Jay Tifone
Jessie Doe Hall Director

How do you show support for LGBTQ students living in your hall?

Our community in The Doe doesn’t tolerate discrimination of any sort.  We proclaim as much on our hall web site, repeat the message when residents arrive, and call out inappropriate language and report biased behaviors throughout the year.

Posted across the hall is the message: “Expect respect. Give it.  Get it.” Our home is one of acceptance for all people; the hall staff and residents vigorously defend every member’s right to feel safe and comfortable as him/herself in Jessie Doe.

What kind of training do you and your staff have around diversity, specifically in working with LGBTQ students?

I’ve worked for many years in social justice advocacy, with a year spent exclusively on LGBT affairs.  At Syracuse University, I programmed around many LGBT artists, planned many political and social actions with college and high school students, and provided support for queer and straight allied students.

The RAs are all trained in LGBT sensitivity and incorporate such messages into their regular educational programming.  Additionally, some members of our staff identify as members of the queer community and have a heightened sensitivity to issues that LGBT students face.

How do you create a safe place for the LGBTQ residents in your hall?

The Jessie Doe hall staff, activity board, and many residents have participated in Safe Zones Training, an initiative out of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.  The program teaches participants how to be sensitive to LGBT students’ needs and concerns.  Trained participants proudly display a Safe Zones sticker on their door, indicating that their room is a place where anyone can turn for support and/or be completely him/herself.

What programs, initiatives or campaigns do you offer to residents that create awareness around/for the LGBTQ community?

This spring, Jessie Doe is the ONLY residence hall piloting a program with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs around understanding residents’ identity, privilege and prejudices, and then using that knowledge to construct an accepting multicultural community.  This four-part, highly interactive training is cutting-edge and tailored specifically for Jessie Doe residents.

How do you challenge yourself and others to learn and support the LGBTQ community?  How often do you do this?

In Jessie Doe, we bring the Bias Gallery in each semester to demonstrate the cumulative affect of hate on campus.  We also regularly discuss issues of identity and associated political ramifications.

What LGBTQ resources on campus have you utilized and found helpful?

There are many “fabulous” queer staff and faculty on campus who are more than willing to share their perspective on being a member of the LGBT community in New Hampshire.  Additionally, I’m appreciative of the many active LGBT student leaders (both graduate and undergraduate) who regularly remind the campus community of their needs and struggles.