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Collaboration Leads to Establishment of LGBTQ+ Liberation House in South Bond Hall

Ferris State UniversityFerris State University students seeking a unique living and learning experience, in the coming academic year, are encouraged to contact the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning) Resource Center to learn more about the Liberation House established in South Bond Hall.

Resource Center Director Sarah Doherty said there were several months of formative discussion with the Office of Housing and Residence Life about establishing this community, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A proposal for the LGBTQ+ Liberation House was submitted in October, and that was accepted, with South Bond Hall’s first floor identified as the potential location,” Doherty said. “Though our timeline is brief for outreach and identifying our first group of residents, we are glad to be following up on all of the organizational activity.”

HRL Associate Director Lisa Ortiz echoed Doherty’s sentiments about this offering.

“We are very excited to partner with the LGBTQ+ Resource Center on this effort,” Ortiz said. “We always strive to offer a vibrant on-campus living community, with great hopes for what our residents will accomplish in this community.”

This living and learning community will provide single, all-gender rooms for up to 18 students that will be dedicated to a safe, pride-filled environment with a focus on support of deep learning about gender and sexuality diversity, LGBTQ+ histories, identities, and cultures.

Doherty said there are several living-learning communities in place on Michigan college campuses, and that they are increasing in prominence.

“We want people to know that students of all identities and backgrounds are welcome to participate in the Living Learning Community. It is for any student interested in learning about LGBTQ+ cultures, and helping to make an LGBTQ+ friendly culture at Ferris,” Doherty said. “Our goal is to celebrate diversity, with programming created by a wide range of partnering campus organizations.”