Queers and Allies offers confidential counseling
By Julie Madl
Special to the Kansan
Discussing sex, let alone sexual orientation, can be difficult and uncomfortable. But with the help of KU Queers and Allies peer counseling service, an understanding listener is just a phone call away.
"Peer counseling provides a phone referral network staffed by volunteer gay, lesbian, transgendered and bisexual students and community members who are trained to offer support and information to people with concerns or questions about queer issues," said Andy Dunlap, Lawrence graduate student. Dunlap is the peer counseling coordinator for Queers and Allies.
"It's important for us to have services to support and help those who need it," Dunlap said.
Dunlap said the important thing about the counseling service was that it was staffed by peers. He said callers were more comfortable talking to others who have gone through similar experiences.
Chris Hampton, Lawrence graduate student, has been a peer counselor for more than a year. She said it had been rewarding.
Hampton became a peer counselor because of her experience coming out. She felt isolated and said it helped to talk to someone who understood her situation.
"I feel good after I hang up the phone," she said. "It feels good to help someone."
Peer counselors provide information about meeting places, services and social
events for gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered callers. All counseling is anonymous and is coordinated by HeadQuarters Counseling Center, a counseling and information center financed by the United Way of Douglas County, KU student activity fees and local donors. Staff members attend a workshop to receive basic counseling training.
Callers with concerns must dial Head- Quarters to reach a counselor. To maintain caller and counselor anonymity, callers leave their name and a number where they can be reached. HeadQuarters then calls the counselors, who return the call.
"This way everyone remains anonymous." Dunlap said.
Another counselor, who wanted to remain anonymous, said he was in his second year of counseling. He had two reasons for becoming a counselor.
"I thought I had traits relevant for counseling, and it related to my major," he said.
Both said they had handled many issues. Some people were confused about their sexuality or just wanted to know where to meet other people like themselves.
"Many times the callers just want to hear someone say they're normal," Hampton said. Queers and Allies also offers weekly support group meetings and general organization meetings the first, third and fifth weeks of each month.
For meeting times, call the Queers and Allies office, 864-3091, or HeadQuarters, 841-2345.
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Community Outreach
The Hill November 5,1996