The University of Illinois at Chicago's ( UIC's ) Gender and Sexuality Center ( GSC ) hosted its annual Rainbow Social for new and returning students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members Aug. 26.
The social gave attendees the opportunity to meet each other and hear about GSC's services and programs. About 85 people attended the event, which was held at the GSC Rainbow Resources rooms at the Behavioral Sciences building on campus.
The GSC resource rooms have a full staff on hand and programming throughout the year. Computers, LGBT-themed books, a TV, DVD player and couches are available so students from different departments can come together to network, collaborate and form friendships in a cozy atmosphere.
"Everything we are doing this year is motivated by a desire to build a community across campus, to bring people together, share experiences, listen to each other's stories, and learn more about what it means to be LGBTQA at UIC today. We're looking at the ways that intersecting identities inform who we are in the world and how we want to work together for greater inclusion and equity," said GSC Director Megan Carney, adding that the they finds partnerships in some unexpected places. One such partnership is with the Agape House, a Christian campus ministry, which will have discussions on sexuality and spirituality called the Sexy Spirit.
The GSC was established in 1995 and is one of six UIC centers for diversity. Its mission is to provide or facilitate LGBTQA education, outreach, research and support to eliminate fear and prejudice on-campus and beyond as well as supporting students academic success.
For more information about UIC's GSC visit www.uic.edu/depts/quic/gsc/ .