Keeping LGBTQ* Students Connected, Sign up Today for the Come Together Kentucky Pen Pal Program
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 28, 2020) — The Office of LGBTQ* Resources has partnered with diversity and inclusion colleagues at Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Centre College, Eastern Kentucky University, Northern Kentucky University, Transylvania University and the University of Louisville to create the Come Together Kentucky (CTK) Connections Pen Pal Program. The pen pal program will connect LGBTQ* students across campuses, allowing them to maintain social connections during a time when individuals are encouraged to be physically distant.
“Named after the Come Together Kentucky (CTK) statewide LGBTQ* collegiate conference, the CTK Connections Pen Pal Program is a continued opportunity to foster community among LGBTQ* college students in the Commonwealth,” said Rayne Parker, assistant director in the Office of LGBTQ* Resources at UK. “We hope these connections continue into the academic year.”
Staff at the participating colleges and universities support connections of LGBTQ* students as a feeling of community, and peer support has a positive impact on identity development, academics and overall well-being.
Lisa Gunterman, director of the LGBT Center at the University of Louisville, is excited to see the program launch.
“We may be rivals on the court, but we look forward to partnering with our good friends at UK Office of LGBTQ* Resources on this important initiative," Gunterman said. "The disparities faced by LGBTQ+ students place them at greater risk for isolation during this time, especially if home is a place that is not supportive or unsafe. The CTK Connections Pen Pal Program will allow students to connect with peers from across the state, find support and learn from one another, while fostering friendships and connections.”
Students can sign up with their respective university emails and can be matched based on institution, location or interest. The sign-up form is accessible until June 15 for the summer pilot program. Email lgbtq@uky.edu with questions.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.