News
Event recognizes LGBTQ ‘allies’
-
Print -
Comments
-
“I think it’s important to recognize that heterosexual allies play an important part in making this a safer and more inclusive campus.”
Love Your Ally Day on Monday will give staff, faculty and students an opportunity to honor friends who support the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community on campus.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wellness Education Services will have a table in the lobby of the Student Union, North Campus, where people can pick up pre-made or blank cards to give to LGBTQ “allies.” Markers, glitter, doilies and “all the crafty stuff” will be available to individuals who want to personalize and decorate their greetings, says James Bowman, special populations outreach coordinator for Wellness Education Services.
“We have supplies available, so they just need to show up,” he says. “We want to recognize the support that allies are giving to the community. When you’re looking to provide a more inclusive and supportive environment, change requires the support and help of the entire community. I think it’s important to recognize that heterosexual allies play an important part in making this a safer and more inclusive campus.”
“It’s important that we have some visibility on campus and that students are able to see that UB supports LGBTQ students, that there are offices on campus that are working to advocate for students and make change,” adds Jamie Bergeron, a graduate assistant in Wellness Education Services and a master’s student in educational leadership and policy.
The idea for Love Your Ally Day came from an undergraduate, who suggested that in addition to celebrating significant others, people could use the time around Valentine’s Day to celebrate LGBTQ supporters, Bowman says.
Monday’s event is one of many programs that aim to make UB a more welcoming place for all students, staff, faculty and visitors. This spring, the university and its Student Wellness Team will host the Northeast Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Conference, during which hundreds of students from across the region will convene to discuss issues of concern to the LGBTQ community. Click here for more information on the conference, which takes place Apr. 16-18.
Reader Comments