SASKATOON — This fall, Residence Services at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) officially launched the Queer Housing Lounge.
The new space, which was enhanced through a generous donation from Herb McFaull and Anthony Bidulka, has been designed to provide students living in Queer Housing (QH) with a community space where they can feel safe, supported and comfortable in their home during the academic school year.
This lounge is not only for QH students, but for any student in residence who identifies as 2SLGBTQ+, explained George Foufas, director of Consumer Services at USask.
“We identified the need for additional supports for 2SLGBTQ+ students living in our residences, and after careful consultation we had plans to develop Queer Housing,” said Foufas. “We began this project in 2019, and the QH Lounge is the latest phase.”
The lounge will have a queer book nook that provides collections from the queer community to be showcased and will have other resources available to students. In addition, the lounge will offer office hours in which staff will be present to connect with students and offer information about campus and community resources. This will be a social space for all queer students in residence to mingle and get to know each other, study together, or socialize.
"We are incredibly proud to be able to support the opening of the Queer Housing student lounge,” said McFaull and Bidulka in a statement. “This is more than just a space, but rather a home where students can find community and be able to express themselves freely. We believe that this inclusive space is a positive step towards providing the 2SLGBTQ+ students living in residence with a place where they feel supported."
Queer Housing students have already started using the lounge and provided feedback that the space is inviting and enjoyable.
“I really like this lounge, it’s cozy and comfortable and it makes me feel welcome,” said Aurora Cable, a second-year student in the College of Arts and Science.
Since 2019, Queer Housing at USask Residence has had several apartments in a designated section of College Quarter. This program allows Residence Services to provide specific supports for people who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ during their time at USask and provides another community for queer students in addition to the wider residence community.
The space, in development since 2023, was made possible thanks to the support of donors.
“With the generous gift from Herb McFaull and Anthony Bidulka, this space has been elevated with furniture and decorations to make it come alive and make it feel like home,” said Foufas. “This is an amazing example of how donors can support our students.”
Visit the Queer Housing page to learn more.
— Submitted by USask Media Relations
