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GLBTQ Resource Center to Have Housewarming for Its New Headquarters

Washington and Lee University’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (GLBTQ) Resource Center is throwing a housewarming for its new headquarters on the second floor of Hill House on Friday, Sept. 9, from 4 to 6 p.m.

The center is a project of the student organization GLBT Equality Initiative (G.E.I), itself a recent evolution from the earlier Gay-Straight Alliance. G.E.I advocates equal rights, justice and opportunity for all members of the W&L community regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion, a division of Student Affairs, oversees student GLBTQ matters.

“W&L has been striving hard to enhance campus climate for our community,” said Beth Curry, university counselor. “The GLBTQ Resource Center is an important step in that quest by creating a focal point for resources, services and programs. Specifically, the Resource Center will serve to meet the needs of GLBTQ students by providing a safe space for them to socialize, study and access resources.”

The center works to diminish the prejudice that limits the educational experience and safety of GLBTQ community members and others within the university. It provides an open, diverse and safe environment in which all members of the W&L community may explore sexual and gender identity issues and serves as a focal point for campus GLBTQ resources, services and programs. It further contributes to the University’s commitment to intellectual exploration, diversity and responsible leadership, and upholds W&L’s values of honor, integrity and civility.

“The new GLBTQ Resource Center is important to everyone at Washington and Lee,” said Bob Strong, interim provost. “It will help us build a safer and more inclusive campus by fostering recognition and understanding of issues related to sexual identity and gender.”