By Matt Simonette

Staff writer

UIC re-launches GLBT center
At its second annual Lavender Graduation and Rainbow Banquet May 2, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) re-launched its LGBTQA office as the UIC Gender and Sexuality Center.

Dedicated to teaching, researching, serving and caring for LGBTQA communities, the Gender and Sexuality Center provides information and educational resources to combat prejudice, misunderstanding, and misinformation about issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation.

The Center is under the auspices of UIC’s Academic Affairs office and affirms and promotes the health and wellbeing of persons of all sexual orientations and gender expressions. The name was chosen from a list of over 50 suggestions and after an academic year of discussions.

Dr. Patrick Finnessy is the director of the Gender and Sexuality Center. For more information, contact (312) 413-8619.

LCCP staff expanding
The Lesbian Community Care Project of Howard Brown Health Center announced May 8 that Lisa Katona has been named as LCCP’s Patient Navigator. Katona has worked in HBHC’s case management department for the last two years, providing care to individuals living with HIV. As LCCP’s new patient navigator, she supports lesbian, bisexual and queer women as they access medical and behavioral health services at HBHC.

Christina Santiago, manager of programming, is expanding her role at LCCP and HBHC as well. Santiago, who for more than two years has served as a link between LCCP and Howard Brown in creating relevant care and access for lesbian, bisexual and queer women, is now focusing on implementing LCCP’s programming and outreach efforts in Chicago.

“Both Lisa and Christina bring unique perspectives and experience to LCCP,” said Cat Jefcoat, LCCP’s director. “It’s an exciting time for LCCP as we expand our programming and explore new ways to reach the LBT community. Lisa and Christina will be critical to the process as we move forward.”