17³Ô¹ÏÍø

We strive to provide a safe and affirming community for all LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/aromantic) individuals. The + is used as a wide signifier of inclusion and acceptance of our diverse community, including members who do not feel represented in the LGBTQIA acronym. The + also signifies support and acceptance for those who are living with HIV and AIDS. We want to ensure that all members feel included, welcome and celebrated at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø.

Through various educational and community-building opportunities, we are focused on enhancing LGBTQIA+ inclusion and advocating for the needs and concerns of the LGBTQIA+ community. An increasing number of events bring the LGBTQIA+ community together to celebrate their achievements and contributions.

Our approach to inclusion is grounded in the Catholic and Jesuit values and principles of justice, equality, and care for the whole person, cura personalis. Respect and reverence for the dignity and worth of each person are at the core of our identity as a Jesuit, Catholic college. Creating a community where all are welcome, celebrated and given opportunities to reach their full potential is central to our mission.

Signature Events

• Coming Out Coffee House – LGBTQIA+ community members are welcome to attend, share their stories and listen to others.
• Lavender Graduation – Honors lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and ally students of the graduating class to acknowledge their achievements and contributions.
• Homecoming Weekend LGBTQ Alumni Brunch – The 17³Ô¹ÏÍø LGBTQ Alumni Network invites all alumni, students, faculty members, staff and friends for an opportunity to network and share stories.
• LGBTQIA+ Alumni Career Panel - LGBTQIA+ alumni return to campus and share their stories about being open in the workplace.
• Pride Week - A week dedicated to educating the campus community on specific aspects of queer culture. Past topics have included sexual health, allyship, and coming out.
• Transgender Day of Visibility - Celebrates transgender people and raises awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide.
• Worcester Pride – Recognizes, promotes, educates and unifies the Central Massachusetts LGBTQI+ community, allies and supporters. In addition to holding events throughout the year, Worcester Pride also puts on an annual pride parade and a festival.
• 17³Ô¹ÏÍø LGBTQ Cape Weekend - The 17³Ô¹ÏÍø LGBTQ Alumni Network invites all alumni, spouses, partners and friends to reconnect, relax and enjoy the beauty and festivities of Provincetown. Everyone in the 17³Ô¹ÏÍø community is welcome to join for all or part of the weekend, which is held biennially.

Student Group

Pride

Pride is a student-run group, made up of LGBTQIA+ students and allies, which works toward increasing visibility and creating an accepting and supportive community for students of all identities.

|  | Email Pride

Offices

Office of Justice, Equity, Belonging, and Identity

The Office of Justice, Equity, Belonging, and Identity (JEBI) is committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive campus community that values and celebrates difference. We believe everyone deserves access to what they need to thrive and succeed at the College. We work to identify and address institutional barriers to equity and belonging and provide education, training, and support services that foster a climate of respect and belonging for all.

The JEBI Office offers programming and events that celebrate and support LGBTQIA+ identities on campus, as well as an affinity group called SPECTRUM for BIPOC LGBTQIA+ students. SPECTRUM meets without faculty and staff, so students can feel comfortable being their authentic selves in community with their peers. The student co-chairs of SPECTRUM meet regularly with the JEBI team to plan discussion-based events, social activities, and other programming for the affinity group.

Learn more about the Office of Justice, Equity, Belonging, and Identity.

The Counseling Center

The Counseling Center staff members are dedicated to creating an inclusive and affirming atmosphere for all individuals. The Ignatian ideal of cura personalis — care of the whole person — guides the work done in the Counseling Center. They provide confidential assistance to students who have a wide range of concerns, such as stress, adjustment difficulties, relationship problems, anxiety, depression, and identity questions. All staff members have specialized training and experience in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Kelsey Moran (she/her/hers)

Staff Psychologist and Coordinator of LGBTQIA+ Counseling Services and Programming
Counseling Center

Phone: 508-793-3363
Office: Hogan 207 P.O. Box: CC
Email: kmoran@holycross.edu

Kelsey Moran primarily provides individual therapy to 17³Ô¹ÏÍø students, but is also available to provide professional and clinical expertise on mental health concerns that impact members of the LGBTQIA+ community through outreach and consultation. She also co-facilitates the LGBTQIA+ and TGNC+ support groups that are offered through the Chaplains’ Office. Feel free to call the Counseling Center with any questions or concerns!

Office of the College Chaplains

In a spirit of affirmation and hospitality, the Office of College Chaplains offers individual pastoral counseling as well as an LGBTQIA+ Support Group for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community and a TGNC+ Support Group for trans and gender non-conforming members of the community.

To learn more, see the Programs section below, visit the Chaplains’ Office or email Meg Fox-Kelly.

Office of Title IX Initiatives

The Office of Title IX Initiatives supports the College’s dedication to an inclusive and safe community that is free from harassment and discrimination. The director of Title IX Initiatives responds to concerns involving discrimination based on gender, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Learn more about the Office of Title IX Initiatives

Programs

LGBTQIA+ Support Group

The Chaplains’ Office and Counseling Center are excited to invite any and all current students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and all other members of the community to attend a weekly LGBTQIA+ support group. Conversations often focus on identities, relationships, coming out, stress, and life at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø.

You are welcome to come as often as you can. The group is led by confidential staff members of the College and allows LGBTQIA+ students to connect with one another, share experiences, and build community at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø. For more information please contact Meg Fox-Kelly of the Chaplains’ Office or Kelsey Moran of the Counseling Center. They look forward to getting to know you!

TGNC+ Support Group

The Chaplains’ Office and Counseling Center are excited to invite any and all current students who identify as trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, agender, questioning, and other members of the community to attend a monthly TGNC+ support group. Conversations often focus on identities, relationships, coming out, stress, and life at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø.

You are welcome to come as often as you can. The group is led by confidential staff members of the College and allows TGNC+ students to connect with one another, share experiences, and build community at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø. For more information, please contact Meg Fox-Kelly of the Chaplains’ Office or Kelsey Moran of the Counseling Center. They look forward to getting to know you!

Academics

Courses

Courses focused on LGBTQIA+ topics

• ANTH 255: Genders and Sexualities, Prof. Alvaro Jarrin
• ANTH 399: Global Queer Activism, Prof. Alvaro Jarrin
• CLAS 199: Intro to Greco-Roman Gender and Sexuality, Prof. Daniel Libatique
• LATN 399: Constructions of Gender and Sexuality, Prof. Daniel Libatique
• FREN 472: Race & Gender in French Cinema, Prof. Thibaut Schilt
• HIST 401: Gender & Sexuality, Prof. Stephanie Yuhl
• MUSC 390: Music & Gay Rights, Prof. Daniel DiCenso
• REL 344: Sex, Money, Power and the Bible, Prof. Benny Liew
• SOCL 274: LGBTQ Studies, Prof. Stephanie Crist
• STWL 234: Cinema and the Second Sex, Prof. Thibaut Schilt
• THEA 145: Gay Theater and Film, Prof. Scott Malia

Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies

Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies is a multidisciplinary program that explores the many facets of gender and sexuality. Students are encouraged to examine and challenge taken-for-granted assumptions, explore and honor marginalized experiences and perspectives, and question power at personal, interpersonal, social, structural levels.

Learn more about the Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies program

Faculty and Staff

Outfront: A 17³Ô¹ÏÍø LGBTQIA+ Faculty and Staff Alliance

Outfront seeks to cultivate a vibrant social and academic community of LGBTQIA+ faculty and staff. Outfront is open to LGBTQIA+-identified faculty, staff, and their allies in the 17³Ô¹ÏÍø community.

Learn more about Outfront

LGBTQIA+ Allies

LGBTQIA+ students are welcome to seek out the faculty and staff members for further mentoring and support.

View the list of LGBTQIA+ allies