The Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC) at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is home to several student-led organizations, including the Queer Student Union, Femme Forward Coalition, and My Masculinity Dialogue Group, to name a few. Located on the 3rd floor of the Amsler Campus Center, it is an oasis for groups of diverse people to allow themselves to have a safe space.
These groups provide diverse opportunities for students to engage with the campus community, find safe spaces, and access valuable resources. Students are encouraged to participate in events, discussions, and more that enable them to explore their identities, build confidence, and strengthen ties within the LGBTQ+ and ally communities.
On Saturday, September 14th, the Center kicked off the new academic year with its Welcome Back Picnic, held on the sun-drenched lawn outside in the quad. Students, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate the start of the semester, reconnect with friends, and form new bonds.
The vibrant event offered a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ students and allies alike to come together, with lively music, free food, and an inclusive atmosphere. Life-size games of Connect Four and various other activities brought enjoyment alongside friendly competition, while tables set up across the lawn encouraged attendees to mingle and get to know each other.
Theo Baker ’27, a sophomore at MCLA and member of the Gender and Sexuality Center, shared insight into the impact the Center has on campus. When asked what drew them to join, Baker said they “love the inclusive environment and making everyone feel welcome.”
The event underscored the GSC’s commitment to creating a safe, supportive environment for students of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Baker emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of belonging amongst campus, stating as a group “we definitely strive for that.”
Justin Demers ’27, another attendee, said he joined the GSC because he met Baker, who was immediately welcoming. For Demers and many others, the Center offers not only an opportunity to explore one’s identity but also the chance to build lasting friendships.
In addition to these services, the Gender and Sexuality Center is dedicated to fostering allyship for the LGBTQ+ community across campus. MCLA encourages students, faculty, and staff to participate in programs designed to broaden their understanding and enhance their ability to be supportive allies.
MCLA has been a leader in creating safe spaces for both queer and female students for a long time now, formerly through the Identity & Gender Equity Resource Center and the Women’s Center, and now through the GSC. Recognizing that the struggles for gender, sexual, and romantic equity are interconnected and rooted in intersectionality, the college has merged these initiatives into the spacious Gender and Sexuality Center.
The GSC offers a variety of resources and programs that support both academic and personal development for students of all sexual, romantic, and gender identities. It serves as a space for students to gather, learn, and build community. Additionally, the Center works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by these communities on campus and beyond, aiming to equip MCLA with the tools needed to advocate for inclusion and equality.
As the Gender and Sexuality Center continues to grow and evolve alongside the communities it serves, its commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment remains unwavering. The Center strives to empower students to embrace their identities and thrive as their most authentic selves, recognizing that the fight for equity is ongoing and ever-changing.
If you missed the GSC Welcome Back Picnic and want to see more from the GSC, there are several upcoming events to engage with you can check out on the Gender and Sexuality Center page! If you are interested in becoming a member of the Gender and Sexuality Center, or want to stop by and check it out, it is located in Room 324 of the Amsler Campus Center and is open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
