About Us
Location
We are located in Tivoli Student Union, Room 213
Steve Willich - Director
Phone: (303) 556-6333
Input
The office welcomes input and ideas about potential events and programs for the campus community.
Our office offers a variety of support, education and advocacy services for the entire campus community including:
- Support for those who may have questions about sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression
- Advocacy for students experiencing discrimination or harassment based on a real or perceived gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender identity
- Speakers bureau for classes and events on various aspects of sexual orientation, gender identity and related issues
- Training programs and workshops about combatting homophobia & transphobia, working with GLBT individuals, and sensitivity considerations
- Library of books and videos available for research and leisure
- Educational, academic, and social events such as National Coming Out Day, GLBT Awareness Month, World AIDS Day, Transgender Day of Remembrance and many others, providing information and dialogue about GLBT issues
A Brief History of Our Office
A variety of factors led to the appointment of a Presidential Task Force on Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Concerns in the summer of 1992. During the summer and fall of 1992, the division of Student Affairs, the Provost's Council, and the staff of the Office of Admissions all participated in an educational seminar on issues facing GLBT students. Amendment 2 and right wing attacks on gay and lesbian rights across the country served to further politicize the campus and community climate. The Auraria Lesbian and Gay Alliance became very active during 1991-1992. With the governor's declaration of human rights, Metro State added "sexual orientation" to its affirmative action policy statement. The Office of Student Activities began to require that student clubs sign a non-discrimination policy which included sexual orientation in order to be officially recognized by the college. The efforts by some religious groups to be excluded from this policy led to the need for a response from Dr. Brewer. Although the college supported the non-discrimination policy, ROTC and religious organizations were exempted from signing the policy. At that point, ALAGA organized a rally and presented Dr. Brewer with a list of demands which included a request for a task force to review campus climate issues for GLBT students, staff, and faculty. Dr. Brewer appointed and charged the task force in the summer of 1992.
In October of 1992, the task force presented Dr. Brewer a set of recommendations. The number one recommendation of the task force was the creation of an office to serve the needs of GLBT students. Shortly after the recommendations, the Student Affairs Board funded a temporary half-time position for a Coordinator of GLB Student Services. The position eventually grew into a full time task with Karen Bensen as Director.
