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LGBT Resource Center moves to new home

January 3, 2014

LGBT and Women's Resource CenterNIU’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center has a new address.

Staff spent Thursday moving to the center’s new digs at 105 Normal Road – the building known at the Women’s Resource Center – and will officially open the doors Monday.

Throughout the spring semester, the department will operate under the working name of “LGBT and Women’s Resource Center.”

The move follows the September announcement that Molly Holmes, director of the LGBT Resource Center, was named to also lead a merger with the WRC.

Physically, the LGBT relocation broadens the opportunities for student-centered service and allows for continued collaborative programs, services and resources. Each center enjoys a rich legacy of assisting students from underrepresented identities and of advocating for visibility and equality at NIU.

“Strong partnerships between respective academic departments, faculty, staff and student organizations have allowed each center to be known as a safe and supportive ‘home away from home’ for all, regardless of identity,” Holmes said.

Molly Holmes

Molly Holmes

“The combined units will allow the dedicated staff to continue to uphold traditions,” she added, “while looking ahead to engaging new populations, content and collaborative opportunities on campus, state and national levels.”

Holmes continues to lead the staffs of both centers in a strategic planning process that includes listening to the voices of key stakeholders in shaping the new department.

The goal is to develop a combined mission and vision that reflect the histories of both centers and to identify new opportunities to collaborate on programs and services that reflect a campus culture inclusive of all genders and sexual orientations.

All are encouraged to visit the space. For more information, call (815) 753-5428 or (815) 753-0320 or email lgbt@niu.edu or women@niu.edu.