LGBTQ Resource Center

Mission

The mission of the Washington and Lee University Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Resource Center is to affirm the existence and development of LGBTQ individuals at W&L, and to support a strong and welcoming community among them and allies within the larger institution.

The Center works to diminish the prejudice that limits the educational experience and safety of LGBTQ community members and others within the university. The Center provides an open, diverse, and safe environment in which all members of the W&L community may explore sexual orientation and gender identity issues and serves as a focal point for campus LGBTQ resources, services, and programs. The Center contributes to the University's commitment to intellectual exploration, diversity, and responsible leadership, and upholds the University's values of honor, integrity, and civility. We constantly strive to meet our mission through:

  • Providing a safe space for students to socialize, study, and access resources
  • Organizing and hosting programs and social/support groups
  • Advocating for the needs and concerns of LGBTQ students
  • Empowering students through leadership development
  • Educating the campus community about issues of sexual orientation and gender identity

Welcome from Jake!

Hey there! My name is Jake Reeves and I am the Assistant Director for LGBTQ+ Life at W&L! While I most often work with and for the student population on campus, my position involves all aspects of LGBTQ+ life on campus - not just students! I facilitate workshops and educational opportunities for faculty and staff on LGBTQ+ identity and support such as Safe Zone Ally Trainings, content-specific workshops, department assessments, and so much more! For students, I also provide many educational and social programming opportunities like the Fall Picnic (with WGSS), Queer Sex and Dating, classroom visits - the list goes on! I manage the physical space of the LGBTQ Resource Center, located in the Red House, and work with the students who frequent the space to make sure it is providing the necessary resources and information. My position also allows me to work closely with student organizations like Queer Liberation Alliance (QLA) and OUTLaw to support our populations on campus. Feel free to stop by my office in Commons 217 to chat - I love getting coffee with students!