Open house welcomes new, returning students

By Erica Miller, On-Line Forty-Niner

Thursday, September 17, 1998

More than 30 students, faculty and staff shared ideas, exchanged information and enjoyed refreshments Wednesday afternnoon at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Resource Center open house.

"This is an introduction for new students and faculty to find out about our services and people always like free food so that helps with drawing a crowd. So it's a party," sa id Karla Saldana, LGBRC coordinator.

Among the attendees, new staff members from Counseling Services brought fliers and introduced themselves to members of the LGBRC.

"Coming to the open house is a good way to find out about the organization. It is important for us to be visible to students," said Phi Loan Le, psychologist.

Outreach with other groups on campus through events like the open house is one of the main services the LBGRC provides.

"I encourage other student groups to work together with the center to make our campus a more congenial and welcoming environment for everyone," said Angela Bowen, assistant professor of women's studies.

At the open house, students were able to get fliers about upcoming events going on at the LGBRC and phone numbers to contacts regarding concerns they have.

"We provide a friendly and safe environment. This is a huge campus and not knowing anyone who is gay or lesbian can be hard, Saldana said. "They know they can come here for help with finding resources and support groups."

Besides introducing a safe house for lesbian, gay and bisexual students, new students and faculty can get acquainted with the multitude of services, clubs and action groups that operate out of the LBGRC like Women's Rap, Men's Rap, the Speaker's Bureau, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Student Union, Delta Lambda, a library and many off-campus resources.

Along with introducing new students and faculty to the center, Saldana said there are new services provided this semester, including a lecture series.

"We have started conducting sensitivity training on gay issues. We are currently working with various athletic teams and the Commission of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Concerns.

"We also have a lounge where people can eat, read and study," Saldana said.

Not only are new lesbian, gay and bisexual students welcome to the center, but all students on campus are encouraged to become aware of the center's purpose.

"You don't have to be lesbian or gay to come to the center. We provide a space to all students to talk about issues. People are able to make connections with study partners." Saldana said. "We need people who are comfortable with themselves."

Students and faculty interested in finding out about events happening this semester at the LGBRC may call the event line at (562) 985-4588 or visit the center in FO4-165.