Central Washington University is in need of a dedicated center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Education and Resources. This statement is made in direct response to Central Washington University's strategic plan, the inclusiveness initiative put forth by President James Gaudino. A Queer Resource Center will serve to fill a gap in offerings at Central Washington University. As the Center for Diversity and Social Justice (CDSJ) department works to serve the needs of multiple diverse cultures on campus, the Queer community is served only at a minimal level with a certain percentage of the CDSJ’s programming being dedicated to LGBTQIA+ issues, in addition to the student-run organization, EQuAL (Equality Through Queers and Allies) through the Equity and Services Council (ESC) as well as Women and Gender Studies providing supplemental programming.  An institution-wide Queer Resource Center that educates, supports, and enhances the climate would benefit all members of the CWU community.  The goal is to enhance CWU’s reputation for diversity and its benchmarks in LGBT-friendly policies, programs and practices. The best way to accomplish this goal is to fully fund and support a center with full time staffing with extensive skills and knowledge of Queer issues, history and best practices and centralize resources across the institution. Although College and University campuses have put forth efforts to improve the overall setting for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students, faculty and staff over the years, recent research shows that members of the Queer community are experiencing subtle to extreme forms of discrimination on college campuses.  According to “The 2010 State of Higher Education for LGBT People” conducted by Campus Pride’s Q Research Institution of Higher Education, approximately 25% of LGBT students and University employees have been harassed due to their sexual orientation, as well as a third of those who identify as transgender. As a historically marginalized minority in the United States, LGBT members of the Central Washington University community face discrimination and isolation both within and beyond the walls of the campus. As an institution committed to fostering a diverse environment a Resource Center that is professionally staffed, has adequate administrative support, and is centrally located is a necessity to meet the unique needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. Visibility, education, resources, and emotional support are important considerations in making CWU safe for LGBT students, staff, faculty, and alumni. A  Queer Resource Center will create bridges to LGBTQIA+ families, friends, allies, and donors alike. The formation of a Queer Resource Center at CWU will answer a critical need as identified by the campus and community at large. A Queer Resource Center will efficiently gather and organize CWU resources and become the focal point for LGBT programming, services, education and outreach. As an academic institution CWU would be able to address and assist any students that are experiencing discrimination in their pursuit of higher education through the Queer Resource Center. According to the Center for American Progress’ “Fact Sheet: LGBT Discrimination in Higher Education Financial Aid,” gay and transgender youth along with children of gay parents encounter difficulties and discrimination when applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. This education mission would be fulfilled by developing programming in support of academic preparation; career development; student mentoring and counseling with special expertise on LGBT scholarships at the national and state level; referral services; relevant sexual health education; gender, romance, and sexuality education – all in conjunction and collaboration with relevant Central Washington University diversity, research, outreach, education and health centers.