LGBT Housing Liaison Program
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PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
For many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, nothing is
more intimidating than living in a residence hall. In addition to
the anxiety of transitioning to college life faced by their
heterosexual peers, these students must often hide their sexual
orientation or gender identity from their roommates and housing
staff. The fear of facing harassment, intimidation and violence in
the place they call home keeps a majority of LGBT students who live
in campus housing deep in the closet.
Fortunately, LGBT students at UMKC who live in
Cherry Hall,
or
Oak Hall,
will have a much different experience thanks
to Chai Jindasurat, UMKC’s LGBT Housing Liaison. A
senior studying at the UMKC Conservatory,
Chai is a Tulsa, OK native and was selected after an extensive
interview process. If you have
questions for Chai please email him at
cfjgdd@umkc.edu
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
National surveys indicate that almost 1/3 of all LGBT students report
being harassed or intimidated on their college or university campus,
with 29% of those incidents occurring in residence halls. As a result of
constant fear and threats of violence, almost half of the respondents
remained closeted, thereby isolating themselves socially and emotionally
from the campus community. This program aims to ensure a safe and
inclusive living-learning environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender students residing in the Oak Hall, Cherry Hall and Twin Oaks
Apartments by creating a live-in LGBT Housing Liaison position, which is
filled by an undergraduate, paraprofessional student. |
OUR VISION
A safe and inclusive residential life experience that enables LGBT
students in campus housing to reach their full academic, social and
emotional potential. Download Proposal in PDF
MISSION AREA
The LGBT Housing Liaison program is central to UMKC’s
mission to
create a vibrant learning and campus life experience. True learning
cannot occur while members of our community are facing
discrimination, harassment and isolation. The LGBT Housing Liaison
serves as a visible and knowledgeable peer who enriches the
life experiences of all campus constituents.
INTENDED OUTCOMES
To ensure a safe and affirming
living environment for LGBT students who live on campus.
To raise visibility of LGBT
issues/contributions through information campaigns
To provide informative resources
on LGBT topics
To provide assistance and support
through appropriate referral and follow up
To improve recruitment, retention
and graduation rate of LGBT students
To allow LGBT students to focus on
their academic and emotional progress
To provide support and serve as
peer advisor
To develop heterosexual allies
through education and information
For additional
information about the LGBT Housing Liaison program, please contact
David Greene, The LGBT Programs and
Services Coordinator, at 816 235-1639.
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