A thematic residence hall community in Teter Quad will open this fall targeting Indiana University students across the gender and sexual orientation spectrum, as well as their allies.
According to GLBT Student Support Services Office Coordinator Doug Bauder, the community called “Spectrum” is meant to open up conversations about transgender individuals, as well as individuals under the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender umbrella and beyond.
“People transition or come out in the midst of their college experience and don’t always feel safe,” said Bauder, “but I don’t think that’s the largest issue.”
Rather, Bauder said, the residence hall space would ideally foster understanding about people in different parts of the GLBT community and individuals who do not subscribe to conventional gender distinctions but identify with neither, both, or a combination of male and female genders.
The area, within an existing dorm, has the potential to house up to 28 students. According to Assistant Director of Residence Life Barry Magee, there are still some open spaces.
“Based on the applications to date, we know that some students feel like they have a need for the community,” Magee said in an email.
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