News

January 3, 2022

Spectrum Center co-founder and U-M alumnus Jim Toy, MSW ‘81, passed away over the weekend at the age of 91. Toy was known as an outspoken activist and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and worked to establish the Human Sexuality Office in 1971, which later became the Spectrum Center. 

December 3, 2021

Jesse Beal (they/them) has joined the Spectrum Center as associate director. Prior to arriving at the University of Michigan, they served as the director of The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center at Michigan State University. They bring over a decade of experience leading student-facing affinity-based resource centers at Amherst College, Brandeis University, Suffolk University, and MSU.

November 18, 2021Spectrum Center awards two scholarships each year, and we'd like to introduce you to this year's recipients.

October 15, 2021While the oral history project provides agency to marginalized communities, it also preserves an accurate record of their lived experiences.

October 1, 2021

The university’s band played songs by Lady Gaga, Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper and Sister Sledge, among others, as they marched into hearts and word formations. Michigan's LGBTQ-themed halftime show Sept. 25 in The Big House—for its game against Rutgers (the Wolverines won, 20-13)—honored the 50th anniversary of the Spectrum Center, the first LGBTQ space to be formed on a college campus.

September 10, 2021

Growing up in the Midwest in the 1960s, without a lot of peers or role models to look to, Howard Bragman never quite fit in.

“As a fat, Jewish, gay kid in Flint, Michigan, I always felt like a Martian,” he said.

That all changed when he got to U‑M.

August 12, 2021Like many of her peers, Dyanna Bateman knew the University of Michigan felt like home as soon she arrived on campus. But one thing set her apart: She wanted to figure out why.

Kaden Hyvonen joins our team as the Spectrum Center’s temporary Office Manager and fifth full-time staff member. Hyvonen’s duties include providing administrative support and handling day-to-day operations of the office such as answering any phone calls that the center may receive, along with directing inquiries from any walk-in questions.

Spectrum Center Director Will Sherry expressed his excitement over the new addition to the staff.

June 3, 2020

While different forms of oppression continue to be pervasive in everyday society, the staff at Spectrum Center recognizes the impact that anti-Black racism and anti-Asian racism/xenophobia has had on our students, staff, faculty, and alumnx communities near and far. We would like to restate the center’s commitment to intersectional advocacy, support, and allyhood work especially with Queer, Trans, Black, and Indigenous People of Color. 

May 6, 2020  |  By Smitty Smith (they/them/theirs), Writer/Photographer Student Lead

April 1, 2020  |  By Smitty Smith (they/them), Photographer/Writer Student Lead

December 4, 2019  |  By Hannah Brauer, Photographer/Writer Student Lead

October 30, 2019  |  By Hannah Brauer, Photographer/Writer Student Lead

LaVelle Ridley (she/her/hers), a Ph.D. candidate for English and Women’s Studies, has known she wanted to pursue graduate school since her sophomore year of her undergraduate program. She has worked tirelessly since then to bring her to the University of Michigan, where she is pursuing her dream of becoming a Women’s Studies professor and completing her dissertation on black literary, feminist, and queer studies.

El 2 de octubre 2019

Por Hannah Brauer (ella), fotógrafa y escritora para el Spectrum Center

October 2, 2019

By Hannah Brauer (she/her/hers), Photographer/Writer Student Lead

August 28, 2019Eryka Swank (she/her/hers), U-M senior studying community and global public health with a minor in gender and health, is dedicated to elevating the voices and experiences of the LGBTQ community.

September 1, 2018

As the new academic year begins, Spectrum Center staff is excited to welcome new students, staff, and faculty members to campus. We are also excited to engage more intentionally with returning individuals and groups within the LGBTQ communities. As we connect more intentionally with LGBTQ communities on and off campus, we are excited to share a few of our programs and offerings below:
 

April 3, 2017

Distinguighed alumni and friend of the Spectrum Center, John D. Evans, was inducted into the Cable Telecommunications Industry Hall of Fame in May 2016. John Evans was one of the founders of C-SPAN in 1977. John later served as its chairman and remains active on C-SPAN’s executive committee. He is also founder of the John D. Evans Foundation and through it has put into action his commitment to AIDS and cancer research and to the protection of the environment.  

November 16, 2016

Dan and Ted met over 32 years ago as undergraduate students at University of Michigan.  Their involvement at the Spectrum Center and the support they received, at a critical time for two young men making the transition into adulthood, inspired them to give back and philanthropically support the on-going important work of the Center.

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.