New LGBT leader Christine Dolan strives to support students: ‘We are a family.’

LGBT History Month activities include 'Out in the Workplace' event tonight (Oct. 9)

Coming out does not happen in a single moment or a single place, said Christine Dolan, Washington University in St. Louis’ new LGBT coordinator. It happens over a lifetime.

“We’re coming out every day,” said Dolan, who joined the Student Involvement and Leadership team this summer. “It’s not like we have our ‘outing’ experience. So the question is: Who are we out to? No matter who you are, there are probably a few people you are not out to. So what does that look like? Who are they? Are they people who have a lot of power in your life? Then that can be a big deal.”

Coordinator for Student Involvement Christine Dolan
Coordinator for Student Involvement Christine Dolan

National Coming Out Day is Friday, Oct. 11. In recognition, Student Involvement and Leadership and the Career Center are co-hosting “Out in the Workplace” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, in the Danforth University Center, Room 276. Students will hear from a panel of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual or ally (referred to as LGBTQIA) professionals from a variety of fields. A networking event follows from 7-8 p.m. in the DUC Formal Lounge.

Dolan said “Out in the Workplace” will provide successful role models for such students. She said searching for a job, stressful for anyone, is especially complicated for LGBTQIA students.

“‘How am I going to show up? How am I going to be myself?’ Those are important questions,” Dolan said. “These panelists have been through the process. For some, maybe it was smooth sailing with very few issues. Others may not be out in their workplace. It’s not always safe to be out, and that is a fact. But it can be also be a transforming experience to be who you are and show up the way you identify. Ultimately, though, it must be up to the person.”

The program is one of many activities scheduled for October, LGBT History Month. Other highlights include Asexuality Visibility and Education Day Saturday, Oct. 12; a screening of the acclaimed documentary Paris is Burning Oct. 16; and an LGBT-themed trivia night Oct. 28. For a complete list, visit here.

Dolan knows firsthand how difficult it can be to come out. Dolan had a partner when she came out as bisexual as an undergraduate at Lehigh University. Not all of her friends in the LGBT community accepted her.

“I was very involved with the community as an ally and an advocate and to come out in that space was a challenge. It was almost like reinventing myself,” Dolan said. “But I was able to find a community that did understand and care about me and validate my identity. I know it’s not always smooth and easy, but I have found people who have supported me.”

Dolan wants to offer that same support to WUSTL students. Some students arrive here already out; others have not come out even to themselves.

“This is a new beginning for every student,” Dolan said. “Even if they are out before this, they are coming out here. Either way, we are a family and we need to support each other.”

Since her arrival, Dolan has worked closely with student LGBTorganizations such as Athlete Allies, Open, Pride Alliance, Transcending Gender and other groups. She is also preparing to facilitate at the social justice retreat Redefining Community Experience and is collaborating with students and staff to bring back Destination Q, an LBGTQIA leadership retreat. Dolan is working closely with a graduate student, Ellie Spitz, in organizing the James M. Holobaugh Honors and the Lavender Recognition Ceremony.

Cameron Kinker of SafeZones said his group and others appreciate Dolan’s perspective.

“Having someone from the outside come here with new insights has been really great,” Kinker said. “Already, she’s reached out to the student groups and have been great at helping us accomplish our goals.”

Dolan’s own goal is to reach a broader group of students. That’s why she prefers the more inclusive term LGBTQIA to LGBT.

“I think the queer community sometimes focuses on the L and G in LGBT, but I’m interested in connecting with students who are not represented,” Dolan said. “When we talk about this community, we’re not just talking about our sexuality. We’re talking about our race, our gender, our class, where we are from. We are whole people.”

Christine Dolan

Title: Coordinator for LGBT Student Involvement and Leadership

Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Lehigh University; master’s in education, higher education and student affairs, University of Vermont

Favorite things: Hiking, drinking tea, crafting and hula hooping. “It keeps me active and it makes me smile.”

First impressions of St. Louis: “I can’t believe how many free things there are to do here. I love the culture.”