October 23, 2026 | by Shelby Edison | In the news
As part of its 55th anniversary celebration, Spectrum Center launched the Belonging Project. The project blends photography and personal narratives of students, alumnx, staff, and faculty who have found a home in Spectrum Center. The Belonging project shares the stories of 24 people —highlighting their stories, perspectives, and experiences with Spectrum Center and showcasing how the U-M community has interacted with the center throughout its decades. Joann Ransom, 55th Anniversary Program Manager, played a central role in bringing this project to life. “For 55 years, the Spectrum Center has represented more than belonging. It has represented action, resilience, and the courage to create change. As the first LGBTQ+ center on a college campus, its founding established a precedent that extended far beyond the University of Michigan. The Belonging Project honors the people who made that legacy possible: those who fought to create space, sustained it, and continue to push the boundaries of what belonging can look like. Because 55 years of history isn't just about how far we've come; it's about recognizing who got us here and our responsibility to carry that work forward,” she said.
“Because 55 years of history isn't just about how far we've come; it's about recognizing who got us here and our responsibility to carry that work forward.”
MFA candidate William Hohe served as the photographer for the Belonging Project. Their focus on examining queer identity through photographs brought a colorful, joyful, and genuine energy to the portraits. “It feels a bit like serendipity,” said Jesse Beal, director of Spectrum Center. “In my first conversation with our photographer, William, they suggested a Catherine Opie inspired vision and I studied Opie's work in graduate school. William captured the essence of our participants and these stunning portraits paint a riveting picture of our diverse and dynamic community.”
The photographs and pieces of the narratives are currently on display on the first floor of the Michigan Union on the exhibit wall across from the Campus Information Center. You can also view the portraits and full narratives online through the digital gallery.
(Photo by William Hohe | @williamslenses)