The LGBTQ Center works to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for UNC-Chapel Hill community members of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. In this Q&A, Center Director Terrie Phoenix shares how they work to support Carolina students.
Where is your office located?
Student Academic Services Building Suite 3308, 385 Manning Drive
Are you open for drop-in visits?
Yes. M-F 9a-5p (some variation during evening programming).
How long has The LGBTQ Center been at Carolina ?
Since spring 2003. The office’s creation is a result of many years of active work on the part of students, staff, and faculty who saw the need for a more centralized and visible space to serve the needs of LGBTQ students and issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity. In the fall of 2000, Provost Shelton appointed a committee to review the UNC-Chapel Hill climate in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity. The Report identified several recommendations based on the findings, one of which was the creation of an LGBTQ Center. The UNC LGBTQ Center began in the spring of 2003 as a part of the Office of the Dean of Students called the LGBTQ Office.
How many staff are in LGBTQ Center and what are their various roles?
- Director, Terri Phoenix
- Assistant Director, Jamillae Stockett
- Trans Talk Tuesday Facilitator, Anole Halper
- Graduate and Professional Student Program Coordinator, Jay Jayaraman
- Program Assistant, Nikalus Ward
- Administrative Support Specialist, Bryanna Coulter
What does your department do to support students at Carolina?
The Center serves the Carolina community through three areas: Educational Program, Community-Building Programs and Support and Advocacy.
- We offer educational programs on LGBTQ topics to the University campus and surrounding communities.
- The Center hosts social and cultural events that allow LGBTIQA+ and allied communities to gather for meeting new people, mutual support, and networking throughout the school year.
- The Center provides direct support programs and services including programs designed to address identity development, leadership development, and relationship skills development. Center staff are available to meet with people individually to discuss issues related to identity development (e.g., coming out, spirituality), relationships, family, and academics. We also provide technical consultation on best practices and research related to LGBTIQA+ topics and advocate on issues of university policy.
What would you say to encourage students to visit your office?
We have a most comfortable purple couch, queer stuff all over the place, queer coloring sheets, and beautiful purple walls.
What is the one thing about your office you wish students knew?
We are dedicated to doing everything we can to make the UNC experience better for LGBTIQA+ students (undergraduate, graduate, and professional).