"Haven," the peer counseling program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and questioning Cornellians, opened its phone line this past Sunday.
More than two years in the making, the phone counseling service line is open Monday through Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m. The number is 255-7337. Haven peer counseling services are free and confidential.
Haven's peer counselors receive extensive training in order to work with callers who want to talk about life issues dealing with sexual identity.
"We know that there's a need for this service," said Susan Overton, coordinator of the peer counseling program, which is funded by the offices of the Dean of Students and the vice president for student and academic services.
Counselors can work with members of the Cornell community, Overton said, who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender to listen and discuss concerns about such issues as coming out; seeking support from other LGBT people, friends and family; exploring gender and sexuality; sharing information about sexually transmitted diseases; talking about academic stresses; and processing individuals' experiences, thoughts and feelings.
Haven peer counselors also can be helpful to friends, roommates, partners, and family members of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender people. These counselors also offer in-depth understanding and support for people who have just begun to explore or question their sexual orientation.
"We welcome students, faculty and staff to be part of the counselor training," Overton said. Training sessions begin at the start of each semester.
Overton can be reached at sco2@cornell.edu or by phone at 255-3869.
Like EARS (Empathy and Referral Service, a 10-year-old peer counseling program in Willard Straight Hall), Haven counselors will have information about other Cornell and Ithaca resources that may be useful to callers.