Up for discussion: Resources for gays and others

Mark Yanez identifies himself as a member of the queer community. So when he moved from his home in Los Angeles to UC Davis three years ago, he wasn’t sure how well he would fit into small-town campus life.

But Yanez said he was privileged that first year to find supportive environments in Rainbow House, the residential theme floor for students and allies of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community; and at a campus resource center.

In Rainbow House, Yanez lived with about 25 others. “The atmosphere was very safe,” said the junior, who is majoring in sociology and in women and gender studies. “And you have more access to resources on campus.”

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Resource Center (LGBTRC) “was really helpful in getting me in touch with other organizations,” said Yanez, He got involved with La Familia and is still active with the peer support group, which is dedicated to addressing issues at the intersection of sexuality and ethnicity.

The resource center, opened in 1994, provides a safe, inclusive place for students to learn more about gender and sexuality issues, as well as explore their own identities. Students can browse and borrow from an extensive library of more than 1,100 books, a collection of current magazines and newspapers, a growing video library, and a variety of organizational and educational pamphlets. They can also use the center's computers or wireless Internet access.

“There’s a lot on a daily basis that LGBT students go through, and most people aren’t aware of how pervasive the discrimination can be,” said Sheri Atkinson, director of the LGBTRC. “Through education that the center provides, we help to create a better environment for everyone.”

The resource center offers Safe Zone, a three-hour training series designed to make the campus more welcoming for LGBT students, After completing the training, individuals can take and use Safe Zone buttons on their backpacks and signs to designate their space as a Safe Zone.

The resource center celebrates the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community through Pride Week each fall and sponsors other weeklong events about the issues confronting the bisexual and other nonmonosexual communities and people who are born with intersex conditions. The upcoming TransAction Week, Nov. 17 to 21, will focus on individuals whose self-image or perceived identity is not traditionally associated with their biological makeup.

The center also collaborates with other groups on campus, including the gender and sexuality commission of the Associated Students of UC Davis, to sponsor events and increase general awareness about related issues.

LGBT students looking for inclusive communities can check out the more than two dozen campus centers and other organizations listed on the resource center’s Web site.

In addition, Counseling and Psychological Services offers general counseling and therapy groups for students dealing with personal issues, including “coming out” as a gay or lesbian, as well as a mentoring program for LGBT students.

Atkinson added that she is available to talk with parents about any questions or concerns they may have. She can be reached at (530) 752-2452.