Since 1994, WCU has been cultivating a safe space for students identifying as LGBTQA+, those who are questioning and those who want to be allies. The campus offers resources, advocacy and assistance for all students, exemplifying their commitments to be a safe, welcome place for students.
This year, the LGBTQA+ office was revamped, complete with an inclusive mural. The remodel has created an even more open feeling, furthering this warm environment.
I was able to get in contact with Yami Reyes, a peer educator at the office of LGBTQA+ Services. She was able to tell me more about the remodel and more about the services and resources LGBTQA+ students have available to them.
Originally, the office did not have much space. After the remodel, Reyes has informed me that the office doubled in size, allowing more of the community to get together in comfortable seating and in the company of new decorations. There is also a work station for those in administration. New features like a whiteboard and a television will be added in the near future.
Reyes and the other people at the office of LGBTQA+ Services want students to know that everyone is welcome. Reyes states, “We welcome everyone on the LGBTQA+ spectrum and we try to support and facilitate conversations about all the identities in our community.” She also talked about how inclusivity is important when trying to make everyone feel welcome.
“In addition to the educational programming, we host lunches, discussions and safe spaces for the different sub-communities in the LGBTQA spectrum. The community has been historically represented by cisgender white gay men in the media, so we strive to expand that narrative with these inclusive spaces and educational programs. For example, we are hosting a luncheon for middle sexualities, such as Bi Your Own Lunch during Bi Visibility Week.”
The Office of LGBTQA+ Services has many more resources for students, which Reyes happily passed along. Come check out this cool spot and get involved!
•Sexuality and Gender Alliance, the student-run organization for LGBTQA+ students
oPresident: Maggie Collins, MC864897@wcupa.edu
•Shades of the Rainbow, the closed break-off group for queer and trans students of color
oShades Representative, Ona H. Grant, OG854972@wcupa.edu
•Tea Time, the closed break-off group for trans students
oTea Time Representative: Jayson Lutrario, ML866428@wcupa.edu
Enya Lucas is a third-year student majoring in English. EL873394@wcupa.edu.