The Boston College Alumni Association has announced the addition of the LGBTQ+ Alumni Network to the association’s roster of identity and professionally-based alumni affinity groups, which provide a means for BC grads to connect with one another and the University based on academic, cultural, professional, social, spiritual, or other areas of interest.

The network will serve as a forum for dialogue, connection, and education among BC alumni who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or an ally. Events celebrating the network’s launch will be held in New York City this coming Tuesday and in Boston at a date to be announced later.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the LGBTQ+ Alumni Network along with the Arts Circle of New York to the Alumni Association as our two newest affinity groups,” said Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations Leah M. DeCosta, who will attend the network’s launch events along with Boston College Alumni Association Board President Kevin McLaughlin ’78 and Senior Vice President for University Advancement James Husson. “Our LGBTQ+ alumni volunteer leaders who have worked closely with our office have been instrumental in laying the groundwork and helping to establish these efforts. We are truly grateful for their unwavering support and dedication to Boston College and look forward to an exciting future ahead.”

The formal establishment of the network as an affinity group represents “progress, inclusion, and equality,” said network leaders, who expressed hope that the group will inspire alumni to reconnect or deepen their connection with BC and serve as a support for current students wondering about their post-BC lives.

Other alumni affinity groups include the AHANA Alumni Advisory Council, Arts Alumni Network, BC Public Safety Alumni Network, BC Veterans Alumni Network, Council for Women of Boston College, Energy & Environment Alumni Network, Real Estate Council, Technology & Entrepreneurship Council, Wall Street Council, and Woods College Alumni Council.

Information about affinity groups and other alumni activities is available at the Alumni Association website.

—University Communications