While their physical office in Bird Library is closed, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center (RC) at Syracuse University continues to provide support, connection and educational opportunities to the members of the very diverse LGBTQ+ communities.
“Now more than ever, we want to highlight the importance of strengthening community among our queer and trans folks,” says Jorge Castillo, interim director of the LGBT Resource Center. “Similar to our on-campus programs and events, within this new virtual space, we want the community to know that we’re still here fostering connection and support. Though we may not be sitting in our Center’s living room, we are still here for students through a variety of virtual spaces, connections and involvement opportunities.”
Below are ways you can stay connected with the LGBT RC and participate in their events, services and offerings, wherever you are. For the most up-to-date information, view their Linktree or follow the Center on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Virtual Drop-In Office Hours
Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. EDT, anyone in need of support can virtually “drop in” to chat, vent or share with a staff member from the LGBT RC via Zoom. To drop in by phone, simply call 415.762.9988 or 646.568.7788 and use the meeting ID 110-336-951. To set up a meeting outside of these hours, email lgbt@syr.edu.
QueerAntine Time
For the remainder of the semester, join the LGBT RC every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon EDT for a craft or activity and opportunity for socialization on Google Meet. Upcoming activities include evaluating the best Easter candies, baking vegan and non-vegan cookies, a science fair, a session on houseplants and a virtual tour of the queer-oriented Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art.
“‘Ally’ Is A Verb: Unpacking and Attacking Covert Transphobia” Workshop
Activist and educator AC Dumlao will facilitate a virtual workshop designed for cisgender LGBTQ+ allies to address covert transphobia and how allies can support and uplift trans and nonbinary students and community members. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, April 28, from 3 to 5 p.m. EDT and you can register here. Please email lgbt@syr.edu to request any accommodations.
Lavender Graduation
The LGBT RC’s Lavender Graduation is typically an in-person reception celebrating and sending off LGBTQ+ members of the graduating class. In lieu of an in-person event this year, the Center asks graduating students to share their degree, major(s), minor(s), a brief biography and any photos from their time at Syracuse for a special Lavender Graduation video that will be created and shared later in the semester. The submission form will be available on the Center’s website and social media channels.
Safe Zone Workshop
Virtual Safe Zone workshops will be held on April 14 from 1 to 3 p.m. and April 23 from 10 a.m. to noon. This program aims to build a network of students, staff, faculty and community members who are visibly and actively committed to advocating for and creating spaces of respect and inclusion for LGBTQ+ members of our community. Register for an upcoming workshop.
LGBTQ+ Staff Affinity Group
The LGBTQ+ Staff Affinity group continues to meet virtually every other Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. EDT via Zoom. The meetings provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ identified staff to express themselves and support one another. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, April 23. Email lgbt@syr.edu to join the group and request a password for the next meeting.
Extra Support and Resources for the LGBTQ+ Communities During the COVID-19 Pandemic
