Source: Andrea Blair, 785-532-6441, andreab@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Beth Bohn, 785-532-2535, bbohn@k-state.edu

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

NEW RESOURCE CENTER TO SUPPORT K-STATE'S LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDERED COMMUNITY

MANHATTAN -- A new resource center opening in the fall semester at Kansas State University will provide support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered students, faculty and staff.

The center, in 207 Holton Hall, will be staffed 20 hours a week by Brandon Haddock, K-State doctoral student in geography, Junction City. Operation hours are being determined.

"I would like to thank the Student Governing Association; Gayle Spencer, associate dean of student life and director of student activities; Kirk Schulz, K-State president; and Pat Bosco, vice president for student life and dean of students, for their efforts in establishing K-State's first-ever Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Resource Center," said Andrea Blair, adviser to K-State's LGBTQ and More student organization and the director of disability support services.

Blair said having a clearly identified center will help create a more inclusive and welcoming campus for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered students, prospective students, faculty and staff.

Initially, Haddock's responsibilities will include:

* Working with the LGBTQ and More student organization to ensure the continuous development of student leaders.

* Serve as the K-State resource person for the well-being and safety of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered members of the campus community.

* Provide information, support and referrals.

* Create programming to help educate the K-State campus.

* Coordinate and provide education, outreach and advocacy on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered concerns within the campus community, including organizing panels to speak to classes and at other diversity events on campus.