Queer women find a place in the CU community

(CU Independent graphic/Lauren Walter)

The original version of this story incorrectly stated that Steph Wilencheck was the director of the Women’s Resource Center, she is the director for the GLBT Resource Center. The article also incorrectly stated that the T in GLBT stood for transexual, it stands for transgender.

Last updated September 27 at 12:42 a.m.

CU is turning heads as a campus recognized for its acceptance of queer women in the CU community.

According to the Alumni Association website, CU has achieved the national reputation of being an exceptionally gay-friendly campus.

Emily Merrick, a straight 17-year-old freshman and integrated physiology major, said she agrees with that reputation.

“CU is very supportive of all people whatever their orientation is,” Merrick said. “There are clubs that support gay and lesbian rights. Classes that focus on the acceptance of all people show how the rights for gays and lesbians have changed.”

CU was pronounced a member of the top 100 gay-friendly schools in “The Advocate College Guide for LGBT Students,” a book recommending the top schools for prospective lesbian, gay bisexual and transgendered students.

In terms of queer women, CU offers a number of programs and groups that impart support and acceptance.

According to its website, the Women’s Resource Center, located in UMC 416, aims to provide an environment within which women of any orientation can flourish through various peer groups.

Steph Wilenchek, the director of the GLBT Resource Center, said she sees queer women participating in both the center and on campus in leadership activities, in organizing events, and as staff of the center.

But one group within the center specifically gears itself toward the queer women at CU: Queer Women In Community.

Every Monday, the QWIC meets in the Women’s Resource center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. According to the group, the QWIC endeavors to provide a fun and welcoming community for queer women.

According to its website, the CU GLBT (a different arrangement of LGBT) Resource Center, established in 1995, strives to encourage equality in opportunity and aid in academic, social, and personal success for queer women and other orientations.

Another group, the Gay Straight Alliance, said its mission is to help the GLBT community seek acceptance and respect regardless of gender, while combating homophobia and transphobia.

Just a few of the other CU groups supporting queer women include Coming Out Faithful, The Queer Initiative and Queer People of Color.

Despite the numerous organizations, students and faculty convey contrasting views on whether or not queer women play a role and feel accepted at CU.

“In my classes I’ve been getting great reviews about CU,” said Scarlet Bowen, co-director of the LGBT Studies Program. “Usually students preface remarks with ‘We’re at a very great university for queers.’”

Studio arts major Rebecca Preston, a 21-year-old junior and queer woman, explained a differing stance.

“I think queer women are generally supported on campus, but there really isn’t a space or place specifically geared towards their involvement,” Preston said. “Yes, there is the Community Center, but it’s not like queer women serve an active and ongoing role on campus.”

Wilenchek said she agrees that although there exists peer groups and resource centers for queer women, she simultaneously sees potential betterment.

“I always feel like there is room for education and awareness and shifts in our culture,” Wilenchek said. “I think especially of queer women, sexism and homophobia.”

Alexandra Warnek, a straight, 18-year-old freshman classics major, shared her perspective on the place of queer women at CU.

“I think [CU is] as supportive as a large university can be,” Warnek said. “I wouldn’t say they play any sort of role. I see them as normal people having a college experience.”

Many students said they believe that the vast array of opinions regarding queer women at CU indicates the necessity to better welcome them into the community.

To help queer women feel more supported and comfortable at CU, Warnek said more advertising of the peer groups and resource centers should be implemented, as well as additional encouragement of maintaining a safe environment.

Preston said that the student body could simply attend more to the existence and place of queer women at CU.

“Realize they exist,” Preston said. “That they come in many other forms other than what ‘The L Word’ promotes, and that we all don’t play basketball or have crew cuts.”

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Devon Barrow at Devon.barrow@colorado.edu.