See a need, fill a need.

That sums up the establishment of the LGBTA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Allies) Resource Center by three social work students—senior Todd Ray and juniors Amanda Tyler and Patrice Franks-Rouse.

^{_{Standing (l-r): Volunteers Demetrios Vakertzis, Danielle Bannister}, _{Becky Brundage, Stephanie Jones and Courtney Hull. Seated (l-r): Coordinators Amanda Tyler, Patrice Franks-Rouse, and Todd Ray.}}

“Todd [approached me about] doing a Field Period to develop the resource center to create awareness on campus,” said Tyler. “Allies are people who identify as straight and are supportive in making the ‘world’ a more accepting place for the LGBT community.”

“It was a great student initiative,” according to Professor of Social Work Gail Roberts. “They designed and developed [the resource center] on their own.”

According to Tyler, the process of developing the resource center was long and started in October 2007. The students had to secure a supervisor for the Field Period. Former Resident Director Carrie Potts-Porter served as supervisor until she left Keuka to further her education and Director of Multicultural Affairs Chevy Devaney succeeded her. Next, they had to apply for a room and were given Allen Hall, room 7, which they also spent time decorating.  

“Many things were donated by Keuka faculty and staff,” said Tyler. “President Burke gave us a chair and stool, Senate gave us a couch, and IT Services donated a computer and established an e-mail account (LGBTA@keuka.edu) and telephone line (ext. 5210).

The students also contacted organizations to acquire resources such as books, magazines and movies. Additionally, they developed “a safe zone packet with information pertinent to Keuka College,” according to Tyler.

Safe Zones provide safe spaces where support and understanding is key and bigotry and discrimination are not tolerated.

Tyler, Ray and Franks-Rouse share the role of coordinators of the center and each is in charge of a committee. Tyler oversees ShOUT, a newsletter that describes current happenings in the LGBT community at large. Ray works on Out-reach—bringing educational workshops and speakers to the College. Franks-Rouse is responsible for publicizing events sponsored by the resource center.

Last semester, the coordinators conducted “Safe Zone” meetings to discuss issues such as Proposition 8. “The meetings are held with an understanding that people can say how they really feel,” explained Tyler. They are working to make Safe Zone training available to faculty, staff and students in leadership roles in the future.