Adding to the services offered to the University community, Montclair State University officially launched the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Center on January 12, 2009. A branch of the University’s Center for Student Involvement, the center works to create an open, accepting, and affirming atmosphere on campus for LGBT students, faculty, staff, and their supporters.

In a continuous effort to increase support for the LGBT Center, provide mentorship and networking opportunities, and keep alumni connected and updated about opportunities provided through the LGBT Center, the Office of Alumni Relations has developed an LGBT Alumni Network. This endeavor will provide an opportunity for LGBT and allied alumni to engage with and give back to Montclair State University students and show support for the commitment of the university to ensuring equity and social justice for the LGBT community. We hope to see this group serve an integral role in conceptualizing, planning, and implementing programs and activities including networking events, mentorship panels, scholarship development, and more.

According to Fatima DeCarvalho, Assistant Dean for Student Life, "the LGBT Center is a tangible representation of Montclair State University's commitment to social justice and equity for our students. The center provides opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students to actively engage in campus life and opportunities for allies to join in the continuous effort to provide an inclusive, safe, and open campus environment."

Located in 104L&K of the Student Center, the LGBT Center welcomes all members of the campus community. In addition to a library of books related to gender, sexuality, and other pertinent topics, the center offers visitors information, referrals, guidance, and serves as an advocate on behalf of students. It works closely with the student group, SPECTRUMS, and serves as a complement to the GLBTQ Studies Minor, which was introduced in 2008.

“We focus on the unique academic, cultural, and social needs of LGBT students, and strive to enhance these students’ learning and engagement in the academic process,” says Amie MacMath, Program Coordinator at the LGBT Center. “Through our services, the LGBT Center presents educational, cultural, and social opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to challenge intolerance and promote acceptance.”

The LGBT Center offers weekly discussion groups about topics such as coming out, transgender issues, and the intersections of race, culture and sexual identity. Also, it houses the “Justice League” student volunteer program. This program is an opportunity for student leaders to develop outreach and programming initiatives targeting their peers in an effort to increase acceptance and support the LGBT community. The center provides training programs for students, faculty and staff and works to ensure that LGBT students feel supported in all areas of the campus.

If you are interested in getting involved with the LGBT Alumni Network, please contact Amie MacMath at (973) 655-7563 or macmatha@mail.montclair.edu.  In addition, log on to MONTCLAIRconnect and visit the LGBT affinity page for the most up to date news, events, information, and photos.

The LGBT Center is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For more information, please contact the LGBT Center at (973) 655-7563 or macmatha@mail.montclair.edu or visit the website at www.montclair.edu/lgbt.  To reach the Office of Alumni Relations, please contact Jenna Peraino at (973) 655-7872 or perainoj@mail.montclair.edu.