Welcome to the Gender Equity Resource Center, our "home away from home."
Imagine this. You, a University of Wisconsin Superior student walks into Swenson Hall, searching for a place to study. You know that going to second floor would be tedious, but the Eirenbach gathering place, and the surrounding tables have been taken by other students. You search for a friend to sit by when, some laughter from a nearby room draws your attention. Seated in the Gender Equity Resource Center are four or five students, all doing various things. There is space to study. Slowly you step into the room and are immediatly met with a chorus of friendly greetings. Debbie Cheslock at the desk has your undivided attention.
"May I study in here?" you ask. Debbie smiles and replies
"Of course! just push Sam's stuff out of the way there". She says jokingly, and you know by then that this place is friendly and safe and inviting, and you ask yourself, why haven't I come in here before?
This is the Gender Equity Resource Center, one of the safest place on campus!
We often call the Gender Equity Resource Center the G.E.R.C. for short. Within the G.E.R.C. you will find many different things such as a gender neutral bathroom,
A nursing room/ kitchen; where nursing mothers can go and comfortably nurse their infants and store breast milk in the fridge.
There is also a private room where meetings are held, and quiet studying is held
You will also find many different ways to gain knowledge on sexuality and gender, such as the bookcase, the magazines, and you can attend on of the many programs the G.E.R.C. holds during the week.
These programs include Stitch & Bitch; held on Mondays at 3:00 pm, where we do arts and crafts and talk about important topics.
pictured above is Ilana Yokel and Kaylee Kiggins
There is the weekly Coffeehouse held on Tuesdays at noon where we discuss LGBTQ+ related topics. On Wednesdays at 5:00 pm there is the weekly Alliance meetings where Alliance members discuss what we are doing in the club. These programs are ways to extend your knowledge and experience and a way to become involved in your schools community.
The G.E.R.C. is also a place to learn about safe sex, and supplies free condoms and reproductive information.
The G.E.R.C. is also simply a place to come see friends, and study or hang out.
Pictured here are Kaylee Kiggins, Jessica Cheslock and Gabriel Vo,
pictured here is Britney Newman and Jessica Cheslock
The volunteers who work at the G.E.R.C. are always friendly and ready to help with any problem you might have.
pictured above is Kenzie Gilbertson
pictured above is Carlene Nelson
Here in the G.E.R.C. you will find acceptance, friendship, knowledge and as Debbie Cheslock says a "Home away from home."
pictured above is Debbie Cheslock, Student Program Manager at The Gender Equity Resource center
Pictured above are Phil Wilken, President Same Wells, Vice President of Alliance
Gavin Johnson, Jenessa Cabak, and Debbie Cheslock
Ernesto Chon Soto
Don't forget, the G.E.R.C. supplies FREE coffee every day :)
The Gender Equity Resource Center is for any student regardless of Race, Sexual orientation, Religion, or Gender Identity.
A special thanks to The Gender Equity Resource Center, and the family that I have found there, for allowing me to take these photos
You are all so very amazing.
