CDI office for Sexuality and Gender Inclusion announces a location specifically reserved for LGBTQIA+ student
Aubri McKoy
Contributing Writer
The opening of the new LGBTQIA+ inclusive space in the Compton basement marks the addition of a new safe space on campus. As the director of Sexuality and Gender Inclusion (SGI) in the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Melissa Chesanko said, “having a dedicated LGBTQIA+ inclusive space has been something students have been requesting since I started at Wooster four academic years ago.”
In order to accomplish this task, there were a number of measures taken to obtain the space.
At the beginning of the process, students gathered with staff to begin the discussion of an LGBTQIA+ inclusive space and eventually composed a proposal for a capital project request, regarding vacant spaces on campus for potential student use. Subsequently, members of Residence Life staff toured available spaces and conducted necessary research regarding costs. Having explored several funding options, funding was finally secured through the Division of Student Affairs in the spring of 2018.
While the space is intended to have many purposes, its primary function is to be an accessible lounge area for students to use whenever they need. Availability will be listed on the door, much like the collaborative spaces in the libraries, as there will also be programming scheduled in the space. Some of these programs include LGBTQIA+ student organization meetings, support groups and SGI events like discussion series and “crafternoons.” Additional amenities, including a television, are to come in the near future.
Keeping in mind the College’s mission to be inclusive for all students, the hope for this space is to be multi-purposeful, meeting the needs of each student who encounters it.
“I hope that it can serve as a gathering space, a study space and a community-building area. I hope that it is a place where students feel comfortable stopping by when they have time and making a cup of tea, as well as a place that groups spend time together. Most of all, I hope that it creates a sense of belonging on campus and an opportunity to connect,” says Melissa Chesanko.
Suggestions for an official name of the space are being accepted as well. Anyone who has an idea is welcomed to email SGI@wooster.edu.
Students interested in gaining access to the space may email a request to SGI@wooster.edu. Upon request, students will be given access with no questions asked. In the coming weeks, guidelines for the space will be shared in order to maintain a welcoming environment.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Melissa Chesanko, director of sexuality and gender inclusion at MChesanko@wooster.edu or Kim Green, program coordinator for the CDI at KGreen@wooster.edu.