Each month, join us for “Programs and Faces of OVPDEMA” to learn more about the OVPDEMA programs, centers, and resources and the people who make it possible. This month, we speak with Doug Bauder, director of the LGBTQ+ Culture Center. Located at 705 E. 7th St., the LGBTQ+ Culture Center offers a home away from home for LGBTQ+ students, allies, and friends in the IU Bloomington community.
1. Who are you, and what is your role at the center?
My name is Doug, and I’m the Director of the LGBTQ+ Center. For the past 25 years, I have been helping guide the center's work on the Bloomington campus. In addition, my main job has been making the coffee for the staff every morning.
2. Who are the staff that make the center's work possible?
Jamie, our Office Supervisor, takes care of scheduling, finances and throwing parties. Brooklynn, our Office Assistant, keeps the campus informed with her weekly edits of QNews. Danielle, our GA, turns friends into allies and plans creative luncheons. Annise, our Library Coordinator, keeps books, films and zines circulating, Elyssa, our Counseling Intern, offers her listening ear to students who need a little extra support, and Michelle, our post-doc, teaches a course on LGBTQ+ issues.
3. In one sentence, what does the center do?
We are ‘queering’ the campus, meaning we provide support for LGBTQ+ students and provide information on LGBTQ+ issues.
4. What are three words that describe the center?
Warm, welcoming, and very much student-centered.
5. If the center had a theme song, what would it be?
“We are Family,” by Sly and the Family Stone.
6. What's one favorite memory you have of the center?
There are many memories that come to mind, but the first day we opened, in the midst of much controversy, we were expecting bullhorns and protestors. Instead, a staff member at the Wells Library (our first visitor) stopped by with a bouquet of flowers from her garden.
7. How can students get involved?
Stop in (705 E. 7th St.); email (glbtserv@iu.edu); phone (812-855-4252); Facebook; Twitter. Share an idea, a program, a concern. We appreciate everyone’s input.