Every week, the University of Tennessee’s OUTreach Center provides different events for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, questioning and allied community members on campus. Largely organized by OUTreach Center Director Donna Braquet, the programs range from social to educational and offer the student body an opportunity to be exposed to varying perspectives on sexuality and gender identity.

“SexEd Queered” (Monday, 6 – 7 p.m.)

A collaboration with the student group Sexual Health Advisory Board, “SexEd Queered” is an initiative that aims to provide a sex education experience that is inclusive of all sexual identities.

“It uses language that isn’t gendered about bodies,” said Robin Lovett, OUTreach student assistant and senior in Hispanic studies. “It also includes information about sexuality that is much greater than ‘how you have sex, how you have safe sex.’ It’s also about healthy relationships and your mental health and the health of your own body.”

“Trans Talk Tuesdays” (Tuesday, 7 – 8 p.m.)

A peer-led discussion group, “Trans Talk Tuesdays” is open to all transgender or gender non-conforming students willing to participate and discuss their perceptions of their gender identity.

Describing the event, Braquet expressed pride in fostering a community where students could come together and be themselves.

“It’s the first time that some students have even mentioned out loud to anyone that they feel their identity is transgender,” Braquet said. “This might be the only time in their lives where they’ve been sort of embraced and affirmed as who they are.”

“Rainbow Coffeehouse” (Wednesday, 4 – 6 p.m.)

In a more social setting, “Rainbow Coffeehouse” provides the opportunity for students to meet and converse in a welcoming environment. Over free coffee and snacks, attendees are invited to get to know members of the LGBTQA community on campus and its allies.

“Throwback Thursday” (Thursday, 6:30 – 8 p.m.)

Structured by student suggestions, the activities of “Throwback Thursdays” consist of varying games and activities, including croquet, knitting and watching LGBTQA themed movies.

“OUT 2 Lunch” (Fridays, 12:12 – 1:12 p.m.)

Before the weekend begins, students are welcomed to bring their lunch to the OUTreach center and discuss a myriad of issues in the LGBTQA community.

“We have an entire list of topics we discuss, all the way from coming out, to studying abroad, to inclusive health programs to asexuality,” Braquet explained.

In the future, the OUTreach Center hopes to expand its tagline “You Belong Here” to become even more inclusive of the campus community. With the hope of establishing a discussion group centered around Queer People of Color, Braquet maintains the importance of viewing individuals in a complex light.

“It’s really important that we realize that someone isn’t just gay or someone isn’t just African-American,” Braquet said.

Lovett maintains that the OUTreach Center is a place where anyone can come and feel accepted.

“The center is open to everyone … as long as they are supportive,” Lovett said. “We’re happy to have anyone come in and just hang around, even if we don’t have an event currently going on.”

In addition to its regular programs, the OUTreach Center invites students to participate in “Bisexual Visibility Week” that started Monday.