Liaisons for LGBT Students

A Complete List by Category

A History of Liaisons for LGBT Students:

In February of 1988, the late President Edward J. Bloustein established the President's Select Committee for Lesbian-Gay Concerns.  At the same time, he directed the New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden Provosts "to identify a member of each dean's or dean of students' staff to assume responsibility for lesbian-gay concerns"; (In Every Classroom, 1989, 95).  These "contact persons" were charged with giving "visible focus" in each college, school, or unit to the issues of lesbian and gay undergraduates by assisting students in resolving problems, promoting general awareness, sponsoring programs to reduce homophobia and heterosexism, and making appropriate referrals for services and any special help.  The Select Committee dubbed these contact persons "Liaisons for Lesbian-Gay Concerns."  Since 1988, the network of Liaisons has expanded to include faculty persons, persons from the religious communities, and staff in areas other than student affairs.  Also since 1988, the term "lesbian-gay" has been changed to "LGBT" to reflect the changes in the larger queer community.

Liaison Responsibility:

Visibility is a crucial issue for LGBT people due to societal pressures to remain in the "closet" or to keep their sexual choices "private" or secret.  Thus, the primary responsibility of a Liaison is to be a visible support person and advocate of and for LGBT students.   A Liaison's responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Educating and sensitizing members of his/her department to LGBT issues.

Promoting the integration of LGBT issues into programs and across curricula.

Fostering safe and comfortable environments in which LGBT students will feel
comfortable enough to express themselves and become informed regarding
issues of sexuality.

Helping students gain perspective on institutional heterosexism and also empowering
them to make changes.

Referring students to other staff, faculty, or students who may provide resources
and support in the area of LGBT concerns

Posting, distributing, having on hand notices, flyers, and other LGBT positive materials in your office.

Providing academic assistance to students who are doing work on lesbian and gay
subjects or referring students to those who can.

Doing outreach and programs directed to LGBT students of color.