IC News

Luca Maurer is redefining what it means to be alone, together. 

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Maurer, the director of IC’s Center for LGBT Education, Outreach and Services, has been working tirelessly to help the center upholds its mission in an increasingly virtual world.

To ensure students maintain critical connections during an extended period of social isolation, during the college’s spring break, Maurer issued a survey in an effort to tailor the center’s services to their needs.

“When I surveyed students, some said ‘I’m just despairing, not because of this new, uncertain, frightening thing that’s happening in our world, but also because IC was a place I found home as an LGBTQ person,’” he said. “This is a time for students to find community and realize that they aren’t alone in what they're experiencing.”

One instance of virtual engagement was the “Soup and Hope” program, during which Maurer shared stories about overcoming adversity through the power of hope. He took part in the event last month at Cornell University’s Sage Chapel and hosted a second one virtually on March 26.

Kaitlyn Gough ’18 attended the virtual event, and felt that it emphasized the importance of the LGBTQ community. 

“I think having virtual events to re-tether LGBTQ students back to that community during this time is really important; it’s very grounding,” she said. “Keeping strong ties to groups that you have found connection with before is really helpful for emotional stability.”

Another example of how the center has moved its offerings online is by taking its Resource Room, a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to chat with one another, do homework or seek counseling, and moving it online. Currently, individuals can use Zoom to access the room at certain times during the week.

“Having these spaces where you can connect with a group of people where you don’t have to explain yourself is so important,” said Avi Kendrick ’21.

In addition to the Resource Room, the center will be working with the Center for IDEAS and The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, and the student group Spectrum to organize Zoom calls, Instagram Live video streams, check-ins, meetings and services.

“These events are a great way to bolster the community, have people come together and learn from the wisdom of our elders who are writers and of our current artists’ community,” Maurer said. 

But his work isn’t just focused on providing education and entertainment opportunities. He’s also trying to help students navigate the new normal of remote instruction, which sometimes means they may have returned to an unsafe family situation.

“For some students, we're just trying to continue that connection and support,” Maurer said, adding that the center is coming up with ways to ensure LGBTQ+ students in compromised situations “can still interact and maintain their safety.”