Southern Illinois University

New article name is Southern Illinois University's GLBT Resource Center

About the Center
The GLBT Resource Center opened in January 2007 on the campus of Southern Illinois University Carbondale as a result of recommendations made in the 2005 “Provost’s Ad-hoc Committee on Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgender Issues” report. The offices are staffed by a half-time coordinator, student workers, and volunteers. They are open during normal university business hours: 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.

The GLBT Resource Center provides:
•	Support – As a designated, obvious safe space, the GLBT Resource Center provides immediate support and referral to students at risk or confronting personal issues related to their “coming-out”. Additionally, potential new faculty/staff or even continuing employees searching for community resources are able to access information through the center.

•	Education – This office provides educational outreach to a variety of departments such as academic departments, Housing, Counseling Center, Wellness Center, Student Health Programs, Affirmative Action, Public Safety, and New Student Programs. In addition, resources are made available to academic classes addressing GLBT issues within their curriculum. This office works to raise their profile until such time as an academic home can be identified or created.

•	Advocacy – GLBT individuals may be reluctant to speak up and speak out due to the social stigma of being GLBT or Q. The Resource Center serves as a central office that speaks with one voice to advocate for GLBT individuals on the issues they face. The office also serves as an obvious symbol to the campus, the greater Southern Illinois community, faculty, staff, students and prospective students that SIUC is a welcoming, diverse campus dedicated to equal treatment of all people. The office advocates on policies, procedures, education, increased awareness, tolerance and diversity throughout the University, at all levels.

Mission Statement
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) Resource Center shall serve as a centrally located, safe campus space that provides educational outreach, referral information and advocacy services, which will add to an inclusive and diverse environment for GLBT students, faculty, staff, families, friends, alumni, and the greater Southern Illinois Community.

Recent Programming
In the 2011-2012 Academic Year, the GLBT Resource Center at SIUC is featuring events with the following people and groups: Morgan McMichaels, Jack Mackenroth, Dan Savage, Shadowboxers Anonymous, and Ryan Conrad. See our events page for more information.

Safe Zone Trainings
Safe Zone is a national program which identifies faculty, staff, and students who can provide a "safe space" for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (GLBTQ) people on campus. A Safe Zone sign indicates that the person who posted it is a person who will be understanding, non-judgmental, and trustworthy. Individuals will know that they can come to this person for help, advice, or just to talk with someone who is supportive of their sexuality or gender identity. Participation as an ally in the SIUC Safe Zone program helps to create a campus that is inclusive and affirming. Safe Zone participants are committed to social justice and understand the importance of diversity in the SIUC community. GLBTQ people and straight allies are encouraged to attend a Safe Zone Training Workshop. Upon completion of the workshop, participants have the option of becoming a Safe Zone member. Both the workshop and membership are voluntary and free. Safe Zone workshops can be arranged for any office or campus organization who wishes to host one. Regularly scheduled Safe Zone trainings (open to all) are listed on the GLBT Resource Center Events Page. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for some additional information about Safe Zone at SIUC.

It Gets Better
Columnist and author Dan Savage created the It Gets Better Project in September, 2010 in response to the publicity of many students taking their own lives after being bullied in school. He, along with his partner, made a video as a personal way of telling GLBTQ youth that it does get better. Please check out their website and YouTube channel for more information on this.

The GLBT Resource Center recently made our own “It Gets Better” video to show youth that there are allies at SIUC’s campus. You can view the video on our YouTube channel!

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or read more about us on our website!