A welcoming hub for LGBTQ+ students and allies, Mary Baldwin University’s Lavender Lounge fosters community, connection, and inclusivity while providing a safe space for relaxation, support, and meaningful programming.
Mary Baldwin has added another resource to its campus of inclusive and supportive spaces: the Lavender Lounge in the recently renovated space below Miller Chapel in Wenger Hall.
“It’s meant to be a safe space where students can find community, make connections, and feel a sense of belonging on campus,” explains Dr. Paige Reed ‘15, assistant professor of criminal justice and MBU’s recently appointed coordinator of LGBTQ+ resources. “They can study, relax, socialize, and attend educational or social programming here. Ultimately, it’s a lounge for students to hang out and connect.”
Through the efforts of Reed and their colleagues, including professors and staff members who volunteered along the way, the Lavender Lounge has turned an under-used campus space into a place of peace and comfort for students.
It may have been Reed’s project, but according to them, it’s the community that deserves the credit:
“This project has really been a beautiful example of the compassion at Mary Baldwin. From the hours that my colleagues devoted to helping me paint or move furniture to a coworker’s husband taking his time to help hang the new TV in the space, I couldn’t be more thankful. I know that it’s that spirit of care and positivity that will continue to make the Lavender Lounge a meaningful place.”
Lavender lounges have become common on college campuses in the last few years, and MBU’s Lavender Lounge will be the first-ever dedicated space for LGBTQ+ support on campus. The space’s opening continues the university’s decades-long commitment to diversity.
“In the past, we’ve had a few organizations and an LGBTQ+ living-learning community, but that only accommodated a small number of students,” Reed, who has been engaged with LGBTQ+ advocacy on campus for more than 10 years, recalls. “Historically, LGBTQ+ people have been marginalized, their voices silenced, and their presence hidden. Having this space and a dedicated person to support this work sends a strong message: our campus values and supports LGBTQ+ students. It’s also a starting point for broader initiatives like offering sexual health resources or gender-affirming healthcare. This space is a hub where students can find support and know they have a community rallying around them.”
The lounge officially opened to coincide with the inauguration and alumni homecoming in October, but its first marquee event came near the end of November, with a Friday evening “friendsgiving” celebration. The event, affectionately named “Queer for the Holigays,” brought together LGBTQ+ students, allies, faculty, and staff alike.
All told, more than 50 students, faculty, staff, and friends stopped by to share a meal and celebrate each other’s company in this new and inclusive space.
The food was all donated by Staunton and area businesses in support of the Lavender Lounge’s cause. The Mill Street Grill, Depot Grille, Staunton Cracker Barrel, Staunton Chili’s, Martin’s Grocery Store in Staunton, Chandler’s Bakery in Charlottesville, and some students, faculty, and staff provided the food to make this friendsgiving feast.
Leo Myers ‘28, an English major minoring in sexuality and gender studies, reflected on the impact of the Lavender Lounge and this friendsgiving event:
“I actually have been coming to the Lavender Lounge since before it opened, offering to volunteer. But the impact of this place has been astronomical. I personally know a lot of people who have been enjoying the space. It helps a lot to know there’s a space that’s reliable, that’s safe, and that you can count on to be there whether you need to study or unwind or spend some time with friends.”
Myers hasn’t missed an event at the lounge — from movie nights to bracelet making to study sessions and, of course, friendsgiving. He highlighted other department’s contributions to the Lavender Lounge, like the upcoming book club in the lounge hosted in conjunction with Grafton Library and the constant support from MBU’s Health and Wellness Center.
Standing in front of the “gratitude wall,” where attendees can hang notes of thanks for anyone or anything they think deserves them, Reed emphasized that the Lavender Lounge has and always will be a community project.
“It just warms my heart to see all these donations, but also to look around the room and see my colleagues and students who have donated time and energy to make this place happen. Like, this very gratitude wall idea was thanks to Christine Flory from the MBU wellness center. All the games the students are playing, the food — everything. It’s all a great sign of how the community has taken on this project with me with open arms. The students deserve it, and looking around the room right now, I can see they’re thankful.”
Are you interested in supporting Dr. Reed’s work and the efforts to support LGBTQ+ students at MBU? Make your gift to LGBTQ+ student programs today.