to give numerous talks and workshops in the US and abroad for high schools, universities, and community organizations. Her published work can be found in The International Journal of Žižek Studies, Interalia, and Women’s Studies in Communication. She can be reached directly at ZSPook@nmsu.edu or through LGBT+ Programs at 575-646-7031.

Lore Falls is the Program Coordinator for LGBT+ Programs. They are a queer nonbinary medical anthropologist originally from Tijeras, NM whose academic work focuses on improving access to and quality of healthcare for LGBT+ people in southern New Mexico. Lore is also involved in research with Drs. Sangwanthong and López regarding campus climate and understanding intersectional student experiences with the goal of improving policy, programming, and practices related to EID at NMSU. Their primary capacities are outreach (tabling, presenting at orientations, etc.), education (SafeZone trainings and academic lectures), event support, and general Program support under Dr. Sangwanthong’s direction. You may recognize them as DJ Falls at the last several Pride Season and OUTober Drag Shows. Lore received a Bachelor of Science in Cultural Anthropology from Eastern New Mexico University and will receive a Master of Arts in Anthropology from NMSU.

Fun Fact: Lore is forklift certified. They also learned how to sew in 8th grade and have been part of the cosplay and convention scene in New Mexico since at least 2013.

Britney Stout is the Administrative Assistant for the American Indian Program, Asian and Pacific Islander Program and LGBT+ Programs. Prior to this role, Britney was recording secretary for NMSU's Faculty Senate, and has served in various capacities around NMSU throughout the years. Britney is not native to Las Cruces but has lived in Las Cruces long enough to consider her taste buds native.

Fun Fact: Britney enjoys hiking, gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, and making food that brings her friends joy.