Sexuality And Gender Equity (SAGE) Center

The Sexuality And Gender Equity (SAGE) Center centralizes a safe and welcoming atmosphere where queer members of the Sacred Heart community can gather.

Under the Office for Inclusive Excellence, the Sexuality and Gender Equality (SAGE) Center operates with the understanding that the success of our campus community is dependent on how we value, include, and celebrate the diversity of our Pioneers. Established in October of 2022, the physical space was opened as part of the ongoing efforts to improve the experiences of LGBTQ+ students, faculty, staff, and visitors on campus. The inclusion of LGBTQ+ Pioneers is crucial to the success of the Office for Inclusive Excellence and our University at large.

Mission

In line with the University’s mission of embracing social justice, the SAGE Center is a statement to our Pioneers that they belong. The SAGE Center is committed to holistically embracing and supporting people of minoritized sexual, romantic, and gender identities. The SAGE Center’s functions focus on equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ people and allyship development for everyone, which is critical in fostering inclusive excellence to promote their successes as members of the global community.

Vision

As the Office for Inclusive Excellence aspires to be a model for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in higher education, the SAGE Center’s vision is to lead in developing and providing resources and support for LGBTQ+ populations in higher education, especially in Catholic institutions. The work we achieve through our goals will establish a campus climate where inclusion of LGBTQ+ people is welcomed, understood, and appreciated.

Functional Goals

• Provide LGBTQ+-related training, education, and development to students, faculty, and staff regularly & upon request to improve retention and diversity competencies.
• Involve students, faculty, and staff in the development of LGBTQ+ advancement through the LGBTQ+ Steering Committee
• Facilitate a space for students to congregate and host events without fear of judgement or ostracism.
• Host programming aimed at community building, celebration, social justice, and personal responsibility.
• Collaborate across departments to further reach and engage the greater campus community.
• Consult with divisions, departments, and other groups to improve the experiences and outcomes for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff.
• Maintain a list of resources pertaining to LGBTQ+ matters, including but not limited to legal services, educational resources, LGBTQ+ informed medical care, gender affirming medical care, mental & behavioral health, and social support.

Services & Initiatives

Programing and initiatives are largely driven by student feedback and advocacy from identity-based clubs, particularly the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) and PRIDE. Responding to needs expressed by students, as well as faculty and staff, was essential to the establishment of the center and continues to be integral to its offerings.

How can students get involved?

There are a variety of opportunities for students to engage with the SAGE Center and the communities it benefits. Visit the center from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to chat with students and see upcoming events. You can also follow the SAGE Center’s Instagram page to see what’s happening. Annual events hosted by the SAGE Center include:

• National Coming Out Day
• Pride Week
• Transgender Day of Remembrance
• Lavender Reception

Students are encouraged to share any feedback or concerns they have with the Manager of LGBTQ+ Affairs or any staff member with the Office for Inclusive Excellence. Interested students, faculty, or staff are also welcome to inquire about membership on the LGBTQ+ Steering Committee.