The University of Central Florida has a new LGBTQ services department, and is launching a new initiative called Q Lab. The monthly, interdisciplinary forum for faculty, staff and students is to share LGBTQ and Ally-related research and projects.
From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, Q Lab will feature two formal presentations followed by a question and answer session. The inaugural Q Lab session on Sept. 7 included faculty from Rosen College of Hospitality Management and students from UCF's College of Medicine.
“Do you tell your doctor that you're gay? Does your doctor even care? These were a few of the questions raised from this month's Q Lab,” said David Moran, Graduate Assistant/Coordinator for UCF's LCBTQ Services. “We felt the first series was really successful. Upcoming sessions will feature everything from student or staff research, student art, and narratives of student coming-out experiences.”
Moran is the first employee at UCF's LGBTQ Services, whose mission is to connect their diverse student population to opportunities and resources, and each other to achieve a stronger, healthier, and more equitable world for LGBTQ people. The former Virginia tech undergrad (2001) dedicates 20 hours a week to the position. Initially, his chief responsibility was to engage with students and learn their needs.
“Our first priority was to create a safe space where LGBTQ students and allies can talk to someone and find resources,” Moran said. “We now have an office where students can stop by and review literature and materials from local community partners such as the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association.”
In addition to the newly launched Q Lab series, interested students can also attend a weekly lunch discussion called “Alphabet Soup,” which Moran describes as a less structured brown bag lunch break in a relaxed environment for students that are looking for an outlet to share.
As for the future, the Community Support Services will work to bridge resources that currently exist on the UCF Campus and in the surrounding community.
“Our plan to connect with existing community outlets includes lining up mentoring opportunities with organizations such as the Metropolitan Business Association and the Human Rights Campaign, and coordinating community engagement projects with the charitable agencies such as the Zebra House, where students can learn from and give back to the community in the process,” Moran said.
“Our students have such diverse experience. We hope to help them celebrate the LGBTQ in themselves, but not let it define them,” Moran said. “We are fortunate to have a supportive administration at UCF that believes in positive change.”
The next Q Lab session is at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at the Student Union. Organizations or individuals interested in partnering with UCF's LGBTQ Services or presenting at an upcoming Q Lab can contact Moran at 407-823-1027, or by e-mail at david.moran@ucf.edu. Students that can learn more about services at Ucf.edu/lgbtq.
