UW-L Pride Center continues to serve students

Located in 42 Cartwright Center, the Pride Center has been serving students and staff for about 15 years. Originally, the Pride Center was known as the Diversity Resource Center and focused not only on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues, but on multicultural issues as well. It was not until about five years ago that the name was changed due to the growing need for a center which focused mainly on LGBT concerns. According to Willem Van Roosenbeek, Pride Center Director, the goal of the Pride Center is to "work to create a campus that is supportive and knowledgeable of LBGT issues." From sending student panels into classrooms to talking with faculty members, the Pride Center is doing what it can to help make UW-La Crosse a more welcoming place for students of all sexual orientation. Besides educating faculty and students, the Pride Center also acts as an advocate for issues and needs concerning LGBT rights. Gender neutral facilities and safe environments are examples of the types of things the Pride Center is working towards. Providing support to students who are struggling to come out, are having concerns about their future, or who just need a safe place to talk is another large part of UW-La Crosse's Pride Center. Although the Pride Center was originally developed for LGBT students, all students are welcome to visit. Anyone can go there to study, nap, eat, or just relax. The Pride Center is also a great place for students to go to research LGBT issues. Books and videos are available to check out, some of which are educational and some of which are just for fun. Students can also browse through provided magazines, and the "gay? fine by me" T-shirts are available for sale almost every day. The Pride Center has events for people to attend throughout the year as well. One event which is coming up soon is the Transgender Day of Remembrance, which takes place on Thursday, November 20th. This day has been set aside for communities and campuses all over the U.S. to get together and acknowledge those who have been killed due to their gender identity. Students at UW-L can honor this day by going to room 337 Cartwright Center at 7:00pm, where a power-point containing more information on this day and those murdered will be played to music. The Pride Center shares the same hours as Cartwright Center, with specialized times when staff members are available for assistance. For more information on upcoming events or people you can contact, visit the Pride Center's website at http://www.uwlax.edu/pridecenter/.

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Anonymous

Thu Mar 11 2010 13:29

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