Finding belonging through serendipity: Jay Stringer-Vaught’s impact on the Office of LGBTQ* Resources

Serendipity is defined as the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. Jay Stringer-Vaught, Pulaski County native and University of Kentucky graduate student studying library science in the College of Communication and Information, credits this phenomenon for where they are today. 

“As with most things in my life, it really just boiled down to being at the right place exactly at the right time,” said Jay, who uses the pronouns they/them.

A self-described “kid from the holler,” Jay's affinity for libraries began in childhood and followed them throughout their adult life. In elementary school, Jay's favorite teacher was the librarian, who they would sneak off to see during the school day. 

In high school, Jay spent a considerable amount of time volunteering at the public library, which was an escape from a tumultuous home life and a way to gain access to reliable internet. 

During undergradudate study at Berea College, Jay’s mentor was a former librarian who taught them the Dewey Decimal system. Then, after graduation, Jay worked at a public library.

Ironically, it took Jay two years post-graduation to fully embrace their passion for libraries and let serendipity guide their path. That then brought them to UK in 2023 to begin classes online. 

With more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs offered 100% online, students like Jay can complete coursework at their own pace and on their own schedules. While earning a degree online is an incredible option for many UK students, some parts of the college experience can look a little different. Like finding a community. 

Jay found their community with the Office of LGBTQ* Resources after receiving a graduate assistantship. The office is UK’s central hub for accessing information, groups and services related to diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Housed in the Office for Student Success, LGBTQ* Resources makes sure that the UK community is a welcoming, safe and supportive place for all students, faculty, staff and  alumni.

Through this position, Jay’s world opened as they created new connections, found belonging and put their passion for libraries to use. Jay says, once again, it was serendipity.  

“Jay’s background in library science while pursuing their master’s in this focus area has been instrumental in showcasing to students the importance of their own queer history,” said Glenn Means, director of the Office of LGBTQ* Resources. “Jay's knowledge of authors and programming expertise has helped our office and its resources flourish.”

Recently, Jay helped the office open a library. Overseeing the processes of weeding, acquiring, cataloging, shelving and program-building, they made the library into what it is today.

“The library is propelled by the idea that every reader deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Literature can be mirrors windows and sliding doors into the perspectives of other people’s lives,” Jay said. “Next to my wedding day, the library’s grand opening was the happiest day of my life (maybe just by a hair). To see so many people excited about our center and the work we’re doing protecting LGBTQ* and identity-based materials in one space together made me extremely overwhelmed in the best way possible.”

Throughout the process, Jay also opened the doors to others seeking community.

“People in marginalized populations need community, so they can see they belong in their own bodies and in this world,” they said. “This is why libraries are so near and dear to my heart. Libraries serve everyone whether you’re poor or rich, black or white, gay or straight, and close the information gaps to allow everyone to be on the same playing field.”