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OU offers first LGBT peer mentoring program in Michigan

ROCHESTER –
Oakland University's Gender and Sexuality Center will be offering the first lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender peer mentoring program in Michigan this fall.
The program is open to undergraduate, graduate and doctoral LGBT students in their first year at OU, and will promote connections and positive identities by providing support and empowerment to students on a one-on-one basis. LGBT students will have the opportunity to gain support, confidence, acceptance, and guidance as they begin their academic careers at OU.
The school's Gender and Sexuality Center serves as a resource center for both women and LGBTQA students, faculty and staff. The center holds meetings all year long that focus on being an ally, coming out and finding support. With their peer mentoring plan, the center hopes to continue their legacy of programming that assists LGBT students in being comfortable with their sexuality, as well as creating a safe, diverse campus.
"I think it will be a really great resource of support to offer to the students," said Joann Bautti-Roche, coordinator of the Gender and Sexuality Center. "A lot of different things are happening to them when they come on campus for the first year."
According to the center, a lot of LGBT students come out publicly during their first year of college on top of starting college and getting used to a new campus. "This program will help them focus their time and attention on academics and their own personal development," she said.
The program is accepting applications for OU student mentors until May 30. Applications for those students wishing to be mentored will be accepted until Sept. 30. Students and mentors will be matched based on a number of characteristics, and the center adds that they will try to match students with mentors who enjoy the same activities and interests as them.
For more information about the mentoring program, contact Bautti-Roche at 248-370-4333 or [email protected]. For more information about the Gender and Sexuality Center, visit http://www.oakland.edu/gsc.

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