The University of Delaware recently hired Rebekah Harless-Balmer as its LGBT program coordinator. The position, which was created so LGBT students on campus would have a specific person dedicated to their support, is the first of its kind for the university.
“Because this is the first position created, it’s a learning curve,” Harless-Balmer said. “I’m interested in meeting students and listening to their stories right now. The main things I’m working on are providing resources to students, res-life housing issues, helping students get involved on campus and I’m working on revamping the ally program.”
Harless-Balmer has always had a passion for working with LGBT youth.
As a Pennsylvanian high-school student, she advocated for the creation of a gay-straight alliance at her school. As an undergraduate at West Chester University, her queer activism took off when she got involved with a committee to streamline the process for students to change their names and advocate for gender-neutral restrooms and gender-neutral housing.
“I’ve always known that I wanted to work with LGBT youth and college students, so when I saw this job description, it was definitely something I was interested in. When I interviewed, everyone was really friendly, the campus was nice, and that solidified this is where I wanted to be. I’m really excited to be here, do great work, and partner with lots of people on campus.”
Harless-Balmer has a lot of goals in mind for her new role as LGBT program coordinator, but first off, she wants to get to know students and let them know she is there to help them succeed.
“LGBT students are at a higher risk of not graduating from college, and when they have a support person on campus, they are more likely to succeed,” she said. “They need to have someone who specifically works with LGBT students, [someone] they know can help them. This position shows that UD is dedicated to creating a safe space and is inclusive for LGBT students.”
While the position is beneficial to the success of LGBT students at the University of Delaware, Harless-Balmer hopes that other universities will follow suit in focusing on advocacy for LGBT students.
“All higher-education institutions should be progressing in LGBT support and safer spaces,” she said. “I think these positions are important, and the more we support LGBT students, the greater chance they have to succeed.”
Matty Bennett, 24, is a graduate student at Virginia Tech.