Mission

The LGBT Resource Center is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for UCI's diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and ally communities. We raise awareness, increase visibility, and engage in advocacy regarding LGBTQQIA issues. In addition, we provide opportunities for leadership and personal development, serve as a resource for LGBTQQIA students, and create programs and services that work to eliminate heterosexism, homophobia, and gender identity oppression. We strive to develop an atmosphere of acceptance and wellbeing in which the campus community can support the academic mission of the university.

History

Opened Spring Quarter 1995

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center was the result of recommendations made over an eight year period by the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on the Status of Lesbians and Gay Men and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Student Union.  On March 11, 1994 former Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Horace Mitchell, met with the LGB community and announced that a Resource Center would be established at UCI.  He also announced the funding for a full time position to staff the Center.  During Winter quarter of 1995, Pat Walsh was selected as the Director of the LGBT Resource Center and 106 Gateway Commons was designated as the Resource Center’s home.  The LGBT Resource Center officially opened Spring quarter of 1995.

Founding Director Retires

At the close of the 2007 academic year, founding Director, Pat Walsh, retired after 12 years of service to the LGBTRC. The LGBTRC was without a director until April 2008 when David Bishop was named as the new LGBTRC Director. Assiting David in running the Center is Program Coordinator, Genice Sarcedo, and Programs Assistant, Justin O'Neill.

New Location Fall Quarter 2007

In Fall 2007, the LGBT Resource Center moved into a brand new location in the new Student Center on Ring Road. The new location on the third floor of the Student Center in G302 provides more visiblity on campus while continuing to be a safe space for UCI's LGBT community.

The Resource Center is housed under the Dean of Students Office, along with the Cross-Cultural Center, Center for Service in Action (formerly the Volunteer Center), International Center, Disability Services Center, and other programs within the Dean of Students Office.