Resources

Mission Statement

Lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgendered, and allied students often face harassment, discrimination, hostility, and invisibility in residence halls on campus. A supportive network of LGBT people and allies will help combat the homophobia, heterosexism, and isolation these students frequently experience.

This organization seeks to unite LGBT residents and allies in MSU's East Complex (Akers, Holmes, Hubbard, McDonel Halls and Owen Hall) to help meet the social, educational, and cultural needs of this target group. To this purpose we organize ourselves to attian the following objectives: to increase inclusive programs and events in the residence halls; to help educate all residents, including ourselves, on a variety of diversity issues, with a specific focus on LGBT concerns; to address all forms of discrimination and social issues in East Complex and on campus through programs and discussion; and to become a strong organization so that we can provide support and defend the rights of all LGBT students and allies of East Complex and across campus.

Spectrum shall not discriminate on the basis of age, color, gender, disability, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or appearance.

Spectrum Pledge

• I am committed to promoting equality, advancing support of diversity, and addressing social issues on campus.
• I will not discriminate on the basis of age, color, gender, disability, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or appearance.
• I am committed to the Purpose and Mission of Spectrum.
• I will work for civil and human rights for all people, including gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered people.
• I will seek to stop jokes, unkind language, slander, debasement, lies or dehumanization of anyone, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people.
• I will work to stop physical violence against anyone.
• I will seek to make all members of Spectrum feel comfortable at meetings and events, and will listen carefully and without judgment while contributing to the discussions at my own comfort level.
• We have much to learn from each other.

Definitions

There are a lot of confusing words used in the GLBT community. This list of definitions should provide some guidance for GLBT jargon.

Allies

Allies are those who support gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender (GLBT) people, but do not identify as part of the GLBT community. Allies believe in the human rights of all people and demonstrate their celebration of diversity among people by their presence and actions.

Learn more about being an ally or friend of someone in the GLBT community.

Coming Out

Although coming out can be a fulfilling and liberating experience, it's not always the best course of action depending upon your situation. You will likely find enormous support from within the GLBT community. Your friends, parents, relatives, coworkers and other people in your life may respond in unexpected ways. Whatever you do, the choice is yours!

National Coming Out Day, held this year on October 11, but MSU is having a week-long celebration starting with the "Coming Out Dance" on October 6.

Check out the Alliance's Coming Out FAQ if you're not sure about coming out.

Media

Q*News

Safe Zones

There are many places within our community in which GLBT-oriented people can feel safe, accepted, and respected.

The main safe zone on campus is the LBGT Resource Center located in 302 Student Services Building.

We are creating a growing list of Safe Zones which will include restaurants, clubs, stores, and other locations that are GLBT friendly. Please contact Spectrum if you would like to add a location to the list.

Harassment

Sexual and gender harassment is a serious issue, especially in the GLBT community. If you are the victim of harassment, there are many ways you can help yourself and others like you. Don't stay silent. Talk to a trusted teacher, parent, friend, your residence hall assistant, or anyone who can help you.

For definitions of sexual harassment and more resources, see MSU's Policy on Sexual Harassment. If you are seeking legal assistance, visit the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) LGBT Project.

Trans Issues