LGBTQ+ Resource Center

LGBTQ+ Resource Center
Lavender Graduation was held at Ferris State University in May 2019. This annual ceremony is conducted on numerous campuses across America to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and ally students and to acknowledge their achievements and contributions to higher education.

In 2018, Ferris State University opened its first LGBTQ+ Center. This Center, located in the University Center, serves to foster a supportive environment that is open, safe, and inclusive for students of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. The Center’s objective is to celebrate and affirm LGBTQ+ people, identities, and communities; to support the development of LGBTQ+-sensitive and -accountable personal and professional skills among the Ferris community; and to to support and advocate for, and with, members of the LGBTQ+ community for an equitable, inclusive culture at Ferris State University that celebrates and values LGBTQ+ people.

 

Celebrating our Core Value of Diversity, the department's mission is to

  • Affirm and celebrate LGBTQ+ individuals, identities, and cultures.
  • Educate the greater Ferris community about LGBTQ+ identities and LGBTQ+ inclusive and affirming practices.
  • Connect LGBTQ+ students with each other, staff and faculty, and all University resources.
  • Provide resources for students, employees, and the community to learn about and advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Foster student leadership and personal, academic, and professional growth through mentoring and collaborations on and off campus.
  • Provide a gathering space for all LGBTQ+ students & allies to build community and support each other.

 

Signature Programs and Services of the Department Include

  • A drop-in space for visitors. CLOSED due to COVID-19.
  • Information, referrals, and advocacy.
  • Weekly drop-in Coffeehouse, Wednesdays, 4-6. Moved to our Discord server during the pandemic.
  • Semesterly Welcome Receptions.
  • Lavender Graduation, Ferris' celebration of LGBTQ+ and ally graduates.
  • Cultural programming for National Coming Out Day, LGBT History Month, Spring Pride Week, Transgender Visibility Week, Pride Month, and more.
  • Social and support groups for questioning students, and for bi, pan, and fluid students.
  • A resource lending library, funded in part by the Ferris State University Faculty and Staff Diversity Mini-Grant, the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, and the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs. Available by appointment during COVID.
  • A donation-based clothing closet for transgender students. Accessible by appointment during COVID.
  • The LGBTQ+ Justice Living Learning Community, for students interested in learning about LGBTQ+ identities, cultures, histories, and communities, OPEN AS OF FALL 2020! Email [email protected] for more information or to sign up to live in the community by July 24!