Welcome to the Rainbow Center!

The staff and I are excited about the opportunity to get to know you.  We serve the diverse community of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Allied (GLBTQQA) community and provide resources and services to the wider community of students, faculty, staff, and local residents. 

As the new director of the Rainbow Center, I support the tradition that our space remains an open, affirming, and welcoming space for everyone, including those who identify as same-gender loving, transgender, heterosexual ally, gender queer, bisexual, gay, questioning, lesbian, intersex or those who have fluid gender identity/expression or sexual orientation.  Our welcome recognizes the whole person, and the intersection of all social identities, inclusive of, but not limited to socio-economic status, emotional and physical abilities, race and ethnicity, religion and spirituality, size, national origin, age and others.  Should you experience or witness an incident of harassment and/or discrimination on campus, we serve as an accessible and safe environment for reporting.

Outside of the informal, safe space where many come to hangout, socialize, check e-mail, complete academic work, watch TV, and play games, we offer a number of programs to support our mission, such as our library with over 2,700 books and videos, which will be soon to be searchable on the Homer Babbidge Library Catalog! Through education and advocacy we aim to reduce the effects of alienation experienced by community members by diminishing negative behaviors and attitudes toward the GLBTQQA community.  In addition to our efforts, students and other departments have established active campus groups to maintain a positive campus climate and community support.

Overall, we want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, work, and grow in a supportive and safe environment at the University of Connecticut. Therefore, we work closely with a number of cultural centers & departments. Our spirit of collaboration is extended to hosting the True Colors Conference in March. As we celebrate a decade on campus as one of the best 100 gay-friendly campuses in the country, become a part of a legacy by volunteering in the office, participating in a campus group, and attending our programs. Personally, I look forward to your presence in the Rainbow Center.