Welcome to the LGBTQ+ Resource Center designed to create a comfortable and safe environment for collaboration, awareness, and simply a community for students, faculty, and staff members to connect.

The LGBTQ+ Resource Center is located on the second floor of the University Center. Housed in the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) room 204.  The Resource Center is currently staffed by four peer mentors and a graduate assistant.   

The Resource Center strives to:  

  • Provide a comfortable and confidential environment for LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff, or allies, a place to discuss a variety of topics   
  • Work with campus departments and administrators to increase awareness and affirmations of the LGBTQ+ community and reduce incidences of bias, discrimination and harassment based on orientation or identity   
  • Collaborate with faculty, staff and students to develop programs and services to both assist and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community on campus by organizing and sponsoring events and educational programs   

LGBTQ+ Resource Center Mission Statement  

The mission of the LGBTQ+ Resource Center is to help make our campus a more welcoming and accepting institution regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. As the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, we strive to give students an open and inviting space for discussion, to help students be heard, and to contribute to the diverse landscape that is Southeast Missouri State University. It is our mission to help every student feel at home at Southeast.   

LGBTQ+ Student Advisor  

Being an LGBTQ+ Resource Center Student Advisor consists of providing office coverage in the center each week (4-8 hours), creating/hosting presentations and events (based on your availability), and attending periodic office meetings. Most importantly, all advisors need to be open, honest, accepting, and knowledgeable regarding LGBTQ+ issues (more training will be provided). Only current students in good academic and judicial standing are able to serve as advisors. We welcome applications from anyone, not just members of the LGBTQ+ community. For additional information or to apply for a student advisor position please see the  LGBTQ+ Student Advisor Application .  

Safe Zone Training Program Mission Statement  

The Southeast Safe Zone program serves to identify and train faculty, staff, and students who are understanding and affirmative to the needs of members of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community. Our mission is to provide opportunities to learn about gender and sexual, LGBTQ+ identities and challenges to create a more inclusive and supportive community at Southeast.   

LGBTQ+ Resource Committee  

The LGBTQ+ Resource Committee will review, evaluate and make recommendations to facilitate the coordination of resources to support the success of the LGBTQ+ student community.   

The committee seeks to encourage a safe environment that is welcoming to all students and members of the university community. The committee will identify the best practices of peer institutions to raise the campus community's understanding and awareness of challenges faced by students whose sexual orientation or gender identity and expressions differ from their own.   

In effort to support the educational, cultural, social, and developmental needs of students, and of advancing cross-cultural awareness on campus and in the wider community, the LGBTQ+ Resource Committee will actively work to create an environment where interdisciplinary learning acknowledges and recognizes people of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer experience.  

Upcoming events for the spring 2022 semester: 

Sex In The Dark Q&A Event
Thursday, March 31, 2022 | 7:00 p.m. 
Rose Theater

  • Students stay anonymous in this lights-off Q&A event, while a pair of sexperts answer their deepest, darkest questions. No question too simple — or too outrageous.  

Safe Zone

The Safe Zone Program at Southeast consists of a 2-hour training session which includes lecture, discussion and interactive activities to provide you with tools to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Safe Zone training presentations are scheduled throughout the year and are available for faculty and staff, and for students.

For questions about LGBTQ+ student life at Southeast, please contact the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, at the information below: 

Tristen Simmonds, Graduate Assistant 
University Center CSI 204e 
lgbt@semo.edu 
(573) 651-2677  

For incidences of bias, discrimination or harassment, you may also contact the Dean of Students Office: 

Trae Mitten, Dean of Students 
Academic Hall 010 
deanofstudents@semo.edu 
(573) 651-2524 

Location
Office
University Center CSI 204e
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS1250
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701