24 college street

Resource Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (RCSGD)

Friday, November 20: Proud of My Whole Self: A Celebration of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Race, Ethnicity, Religion, Social Class and More!


Letter from the Director

Hello Q&A Friends! I want to fill you in on some exciting news at the "center formerly known as the QTRC".  As some of you have heard me mention, this year I received consistent feedback that the name of the QTRC (specifically the word "queer" in the center's name) is alienating some of the students that it is meant to welcome.  The two strong messages I heard throughout the year included variations of, "I am gay, but not queer, can you meet me in the Union," and "I don't want to have to label myself, I would like to chat, but since I do not call myself gay, I don't think the QTRC is for me."  The first sentiment was more common among students from the south and students of color, but also cut across the board.  After working with a diverse group of students, along with Aviva Briefel and Mark Foster from Gay and Lesbian Studies, we have a new name (recently approved by our senior officers).

The QTRC will now be known as the Resource Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity.

Some Bowdoin students are indeed "queer" identified and very proud to say so.  We will still use the word queer for some events, programs, etc. - just not for the first word of the center's name.

We will be located at 24 College with the WRC.  Peer Health (Emily Skinner) and The Special Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs (Meadow Davis) will join us this fall after a few other departments moves.  We are looking forward to building foot traffic in the building!

If you have any questions or feedback about the name or the process, please be in touch.

As always, thanks for all of your support of LGBTQ students!

Kate

Out Peers
We are a group of out lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and non-heterosexual (LGBTQ) students available to offer confidential and non-judgmental support.  If you would like to discuss anything, feel free to contact us or come by during drop-in hours at 24 College Street (hours for fall semester to be announced).

About the RCSGD

The Resource Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity is designed to provide support to Bowdoin's gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and straight populations. It is dedicated to educating the campus community about sexuality and gender identity and offers an array of educational brochures.

The RCSGD also works actively with the college administration (including the Deans' Office, the Office of Residential Life, the Admissions Office, the Career Planning Center, the President's Office and the Board of Trustees) to make Bowdoin a more queer-friendly environment.

Scholarship Information
View scholarship listings here!

Coordinating with many other campus groups (such as Bowdoin Queer-Straight Alliance, the African-American Society, and Bowdoin Women's Association), it sponsors speakers, concerts, and other events on campus, in addition to hosting discussion groups addressing the diverse needs of the Bowdoin community.

The library of queer-related books, movies, and CDs is available to all students, faculty and staff, and the comfortable space at 24 College Street offers a quiet, relaxing and positive atmosphere for all.


 
Kate Stern
RCSGD Director
kstern@bowdoin.edu

Kate Stern has a bachelor's degree from Bennington College and a master's degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.  She has over ten years of experience as a teacher and trainer. In 2000, she was hired by the Boston Public Schools to create a safe schools program for LGBTQ students. Before coming to Bowdoin, she worked as a trainer with the Center for the Prevention of Hate Violence, an organization in Portland, ME that trains students all over the country to stand up and speak out against bias, prejudice and violence.

Kate lives with her partner (Bowdoin alum '92) and their son Zachary and pug Zoe.

Web Gal: Sarah Morgan