U of M Lavender House seeks students for second year

Contacts: Beng Chang, GLBTA Programs Office, (612) 626-2562,
Bob San, University News Service, (612) 624-4082

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (06/10/2008) — Lavender House, a Living and Learning Community at the University of Minnesota, celebrates a successful first year and is seeking more students for its second year.

Lavender House is a Living and Learning Community in Comstock Hall for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) students, friends and allies of the GLBT community and students from GLBT families.

Founded in partnership with the Transgender Commission, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally (GLBTA) Programs Office and Housing and Residential Life, Lavender House is open to any and all students who are interested in issues of gender identity and sexual orientation. It creates an opportunity for students to explore and express who they are in a safe and affirming environment.

Students learn about the history and culture of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities, and are encouraged to participate in programs and classes offered by the department of gender, women, and sexuality studies and the GLBTA Programs Office. Students also connect with the larger Twin Cities GLBTA community through social events, service opportunities and guest speakers.

For Fall 2008, Lavender House residents have the chance to participate in a community and service-learning course, GLBT 3610: Introduction to GLBTA Community and University Resources.A description of the course and an application form for Lavender House can be found at www.glbta.umn.edu/programming/lavenderhouse.html <http://www.glbta.umn.edu/programming/lavenderhouse.html> .

For more information about Lavender House, contact Beng Chang, graduate assistant in the GLBTA Programs Office, by e-mail schochet@umn.edu or by phone: (612) 626-2562.