|
Some Common Questions about the GLBT Peer Support Program. |
| What
is the Peer Support Program? Realizing that you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender may be one of the hardest struggles that you encounter in your life. How you cope with your sexuality or gender identity ultimately depends on your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and opinions. You may, at times, find yourself lost in what others want for you, instead of letting them and yourself come to terms with who you are. The Peer Support Program provides a safe and confidential atmosphere for you to express your thoughts and feelings about several issues. The peer supporters are knowledgeable and educated about specific GLBT issues. Many of the peer supporters have questioned their sexuality and/or gender, gone through the coming out process, and/or experienced discrimination. We cannot provide the answers but we can provide an open-minded and validating atmosphere. |
| Why is the Peer Support
Program important? Homophobia and heterosexism exist everywhere in our society. This causes many problems for GLBT people, including low self-esteem, feeling fearful to be themselves, and more. Youth and college students are in a difficult position because they may not have support from family, friends and community. They often feel isolated and alone. Many times GLBT issues are not talked about in schools, which adds to the isolation and invisibility of GLBT individuals. A high percentage of youth suicides are actually a result of unresolved issues relating to sexual orientation. |
| Who
can use the Peer Support Program? The peer support program was developed to provide the support that GLBT middle school, high school and college aged people need. Peer supporters are able to assist individuals because they have similar experiences and an understanding of the individual's situation. |
| What does it mean to
meet with a Peer Supporter? It means that you would like someone to talk with that understands what you are going through or has experienced similar issues. It means that you do not want to worry about being judged for who you are. |
| Who
are Peer Supporters? Undergraduate or graduate students that are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or ally that want to offer their support to people who are questioning his or her sexuality or gender, going through the coming out process, or any issues that you need to talk about. They are individuals that want to hear YOU talk! They attend specific training to be educated about being a peer supporter, especially about keeping information you share confidential. The peer supporters are people you can trust with information you feel uncomfortable sharing with other people as it relates to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender issues. |
| Is it like a counseling
session? We are not here to be your counselor. It is almost like meeting a new friend. We are people you can count on to be understanding and helpful when you need it. |
| How
do I meet with or contact a peer supporter? You can talk with a peer supporter on the phone, through email, or in person. When you see each other you can meet where you feel comfortable meeting: in the office, in Atwood, or even take a walk on the outskirts of campus. We will discuss with you where you feel most comfortable and start from there. |
| Where is the Peer Support
Program located? It is housed in the GLBT Services office in Atwood B105 on the St. Cloud State University campus. |
| How
do I become a Peer Supporter? You can contact the Peer Support Coordinator by phone, email, or stop by the office. |
St. Cloud State University
  |
 |
|||||||
 |
|
  |
||||||
Site Map | Map & Directions | Contact SCSU | Accreditations
St. Cloud State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer.
St. Cloud State University is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
