When I first came out while at Bowdoin in the late ’90s, we had a small Gay-Straight Alliance. To this day, I am incredibly grateful for this group and for the opportunity to serve as the co-chair my senior year. When my partner and I planned a visit to Bowdoin, twenty years later, I knew I had to check out the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity.
I immediately imagined how comforting it would have been to have a space like this to go to and know that I was safe to be me. Curling up on the couch to study, participating in their weekly dinner, and just knowing that there were staff members and students who were striving to make my experience better – I didn’t have that, but I am so happy to know that current and future Bowdoin students do. I was impressed to learn how they have worked with the athletic department, held workshops with celebrity athletes who are out, and created ally training for team members. A photo project representing the LGBTQ community hung on the wall of the main room, reminding me of one a fellow classmate had created that never had a home like this one has.
Most of all I was struck by the full-time staff member, Kate Stern, and her excitement and focus on creating a more LGBTQ-inclusive environment at Bowdoin. Already they are creating gender-neutral bathroom policies and are working diligently with the Deans to move forward in what it means to be LGBTQ at Bowdoin.
Sitting in the purple chairs, talking to Kate, is now one of the defining moments of my life. This is where Out of The Dorm Closet started to grow in my mind. I knew in that moment that Higher Ed LGBTQ advocacy was something I needed to be a part of.
I was the faculty advisor to the Lbgt what would now be called Q alliance at Bowdoin College in the 90’s. I had done activism work with ACT UP in the 80’s when I first got out of college and I understood students desire to be political but I also encouraged them to create if not a place, we didn’t have a building back then, a psychological space that felt safe to be oneself. We went to the movies, ate pizza sometimes at my house, went bowling I think, and had a drag ball etc. we did fun things that made all sorts of students want to join us. Why not flip it and make us the place to be.
One thing I think is really important that I haven’t found on college campuses and I have gone on and. been lgbt advisor on several is for faculty to be out of the closet. Not necessarily in any political way just so students can see adults leading normal lives . Faculty can remain private as they feel comfortable but our power as role models saves lives. Thank you Bowdoin LBGTQ students I had fun too.