About Contact

Open for calls Wednesday through Sunday, 8pm to 1 am 495-8111
Open Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, 8pm to 1 am for visits, Thayer Basement (enter through old yard)

What is Contact?
Contact is the newest of the five UHS-supervised confidential peer counseling organizations. It was formed in the spring of 1985 by a group of students who felt there was a need at Harvard for a place where students could talk about issues of sexual orientation. Today, while the counselors on our staff specialize in the areas of sexual orientation, sexuality, sex, and relationships, we are trained to handle a wide variety of topics. Calls to our hotline (5-8111) as well as drop-ins to our office are welcome.

Who Staffs Contact?
Contact is staffed by Harvard undergraduates who have been trained as peer counselors. Contact staff includes women and men of various sexual orientations, racial backgrounds, and religious affiliations. As a diverse group, we are prepared to assist a diverse community. All Contact staffers share a deep concern about the issues of sexual orientation, sex, and sexuality and are interested in discussion of these topics. We interview potential new staffers twice each year.

Why Do People Use Contact?
People call or drop by Contact for all sorts of reasons, but the one thing they all have in common is the desire to talk honestly and openly with someone they can trust. We realize how difficult and confusing life can be for people facing issues regarding their own sexuality or that of their roommates, friends, lovers, or family members. We know, too, that these issues often surface during the college years.

What If I Just Want Some Information?
Contact staffers are trained on gay and straight sexuality and health, and are happy to answer questions. We also maintain a rapidly growing library of books, pamphlets, news clippings, and magazines. Drops-ins are welcome to peruse materials in the office or to borrow them from the library.

What Will Happen When I Call Contact?
We are trained to be good listeners. Through discussion, we help callers to identify possible solutions to difficulties. We also provide referrals to other services at Harvard or in the Boston area. The confidentiality of all callers is, of course, preserved.