June 13, 2016 | By Will Sherry
Dear Spectrum Center community,
The University of Michigan Spectrum Center exists to create affirming and inclusive spaces for all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and similarly-identified people to thrive. For those who are hurting, angered, and experiencing a myriad of emotions today and every day, we are here for you.
As I approached the Michigan Union this morning, I knew it would be hard to keep the tears from falling through the upcoming discussions on ways to support our campus community, near and far. I knew it would be hard to respond from a place of professional strength and leadership when my heart is filled with grief. In reflection on this incident, we are reminded that this work matters, not just in response to this tragedy, but in response to the tragedies that strike our communities daily as a result of racism, islamophobia, (cis)sexism, homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and so many other harmful structures that keep us from thriving. For all of us who work to promote justice, the violence that took place on Latin night at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando this past weekend is another reminder of how much this work matters, how much there is to do, and how much we need one another.
Entering the Spectrum Center this morning, through the hallway of rainbow flags, I was reminded of the importance of spaces created by and for our community. I am honored to be the Director of a center that has served as a place of support when so few spaces existed. I spent last night in another such space, surrounded by community at a vigil in Kerrytown’s Braun Court. I listened to the Spectrum Center’s co-founder, Jim Toy, address over a hundred of us, joined by our hands. Jim, steady in message as always, urged us all to continue our collective path toward freedom and liberation.
In support of this collective path, the Spectrum Center has been and will continue to be a space for grief, reflection, celebration, and rejuvenation. The University will be holding spaces this week for students, staff, faculty, and alumni to give and receive support from one another. You can also reach out to the Spectrum Center during regular business hours to get connected to resources throughout campus and the local community. If you are not near Ann Arbor, we encourage you to find community where you are: at an LGBT center, a nearby campus resource center, or in an online community. You can also contact The Trevor Project crisis line (1-866-488-7386) for immediate assistance.
With love,
Will Sherry
Drop-in reflection times and locations:
- June 13th, 4:30pm-5:30p, School of Social Work (1080 South University)
- June 17th, 12pm-2pm, Spectrum Center (3200 Michigan Union)
Counseling and Psychological Services
3100 Michigan Union
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
734-764-8312
caps.umich.edu
- It is not necessary to make an appointment, as there is always a counselor on duty. Services are confidential and free. Group interventions also are available. Please contact CAPS directly to discuss your need for a group counseling discussion.
- You can contact CAPS via phone during regular business hours to talk with the Counselor-On-Duty; after regular business hours, contact the CAPS after-hours urgent support at 734-764-8312 (press 0).
Dean of Students Office
3000 Michigan Union
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
734-764-7420
deanofstudents.umich.edu
The Dean of Students Office can offer assistance to students in a variety of situations. Staff members can provide academic departments and faculty members with notification if you experience an interruption in your academics. Call or walk in at any time during regular business hours.