Over the past 30 years, many public colleges across the country have established resource centers for women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit, and queer students. These centers support academic and personal growth, build awareness of sexuality- and gender-identity-related issues, and connect students, faculty, and staff with resources, services, programming, and community organizations.
For public colleges, an intentional and visible statement of support for LGBTQ+ communities matters. Affirming campus environments help students feel valued and supported, which is vital to student success and retention. For many students, this support can also influence their college choice.
In 2006, Fort Lewis College approved the Gender/Women’s Studies major, now called Gender and Sexuality Studies. This milestone demonstrated the value of interdisciplinary study and the role of academic theory and research in creating visibility, understanding, and knowledge about women and LGBTQ+ identities and communities.
With strong encouragement from Gender and Sexuality Studies faculty, the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center received approval and a dedicated space in fall 2010. First located in Berndt Hall, the GSRC moved one year later to the Student Union at the heart of campus. The move expanded support for women and LGBTQ+ students and strengthened the connection between academic work and campus community.
In 2013, a part-time staff member was hired to oversee the GSRC, with support from student interns.