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June is Pride Month, and at colleges and universities around the country, students are celebrating the history, experiences and issues of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer culture. The celebration is not only for those who identify as LGBTQIA+ — it’s also for allies and anyone who supports the right of all people to embrace and express their gender and sexual identity.

Kristin Ackerman, interim director, campus life, and Kyle Tysoe, associate director of PACT, have partnered on a series of initiatives that will ensure Mercy’s LGBTQIA+ community knows where to go for resources, support and understanding — not to mention opportunities to gather with fellow students after a long year of restriction.

“We are already gearing up for fall events,” said Ackerman. “There will be so much opportunity as we get everyone back on campus.” She explained that Mercy’s GLOWUP Student Club (Gay, Lesbian, Or Whatever U Prefer) has been less active since last year, when the switch to remote learning disrupted in-person activities.

The Campus Life office continues to offer virtual events, like Drag Queen bingo, and plans to restore in-person events surrounding National Coming Out Day in October. Events that explore the history of gay rights, such as the Stonewall riots, and early pioneers, are being considered to help students feel at home among trusted allies and supporters. “As we approach fall, we look forward to re-engaging students on campus. These events will invigorate the LGBTQIA+ community and help them feel connected to each other and to allies,” said Ackerman. “We’ll help them in whatever ways we can.”

Campus Life is planning a series of Safe Zone trainings for students to parallel a similar training for faculty and staff being offered by the College. Safe Zone Stickers will be displayed in staff areas where allies and trained staff welcome queer and questioning students. “We want every student to feel comfortable approaching designated members of the Mercy community they can trust,” said Ackerman. Trained peers and others will be guided in answering questions, directing them to resources, and fielding other issues with understanding and confidentiality.

Perhaps the most eagerly awaited “return” event will be Lavender Graduation, which Mercy launched in 2019 and which will be held again in 2022. Lavender Graduation ceremonially recognizes LGBTQIA+ students as a community for their achievements and contributions to the College. The ceremonies, which take place at dozens of universities around the country during Commencement week, provide a safe space for graduates and their families and friends — not to mention students who have not yet come out or whose families do not support them — and recognizes gay and ally staff and faculty to round out the community of supporters.

Ackerman and Tysoe also plan to develop a dedicated LGBTQIA+ webpage for Mercy students and another for staff. The pages will serve as a portal to allow interested students to access resources and confidential support. “While Mercy’s Counseling Center is always available, the portal would facilitate connection with other members of the community — even if it’s just someone to talk to about what’s going on with them,” said Tysoe. The portal will also be a one-stop resource for updates and other information about favorite events and activities that Tysoe and Ackerman are working to bring back.

“Mercy has long been known for its efforts to be more inclusive,” said Tysoe. “This re-invigoration of LGBTQIA+ supports is the result of collaborations with several departments, including Human Resources, CampusLife, Marketing, and �鶹����. I’m proud that it’s becoming a schoolwide effort. We’re creating a new campus tradition that will show the wider Mercy community we’re not just talking about it. We’re doing it.”

For more information about getting involved in upcoming events, contact Kyle Tysoe (they/them) or Kristin Ackerman (she/her).

To view more reflections on PRIDE month from students, faculty, staff and alumni click the image above.