Friday June 15, 2007 Vol 35 Issue 24 |
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Thursday, Aug 21, 2008
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Q Center at the University of Washington held Lavender Graduation |
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| Q Center at the University of Washington held Lavender Graduation | ||
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Celebration recognizes achievements of graduating students by Lisa Wardle - SGN Staff Writer Seattle's University of Washington Q Center held their annual Lavender Graduation last Thursday, June 7. In the ceremony, Queer participants were encouraged to walk, though anyone who wished to join in was warmly welcomed. Many students took part in the graduation, each celebrating his or her accomplishments from throughout the past school year. In the past three years, the event has seen a plethora of rainbow attire and exhibited the voices of many diverse students. The UW's Lavender Graduation this year was the largest that the event has ever been, with close to twenty graduates being honored. "It's really there to celebrate LGBT, Queer, students who are graduating college. Not all [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender] students get to college and end up graduating. We try and celebrate community as well as graduates," said Marisa Hackett, the Q Center Program Assistant, who has worked there since the fall of 2005. The Q Center, which stands for "Queer," is located on the UW campus in Schmitz Hall. The center provides numerous services for LGBT students and faculty, including a weekly Bible study session; international queer film nights; study space equipped with computers and printers; a library; and a lounge to hang around in. One of the main programs offered, that students and staff from various backgrounds around the University have taken part in, is the Safe Zone Project. It used to be housed under student commissions, but transferred over to the Q Center once Jennifer Self was appointed the center's director around 2004. The project is designed to train members of the school in becoming allies for Queer students, by educating participants and providing resources to help reduce discrimination. "We get calls from the Seattle, as well as Bothell and Tacoma, campuses almost constantly to do trainings," said Marisa. She mentioned that the efforts of the program had made a significant difference in the overall sense of safety at the school in past years. "I know that I noticed the Safe Zone cards when I was a student here." Along with the Safe Zone cards, Marisa commented on the significant presence of the Queer community on campus since the opening of the Q Center. The general acceptance promoted and willingness to be of service to everyone has made a great difference in the success of the department. "We're open and welcome to anyone who wants to stop by and see what we do. We love to meet community members," said Marisa. The staff of the Q Center are proud of their accomplishments and celebrated them with pride next to students at the Lavender Graduation. There are still dreams that staff hope to accomplish, such as expanding the center to offer more programs for transgender students and Queer people of color, and efforts are currently being made to improve the Q Center. "We don't have a ton of alumni involvement yet," said Director Jennifer Self. She hopes that funding will increase, as there is currently only enough money for a part-time director. Many volunteers and work-study students help to maintain the Q Center, keeping it a safe place where Queer students at the school can go to hang out and have fun. |
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