In the fall of 2015, a new residential thematic community called Spectrum opened in Teter Residence Center on the IU Bloomington campus. Spectrum is designed to help students of all gender and sexual identities feel comfortable and supported and is open to all academic levels, majors, gender identities, and sexualities.
Students within the community have the opportunity to explore the topic of gender and sexuality, study the histories and current context of different populations, attend relevant campus and community events, and connect with role models and allies within the IU and Bloomington communities. Spectrum has a direct partnership with the IU GLBT Student Support Services office, which is part of the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs, and a connection with the Department of Gender Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences.
“Spectrum is not geared toward just thinking about LGBTQ ally issues, it’s really looking at the spectrum of gender and sexual orientation … what are all of the places across those spectrums that many of us never even talk about or know anything about? Our long-term plan is to become a living learning community directly tied to the Gender Studies department,” said Barry Magee, assistant director for resident life.