About Frankie:

Minor: American Sign Language 

Certificate in Honors Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts 

Frances Aaker is a dynamic advocate for queer representation and community connection at the University of New Mexico. Last semester, motivated by frustration over the surge of anti-trans legislation in the U.S., she took a bold step to create a website dedicated to celebrating queer joy. Frances recognized the need for a safe and uplifting space for UNM students and the wider New Mexico queer community, and her project became a vibrant response to the hate surrounding them. 

The website features the work of UNM queer artists, a comprehensive directory of LGBTQ+ resources, and a collection of poetry and mindfulness activities designed to foster meditative joy and a sense of belonging. “I wanted to create a space that defied hate and uplifted voices within our community,” Frances explains. 

In her effort to engage her peers, Frances distributed QR codes across campus, inviting students to contribute their own work and participate in a community forum. “This was crucial because I wanted the website to grow beyond myself. While I curated the initial selection of art, my goal is for it to be shaped by the community it serves,” she shares. 

As Frances enters her second year at UNM, where she studies population health and American Sign Language, she reflects on her journey. Prior to her queer joy website project, she had limited experience with web design and art curation, but the process has been transformative. “I learned so much, and I’m excited to keep challenging myself creatively,” she notes. 

For Frances, the heart of her academic and creative pursuits lies in cultivating strength through communities. As she continues her journey, she remains dedicated to fostering connections, advocating for inclusivity, and celebrating the richness of queer culture, ensuring that her work resonates with and empowers those around her.