Just before the fall semester began, Emily Stewart joined the University’s Student Experience Division as the new director of the . The Peel caught up with Emily at the beginning of this semester to chat about the LGBTQ+ Resource Center and get to know her better!
Q: What programs and events do the LGBTQ+ Resource Center offer to make students feel welcomed and part of the 黑料不打烊 community?
A: One of our most popular events is , formerly known as Knit 3 Spill the Tea. This event is open to anyone and allows students to craft, connect and share space together within the Intercultural Collective. I鈥檝e heard students say they met their friend groups though this program, with some having attended the event for years. We are also known for annual programming like and , which casts spotlights on various experiences and voices within the LGBTQIA+ community and exposes the campus community to different perspectives while honoring their intersectional identities and experiences. New for this year, we are hosting , which brings students together that have an interest in gaming and building community.
Q: What vision do you have for the future of the LGBTQ+ Resource Center?
A: I see our center as a roundabout for our students; they come to us with questions, ideas or needs, and while we are sometimes their final destination, we are also directing them to the right resource on or off campus. As we move into increasingly uncertain times, the need for visibility, community and education will be critical for students to feel as though they can succeed here at 黑料不打烊 and beyond, so my vision is that we continue to provide support, mentorship, resources, advocacy and opportunities for growth and celebration through our work and programming. Letting students know we are here for them and that they are not alone is what drives a lot of my passion in my work.
Q: What is your favorite spot on campus?
A: It may seem odd, but I really like the Einhorn Family Walk. It鈥檚 so relaxing to walk along that part of campus and see so many historical buildings as well as a gorgeous view of the sky. When the weather is nice and students are hanging out on the grassy hills or events are happening, it feels so lively and exciting!
Q: Do you have a favorite LGBTQ+ movie, book or art piece?
A: I tell people I鈥檓 terrible with this since I don鈥檛 intentionally seek out overtly queer media most of the time, but I have found that a lot of what I enjoy is inherently queer! I鈥檓 currently reading a book called “We Mostly Come Out at Night” by Rob Costello, which focuses on horror and queer perspectives, giving known tales a very interesting twist! I highly recommend.
Q: If you could meet any one person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
A: I would want to meet Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance. That band, his writing and their overall presence has gotten me through so much of my lived experience since 2005. Just to be able to say thank you for being an inspiration would be a dream come true. I鈥檝e had the privilege to see them perform live twice, so if it never happens, that鈥檚 more than good enough for me!
Q: If you could master one talent overnight, what would it be?
A: Memorizing different languages. I love learning languages, but it鈥檚 so hard to retain them when I have no one to converse with, so I end up losing the knowledge!
Lightning Round: This or That?
Snowstorm or thunderstorm?聽Snowstorm鈥攕nowfalls are so pretty!
Sweet or savory?聽I have a huge sweet tooth, so sweet for sure.
Books or movies?聽Movies鈥擨 could binge them all day long.
Spring or fall?聽I am 100% an autumn girl.
Beaches or mountains?聽Beaches! Nothing beats warm sand and watching waves.
Now that you’ve gotten to learn more about Emily and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, be sure to swing by! Introduce yourself to Emily and the rest of the Center’s staff, and consider checking out their spring semester programming.