Lavender Community Council

The Lavender Community Council at Emerson College is brought to you by the offices of Intercultural Student Affairs, Student Engagement and Leadership, and the Center for Spiritual Life.  Lavender Community Council is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other diverse gender and sexual identities within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. Our mission is to represent, empower, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ students, particularly those from underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds. Our foundation promotes intercultural and spiritual understanding and creates spaces and experiences that amplify student voices. Most importantly Lavender Community Council is here to support and foster queer community and culture on the Emerson Campus. 

Objectives:

1. Represent the student body: We serve as the voice and advocate for LGBTQIA+ students. We ensure their concerns, needs, and perspectives are heard and respected by the college administration, faculty, and staff through the facilitation of a monthly town hall meeting. 
2. Organize events: We plan and execute engaging and inclusive events that celebrate the diverse identities within the LGBTQIA+ community. These events create spaces for education, dialogue, and celebration, promoting awareness around mental and spiritual well-being and acceptance of  LGBTQIA+ identities. 
3. Own Emerson’s intercollegiate voguing house, “House of Emerson.” House of Emerson’s mission is to create a vibrant and inclusive space that empowers LGBTQIA+ students to embrace their creativity, express their authentic selves, and celebrate the art form of voguing.
4. Community Service: We actively engage in community service initiatives that address the needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly those from underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds. By partnering with local organizations, we strive to make a positive impact and support the diverse communities we serve.
5. Promote LGBTQ History Month: We dedicate our efforts to celebrating and promoting LGBTQIA+ History Month, highlighting the histories, achievements, and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. Through educational programming, workshops, and events, we foster understanding and appreciation of our diverse community.
6. Leadership Skills: We provide opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills within an LGBTQIA+ context. Through training, mentorship, and active involvement, we empower members to become effective leaders and advocates for LGBTQIA+ identities. 
7. Build community spirit: We foster a sense of belonging and community among LGBTQIA+ students by organizing social activities, affinity groups, and supportive spaces. 
8. Share campus resources: We serve as a valuable resource hub, providing information about LGBTQIA+-related support services on Emerson campus.