LGBA unveils revamped office

What do a rainbow-striped radiator and pink heart have in common? They were among the new items used to rededicate the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Alliance office on the second floor of Houston Hall yesterday. The office, which has been closed for the past year and a half due to flooding and water damage, is now outfitted with posters, couches and pillows. "This is an old office, but a new space and a new era," said LGBA co-chair Rob Faunce, a Daily Pennsylvanian columnist. The same space that used to belong to just the LGBA is now being shared with Lambda Grads and Penn's Eagerly Awaited Radical Ladies, according to Faunce, a College junior. Bob Schoenberg, coordinator for the Program for the Lesbian, Gay ,and Bisexual Community at Penn, said he is pleased that the organizations are going to share space in Houston Hall. "It brings greater visibility to the gay community at Penn," Schoenberg said. College senior and LGBA co-chair Anthony Putz said the shared space represents the solidarity within the gay community. Approximately 25 students and faculty watched Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum cut the pink banner stretching across the door of the cozy office to reveal the new furnishings. Onlookers smiled as McCoullum cut a heart into the sash. "It is a pleasure to take part in this ceremony," McCoullum said. "This office is one of many places on this campus that lifts my spirits because of the strength of the people involved. This space is fantastic." College senior Lija Bentley agreed with McCoullum. "It looks so much better than it did a year ago," she said. LGBA co-chair and College junior Maria Gonzalez reflected on the VPUL's presence. "We are happy to have Val here taking part in our ceremony," Gonzalez said. "It is important that all aspects of University life are celebrated." Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, McCoullum presented the co-chairs of the LGBA with two loaves of freshly baked bread. "Bread symbolizes the home and the hearth and a place of respite," McCoullum said. "We all need a safe place for us to feel free to be whatever we are." A graduate student who did not wish to be identified said the LGBA office in Houston Hall and the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Center on Locust Walk represent exactly that. "They are safe places where I can meet people and be open and honest," he said. The Center and the LGBA office both sponsor weekly socials. On Mondays, the center hosts a "Melrose Place" social at 9 p.m. and on Wednesdays the office hosts a social at 7 p.m. College senior Jeremy Shapira said he is excited about the new office and the socials. "Hopefully these types of events will increase awareness about the gay community," he said. Graduate School of Education student Honora Faix said she is optimistic about the future of the LGBA office. "I think it will be a resource for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as for the faculty and other offices on campus," she said.