Gay/lesbian programs director opening opportunities for LGBT community

Nervous. Anxious. Excited.

Those were the emotions rushing through Shannon Jolliff before she came out to her friends and family.

“I started questioning if I was a lesbian around the age 14,” Jolliff said.

Since meeting her partner almost 3 years ago, Jolliff, the director of gay and lesbian programs at Central Michigan University, has become more comfortable talking about her feelings with those close to her. Her biggest fear was coming out to her parents because of their religious beliefs and because they are pastors. Religiously, Jolliff’s parents disagreed with her lifestyle, but still loved her for who she was.

“I feel like my coming-out process is never-ending,” she said. “It is a continual process.”

Jolliff’s coming-out process led to the creation of several programs for the LGBT community at Central Michigan University since she accepted her position in October 2008.

“I think she has made a huge impact,” said Stasi Russell, a Howell graduate student.

Russell, also the Pride Co-Chair for Gay Straight Alliance, said it has been a complete joy to work with Jolliff.

LGBT programs

Started in January 2009, the coming-out support group has been a successful program for those involved. Jolliff holds meetings once a week for ten weeks.

“We talk about coming out to family,” she said.

Jolliff said from research, students trying to come out without support have high risks of alcohol abuse, suicide and dropping out of college.

“I don’t want any student at CMU to face those types of issues,” she said.

Jolliff also created a safe zone program. Resident assistants, multicultural assistants and several volunteer students have gone through training and signed a contract to be a “safe zone” for those in need of a go-to person.

In addition, she started a running group and a lunch group in August 2009. It gave those part of the LGBT community a chance to network with those who can relate to each other’s situations.

Russell especially enjoys the running group.

“It’s such a comfortable environment,” she said.

Jolliff said it is these new programs and the students they’ve supported over the last few months that are most memorable of her first year in the position.

“The majority of my time is dedicated to the LGBT community,” she said.

Jolliff said her office, in Room 125 of the Bovee University Center, is open to anyone. Students do not have to be a part of the LGBT community to receive support.

“Whatever students need, I’m more than happy to provide that,” she said.