SPARQ is a program of the OIE that strives to support all student’s development and knowledge of gender and sexuality. As a program, SPARQ offers peer mentoring, allyship education, and programming that focuses on the experiences of LGBTQ+ students. Through these programming opportunities, SPARQ provides aims to provide a consistent presence to inspire and foster a sense of community and connection for LGBTQ+ and questioning students at Bates.


Peer-to-peer mentorship

SPARQ Peer Mentors are student employees who are learning, growing and practicing intentional and impactful peer mentoring skills to provide support to other LGBTQ+ and questioning students as they navigate their time at Bates. SPARQ Peer Mentors can offer check-ins and processing spaces for personal, social, as well as general academic concerns.

If you are a student interested in connecting with a SPARQ Peer Mentor:
Click here to fill out a brief Mentee application

You can always stop by the OIE to get connected with a SPARQ Peer Mentor during their drop in hours. For more information or questions related to SPARQ, please contact Anthony Del Real at adelreal@bates.edu

Bloom: SPARQ Community Dinners

Bloom: SPARQ Community Dinners are monthly gatherings where LGBTQ+ students and their allies can connect and foster a sense of community through cooking and/or sharing a meal. Discussion topics are prepared by SPARQ Peer Mentors. The conversations and intentions for the space are broad, yet influenced by queer experiences.

Register for upcoming sessions on Bates Engage. Sessions happen on the first Thursday of each month, 6:00-7:30p in the OIE.

SPARQ Queer Closet

The intention for the SPARQ Queer Closet is for Bates College trans and nonbinary students to find free clothing and accessories. Trans and nonbinary students are able to use as much or as little as they want from what is available.  

This closet exists in the Drop-in Space in the OIE (Room 141) for trans and nonbinary students who are looking for clothing items as they are in the middle of or beginning to explore their gender identity and/or expression. 

You do not have to prove you are “trans enough” to use the closet. We ask students to refrain from taking items for hobbies such as drag or cosplay or using it to store your personal items or leave items you simply no longer want anymore. 

Donations:

Items we are in search of:

  • Skirts, dresses, blouses
  • Pants, button-ups, shorts, jackets
  • Accessories, jewelry 
  • Trans-Affirming Shapewear
  • Binders (still in relatively decent condition)

We are accepting donations by appointment only. Please coordinate with Anthony Del Real, adelreal@bates.edu

LGBTQ+ Active Ally Workshops

Being an ally does not mean you know everything about being LGBTQ+ experiences. The LGBTQ+ Active Ally Workshops allow participants to engage in discussion about what it means and how it can look like to show up as an Active Ally to the LGBTQ+ community.

Please contact Anthony Del Real at adealreal@bates.edu for more information.

Other Signature SPARQ Programs

The following are other annual programs and events hosted or supported by SPARQ:

  • Coming Out Week (October 4 – October 11)
  • Trans Awareness Week (November 13 – November 19)
  • Sex Week programming (In partnership with Health Education)
  • Lavender Ceremony
  • Pride Month

Do you have an idea about what types of programming for LGBTQ+ students? Connect with a SPARQ Peer Mentor and collaborate!