Gay center welcomes new, returning students

By Erica Miller, On-Line Forty-Niner

Tuesday, September 22, 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," said Karla Saldana, LGBRC coordinator.

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

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.

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, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Student Union 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.

All students on campus are encouraged to become aware of the center's purpose.

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 (562) 985-4585 or visit the center in FO4-165.