Queer Resource and Response Network

What is the Queer Resource and Response Network?

The Queer Resource and Response Network (QRRN) consists of faculty, staff, students and professionals who are willing to make a personal, voluntary commitment of support to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (GLBTQQ) people on campus. Members of the QRRN display a symbol of their involvement - a network sign, sticker, or button - in a way that lets others know they are involved. Members agree to have their name and provided contact information made available to folks as a resource of the QRRN. The QRRN acts as a conduit through which pertinent information, referrals, and resources can be exchanged quickly. Network participants are able to expediently respond to exchanged information, developments, and situations, as well as pool their collective resources together in that response.

Why is there a Queer Resource Response Network?

Surveys conducted at the University of Connecticut have found that gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning students, faculty, and staff often feel isolated and unsupported. Some have experienced harassment; many fear negative consequences if others were to learn of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Many feel that they have few safe places in which to acknowledge who they are and share their experiences, both positive and negative. The Queer Resource and Response Network is designed to respond to these challenges by providing GLBTQQ members of the University of Connecticut community with someone to talk to who can provide accurate information about University and community resources.

Members of the Network are not counselors, nor are they expected to answer every question. Rather, they are listeners and people who can provide support and information. For instance, a student can disclose that she is lesbian, and receive support; a colleague who is gay can discuss the campus climate and expect the conversation to be kept confidential; and a staff member can ask about University polices about discrimination as well as be given accurate sources of information. By displaying the Network symbol and allowing his/her/hir name to be publicized, a member is simply saying, "Knock on my door. It is safe to talk."

What can I do?

To help make the Network a success, it is important that people throughout the University participate. The Network is open to people of all sexual orientations and genders and to people in all roles at the university: i.e., faculty, staff, students, and administrators. It is our hope to also make the Network available to people at all of the University of Connecticut campuses.

How do I participate in the Queer Resource and Response Network?

To participate in the Network, one must complete the on-line application or contact QRRN at its e-mail address (rnbwqrrn@uconn.edu ) to receive a paper copy of the application. Once the application is received, it will be reviewed by a committee that may request an informal interview with, or more information from, the applicant. The applicant will be notified of their status shortly thereafter.

To participate in the Network, one must complete an online application or one in the Rainbow Center.

To see who is a member of this network, please click here.

Members can access our manual by clicking here.

Last Updated: August 2007