January 28, 2011

The Queer Spring Fling marked the first event held in the new Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Resource Center that opened this semester in the lower level of the MU Student Center.

The LGBTQ Resource Center, which was previously in the Center for Social Justice sharing space with the Multicultural Center, Women’s Center and Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center, has an office exclusively of its own in the new Student Center.

LGBTQ Resource Center Coordinator Ryan Black said having this new space might help bring in new students.

“I think having a Center specifically for the LGBTQ community may allow students who aren’t as comfortable being in a shared space, or who are in the process of coming out, feel more comfortable walking through the door,” Black said.

The Center does everything possible to create a safe and private place for students, Triangle Coalition President Sean Jarvis said.

“People who are anxious at the possibility of being outed should know that we have a very strict confidentially policy that we use,” Jarvis said. “I think that, just not to be intimidated by any of those things and if these events are the kind of thing that somewhat interest you, it can only benefit you to come by and see what it’s about.”

Freshman Francesca Pelusi said being gay at school is difficult while making friends because of the fear of not being accepted.

“When you come to an event like this, you know that it’s a safe space and you’re going to be supported there,” Pelusi said. “It’s just a room full of people that aren’t going to judge you for your sexuality.”

The Spring Fling is the first public event that gives students the opportunity to see the new center and learn about LGBTQ organizations around campus. LGBTQ group leaders were there to inform students about their organizations and students were given the chance to meet members and other interested students.

“This combination of an official discussion as well as informal conversations that take place give people the opportunity to decide which of the organizations they want to be involved in and which ones are the best fit for them,” Jarvis said.

A Queer Fall Fling was held last semester and Black said having two events like this at the beginning of the semester is the first opportunity new and transfer students have to become aware of the resources and organizations available on campus.

“There are new and incoming students every semester,” Black said. “We definitely don’t want to leave out students who are transferring in.”

Junior Ben Vigil said the Fling gives him an opportunity to know which students around campus support the LGBTQ community.

“If they (new students) came to the event, I think they would feel comfortable knowing who they can trust and knowing they aren’t the only people out there dealing with the stuff that America is putting us through,” Vigil said.

Jarvis said this event exposes new students to the resources available on campus and allows students to build their social networks to help them feel less alienated from the campus.

“Come in and mingle,” Black said. “Whether you are LGBTQ, straight, otherwise, it’s open for everybody.”

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