For over 20 years, students have been advocating for an LGBTQ+ resource center for students on the Evergreen campus. Now, that dream finally comes to fruition. Loyola’s new LGBTQ+ Student Services Department is quickly becoming a cornerstone for the university’s mission of inclusivity. Director Pat Cassidy spearheads programs and initiatives that address the unique needs of LGBTQ+ students.
“One of the foundational goals of the department is to support students. I see that as everything from supporting queer students to navigating the college experience. As we think about different policies and practices that just because of heteronormative society, folks haven’t thought about the impact it has on queer identities,” Cassidy said.
This idea dates back to 2002, when a request was made by President of Spectrum Frank Golom to create an Office of LGBTQ+ Student Affairs. In the document, he sought aid from academic and student development services to navigate and approve the office, similarly to the way ALANA serves students from diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC. Golom stated at the time there were less than 20 students open about their identity and likely hundreds more that were still closeted. Later in 2006, an assessment by LCPC Counselor Jeffrey A. Klug mentioned the need for a staff member specifically focused on LGBTQ+ concerns, so students would know who to turn to for affirmation.
Cassidy describes how one of the department’s early successes has been its community building efforts. Particularly, through events like the drag shows and drag bingo nights, which are quickly becoming campus traditions.
“We hosted our first drag show on campus last spring, and so we hope to be able to have a drag show be a spring tradition. And drag bingo went very well, so I’m hoping for that to be a fall tradition,” Cassidy said.
Beyond the social events, the LGBTQ+ Student Services is also making strides in creating inclusive learning spaces. Cassidy intends to improve upon Safe Zone training, a staff, faculty, administrator, and student training aimed to help ensure that everyone on campus has the tools and knowledge to foster inclusivity.
“It signals to students, colleagues, and employees that this person has done some work to try and say, ‘I want to create a space where you can show up fully who you are. Recognizing that, ‘I might mess up, but I’m here to navigate through that and find ways to support you,’” Cassidy said.
Several plans are underway to make the LGBTQ+ spaces on campus more welcoming. With a particular focus on improving upon the Pride Resource Room, located on the third floor of the Student Center, where students have access to educational books, movies, and more. Additionally, Cassidy hopes to highlight the creation of the department’s office suite with ALANA Services, where students can reach him for various needs or support. The shared physical space allows for organic, intersectional collaboration between students.
As this department grows, so does the vision of a more inclusive, supportive campus for all students, ensuring that Loyola continues to be a place where every student feels a sense of belonging. Cassidy describes what he’s looking forward to.
“I’m looking forward to visioning both with the student employees in the office but then also just students and student leaders. What are they desiring and needing, both in terms of visibility and celebration, but also in terms of really practical things of how can we can make the college experience more supportive for queer students. It’s an exciting moment to be able to envision a dream and to try things,” he said.