Friday, October 27, 2017 Celebrating 10 years of the LGBTQA+ Resource Center
In August 2007, the LGBTQA+ Resource Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln opened its doors. The small office on the third floor of the Nebraska Union offered a welcoming place for individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Prior to the resource center’s existence, support for LGBTQA students had been provided solely by part-time staff members. First, a graduate assistant position in 1997, then a part-time staff position in 2003 offered support to LGBTQA students and student organizations. However, the overwhelming duties for advising students, educating the community, and training and supporting the university community demonstrated greater need.
In the ten years since the center opened, the campus has incorporated a number of policies and initiatives to support the LGBTQA community. These include gender-inclusive housing, gender inclusive locker rooms and restrooms, chosen name options, the option for changing a gendermarker using a passport or driver’s license, and the development of a transgender care clinic.
| 2007 | The LGBTQA+ Resource Center opens in Nebraska Union 342 with one full-time staff member in the Student Involvement office. Assistant Director in Student Involvement for LGBTQA Programs & Services Pat Tetreault serves as the center's director. |
| 2008 | Cards are redesigned to help students identify safe spaces (individuals who are committed to providing equitable access, dignity and safety for all individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions) and allies (individuals who are pro-LGBTQ and actively committed to diversity and inclusion for all individuals). |
| 2009 | Lavender Graduation begins on campus to recognize graduates and individuals whose contributions have positively impacted the LGBTQA+ community. |
| 2010 | The LGBTQA+ Resource Center moves to Nebraska Union 345 with an office in the center for the advisor to become more accessible to students. Lavender walls and rainbow decals create a visually welcoming space for the LGBTQA community. The first Louis Crompton Scholarship is awarded. Applications now are accepted each spring with awards applied for the following academic year. |
| 2011 | The LGBTQA+ Resource Center works with Allies & Advocates at the College of Law to present the first Prairie Pride Film Festival, an event that brings awareness and advocates for films with LGBTQA issues. This event is now hosted by Outlinc. |
| 2012 | The LGBTQA+ Resource Center moves next door to Nebraska Union 346, its current home. Many of the same rainbow decals from the prior office exist on the wall south of the office entrance. Gender identity is added to the university's non-discrimination policy. An online Trans Guide is created for Nebraska students. |
| 2013 | The Bias Incident Response Team and report process are developed to address issues and create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the university community. This process leads to the TIPS reporting system. |
| 2014 | The Change, a volunteer RSO connected to the LGBTQA+ Resource Center, is founded. The Outdoor Adventure Center is the first recreational facility at the university to include gender inclusive locker rooms. In the years following, inclusive locker rooms are available at the Recreation & Wellness Center (2015) and Campus Recreation (2016). |
| 2015 | A peer mentor program begins through the LGBTQA+ Resource Center to help first-year LGBTQA+ students find campus resources and opportunities for student success. Gender inclusive housing options become available. |
| 2016 | The ACPA Coalition for LGBT Awareness recognizes Pat Tetreault with the Public Service Award. The Pat Tetreault/PFLAG Lincoln LGBTQA+ Emergency Fund is created for students. Any student experiencing a financial emergency based on their identity or support for the LGBTQA+ community can apply. |
| 2017 | The Transgender Care Clinic at the University Health Center opens for students. The University of Nebraska common application provides students the option of indicating an interest in obtaining information about LGBTQA+ Programs & Services at UNL, providing the LGBTQA+ Resource Center the ability to provide information to admitted students who requested information during the admissions process. The Louis Crompton Scholarship is renamed the Drs. Crompton and Diaz-Perdomo Scholarship. The ACPA Commission for Social Justice Educators recognizes the LGBTQA+ Resource Center with the Commitment to Social Justice Education Award. |