Seminar to Provide Support for Gay, Lesbian Students

Utah State University students, faculty and staff interested in volunteering to become a member of Allies on Campus are invited to attend a free three-hour campus seminar Sept 16 at the University Inn, room 507.

 

Allies on Campus is a network of faculty, staff and students committed to providing a "safe zone" for anyone dealing with sexual or gender orientation issues, said LuAnn Sherbeck Helms, Allies Steering Committee chair.

 

Helms said Allies strives to reduce homophobia and heterosexism on campus through education, advocacy, awareness and creating a visible network of allies.

 

"The program strives to develop a welcoming and supportive campus environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students, faculty and staff," she said. "Allies on Campus provides an avenue through which individuals can actively show their support."

 

Those interested in volunteering must attend the three-hour seminar. The session includes an overview of the purpose of Allies on Campus, information on issues gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (GLBT) students and others may be facing. It provides information on resources and referrals, interaction with a panel of GLBT students, questions and answers and the opportunity to sign a contract.

 

Space is limited and so pre-registration is required. A request for a registration form can be made by e-mailing Helms at lhelms@cc.usu.edu.

 

Additional seminars are planned for Oct. 20 and Nov. 18.