UT's new LGBT and ally resource center will open Feb. 25 in Melrose F103. The center will be open to everyone in the Knoxville community and will focus on issues surrounding the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

"This will give people a safe place to feel comfortable.  There is a symbolic importance of the center's physical presence because one of our main issues, in regard to politics of Tenn., is the invisibility of LGBT issues," explains Lynn Sacco, a member of the center's advisory board.

Sophomore Jess Hurd, a History major, vice-president of Lambda Student Union, and frequenter to UT's Commission for LGBT people meetings, believes this center is essential to campus. "I have witnessed several anti-gay slurs when around gay couples at events like Boomsday.  I think the center will be very useful and is a necessity that people on and off campus have been anticipating for several years" Hurd said.   It has definitely been a long time coming Jess Hurd, vice-president of Lambda Student Union

At least one person will be present at the resource center every afternoon.  Anyone is welcome to partake in the center's services, from gay-related books and movies to a space to interact with friends.  Sacco says one of the main goals in creating the center was to "make the center's character inviting."

The center is currently hosting a counselor-led, discussion-based LGBTQ support group every Tuesday from 5-6 p.m.  The support group provides a safe place for all students, especially those questioning their sexuality, to openly discuss any life issues.

"I know I'll be volunteering in the center as much as possible," concludes Hurd.

Any comments or suggestions should be discussed with Lynn Sacco, who can be reached at lsacco@utk.edu.  The center is currently accepting all donations, especially books, DVDs, and furniture.