College on its own can be nerve-wracking and emotionally draining. For LGBTQ students who struggle with social acceptance and self-esteem, getting into a college campus that fosters a friendly and nurturing environment can be an even more challenging prospect.
LGBTQ students become anxious and uncertain not only about succeeding academically but also being accepted. In fact, a study conducted by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) reported that 20% of LGBTQ college students believe they are not physically safe on their campuses. The harassment they frequently experience discourages nearly 13% of LGBTQ high school students from attending college!
In the same way, concerns have been raised about issues facing LGBTQ faculty and staff. Research has cited how LGBTQ workers within academic institutions face prejudice based on political, moral, or religious grounds. There are strong advocacies for the implementation of LGBTQ-friendly policies for college instructors and staff that, to date, still hang in the balance.
Fortunately, a number of colleges and universities in the United States have made tremendous progress. Several of them have changed their policies to highlight inclusivity and provide a safe and welcoming place for the LGBTQ community. These academic institutions do not only thrive to accept LGBTQ students and faculty but also strive to create a nurturing learning and working environment and maintain a campus where they all feel safe and comfortable.
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Our 25 Friendliest Colleges for the LGBTQ Community for 2020 brings together higher education institutions that value each student or staff regardless of their gender orientation. On this list, we explain in detail how these colleges have established non-discrimination policies and put forth an effort to support and help LGBTQ members succeed in college.
We emphasize the dedicated resource centers established by each of the schools to allow for all students or faculty access to organized events, programs and training, housing and facilities, LGBTQ courses, and even scholarships or fellowships.
Ultimately, the best features of these LGBTQ-friendly colleges lie in their continuing effort to recognize LGBTQ students, faculty and staff, promote their wellness, and acknowledge their rights.
Here are 25 friendliest colleges and universities for LGBTQ people:
Note: *LGBT is the abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. This term usually refers to the gay community or to a group with diverse sexual orientations. LGBT may often be elaborated as LGBTQIA to add four terms: queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual or allied. On the list, we use either LGBTQ or LGBTQIA.
Princeton University
OVERVIEW: Princeton University is one of the long-established and most prestigious universities in the country and the world. It started as the College of New Jersey in 1746 and gained its university status in 1896. This Ivy League school has 100 areas of study at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels covering humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. Princeton University is a powerhouse academic facility that is home to a myriad of research scholars.
CAMPUS LOCATION: Princeton, New Jersey
ACCREDITATION: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
LGBTQ-friendly Features: Princeton University has established a dynamic LGBTQ Center that aims to educate the Princeton community not only on a/sexuality or a/gender but also on race, ability, religion, and class. The center provides support and empowerment to the LGBTQ community through training, consultation, and advocacy. Weekly events, a plethora of student discussion groups, and a program in Gender and Sexuality Studies are specially designed to recognize, protect, and bring pride to the LGBTQ community. Gender-free bathrooms, six gender-inclusive shower/restroom/changing rooms, and gender-neutral housing are all provided as well.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PRINCETON UNIVERSITY’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
University of Pennsylvania
OVERVIEW: Another Ivy League school on our list is the University of Pennsylvania located in a beautiful urban campus serving more than 25,000 diverse and dynamic group of students. Its goal for becoming the most innovative and impactful institution in the nation is made possible through the efforts of top-rated faculty, powerful research structure and community partnerships like the Netter Center. This center allows students and faculty to take on a practical approach to real-world problems. Its student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1. This means students won’t have to compete with a lot of other students thus, allowing great connections within the UPenn community.
CAMPUS LOCATION: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
ACCREDITATION: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
LGBTQ-friendly Features: Hailed as “a home away from home for sexual and gender minorities and their allies”, UPenn’s LGBT Center is the oldest of its kind in the state. It has been serving the LGBT community for 35 years. It provides support, guidance and career services even to the under-represented groups. With 25 discussion groups, campus housing, event, physical and mental healthcare, and gender-neutral bathrooms, the LGBT community can surely find safety and a special place for welcoming and nurturing. Additionally, both undergraduate and graduate students can take on a minor in Sexuality and Gender Studies which allows students to discover and learn queer theory, history of sexual norms, and a whole lot more gender orientation related courses.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
University of Washington
OVERVIEW: Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is a public university with a student body of more than 54,000 enrolled under its 140 departments. Its two other campuses are located in Tacoma and Bothell. The University of Washington boasts of its rich and notable community engagement with its alumni network, business diversity programs, minority committee, and many more. It also has a well-established research division that is globally recognized. UW facilitates and promotes student leadership education necessary to progress in the community and in the world.
CAMPUS LOCATION: Seattle, Washington
ACCREDITATION: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
LGBTQ-friendly Features: The University of Washington holds a student-run resource center called Q Center built to serve and support the LGBTQ community—from students, faculty, and other community members. Gender discussion groups, a queer mentoring program, and UW name change are some of the highlighted services the center provides. Another strong feature of the center is the “Safe Zone Project”. Anyone who completes the Safe Zone training displays or wears the Safe Zone symbol carrying a message that they are active and trusted allies (especially heterosexual allies) of the LGBTQ community. The Q Center has been around for 13 years and has been incessant to its aim to annihilate hate, harassment, and discrimination against the LGBTQ members.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
University of California-Los Angeles
OVERVIEW: A university that is determined by optimism, the University of California-Los Angeles holds a dynamic and vibrant environment for its students, faculty, and alumni. UCLA was opened as a State Normal School back in 1882 and has transformed into a progressive public research university since then. Biology, business economics, political science, psychology, psychobiology, and economics are among its more than 125 majors. UCLA is proud to have 14 Nobel Laureates, 3 Pulitzer Prize winners, and an alumni network of individuals who have become recipients of leading awards and honors.
CAMPUS LOCATION: Los Angeles, California
ACCREDITATION: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
LGBTQ-friendly Features: UCLA’s LGBT Campus Resource Center organizes weekly programs to help and encourage the whole UCLA community to get involved. The center has been working to create awareness, advocacy, and extensive education for 20 years. Undergraduate, graduate and even prospective students have their own organizations ready to assist them with LGBT-related programs, training, and even with academic matters. Students can take minor in LGBT studies or LGBT courses like Gay Latino Literature and HIV/AIDS, Queer Literatures & Cultures, 1850-1970, LGBT Issues in Education & Law, and more. According to Campus Pride, UCLA is among the top colleges to cover hormones and surgeries for transitioning students as part of student health insurance. The university also allows students to use their preferred names on campus records. This feature shows UCLA’s commitment to supporting trans students. In addition to its many programs, the center is currently building an app for LGBT students to easily find UCLA’s gender-inclusive facilities and bathrooms.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-LOS ANGELES’ LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
OVERVIEW: Established in 1861, Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the preeminent universities in the world admitting only the brightest students with interests in high ranking fields of study in physical sciences, engineering, and architecture. All MIT undergraduate students have to go through a comprehensive core curriculum that covers subjects in science, mathematics and humanities, arts, and social sciences. One of the remarkable experiences freshman students can have is the opportunity to join in ongoing independent research projects, intensive subjects, seminars, and even field trips with the faculty. MIT’s notable alumni include 89 Nobel laureates, 58 National Medal of Science winners, 48 MacArthur Fellows, and 29 National Medal of Technology and Innovation winners.
CAMPUS LOCATION: Cambridge, Massachusetts
ACCREDITATION: New England Commission of Higher Education
LGBTQ-friendly Features: Incoming students at MIT are welcomed with a Campus Preview Weekend (CPW) Open House and an Orientation in the LGBTQ+ Services’ Rainbow Lounge. The center strives hard to make the MIT community feel the vibrant and fabulous LGBTQ environment through annual events like the Lavender Reception which is a celebration of the National Coming Out Day, and the TGIF: ‘Tute GLBTQ+ Ice Cream Social Party which happens in the opening of Spring Semester to celebrate the creativity within the LGBTQ community. For students who want to know more about counseling, advising, and personal/social development, they may participate in the Rainbow Compass Mentoring Program. This program aims to foster a good relationship between undergraduate and graduate members with its mentors providing guidance, support, and advice. You can find all of these through the LGBTQ@MIT.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
San Diego State University
OVERVIEW: One of the oldest state universities in California, San Diego State University has been around for 121 years. It was first established to provide training for elementary school teachers. In the present, San Diego State University is classified with high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation. It serves a student population of more than 36,000 and offers 195-degree programs. Academic subjects taught in SDSU include Arts & Humanities, Physical sciences, Life sciences, Social sciences, Business & Economics, Education, Psychology, Engineering & Technology, Computer science and Clinical, pre-clinical & health.
CAMPUS LOCATION: San Diego, California
ACCREDITATION: WASC Senior College and University Commission
LGBTQ-friendly Features: Pride Center boasts of SDSU’s accomplishment as the second college in the country to offer major in LGBT studies and the first to create a Women’s Studies program. It serves as the heart of student groups and organizations like the Queer Student Union, Gamma Rho Lambda, and Delta Lambda Phi. Those interested in participating and becoming an ally for the SafeZones@SDSU may submit training requests via the website. Pride Center is also proud to have built 30 gender-neutral restrooms on the campus. The center is new as it was only founded in 2014 but it thrives to give an impact and promote social justice in the SDSU campus.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
Dartmouth College
OVERVIEW: Dartmouth has stood as one of the pillars of education in the country for almost 250 years. This Ivy League school began as a teaching site for Youth of the Indian Tribes in this Land and ministers. In the 20th century, the school has grown into one of the leading institutions in the US. It primarily delivers undergraduate programs in the liberal arts curriculum and graduates’ education. Its graduate schools include the Geisel School of Medicine, the Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Thayer School of Engineering, and the Tuck School of Business. Dartmouth has 4 terms—Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer and provides a needs-blind financial aid to admitted students.
CAMPUS LOCATION: Hanover, New Hampshire
ACCREDITATION: Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
LGBTQ-friendly Features: Students may seek advising, leadership training, or mentoring programs and workshops through the Office of Pluralism and Leadership (OPAL). One of its advising areas is the LGBTQIA+ Student Advising that holds programs and events like Transgender Awareness Week and Queer People of Color Social. Undergraduate organizations under OPAL include LGBTQIA+ Leadership Board, Sexual Assault Prevent Advocates (SAPA), and SPECTRA which all seek to enhance the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, learn more about the daily experiences of LGBTQ+ people and provide information with their identities and expression. OPAL’s goal is to educate and facilitate groups/organizations to help the LGBTQ community work together with other identities/ members of the Dartmouth community.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DARTMOUTH COLLEGE’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
University of Southern California
OVERVIEW: the University of Southern California is known to be the oldest public research university in California. Established in 1880, its academic offerings come in the form of interdisciplinary studies. It’s proud to be “a global center for arts, technology, and international business” and its faculty have earned honors like the Macarthur Fellowship, Pulitzer Prize, National Medal of the Arts, and the Guggenheim Award. This residential university provides programs in 23 colleges and units. Home to the Trojans, University of Southern California admits 46,000 students for undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies. This prestigious university has been featured in several films for its picturesque campus.
CAMPUS LOCATION: Los Angeles, California
ACCREDITATION: WASC Senior College and University Commission
LGBTQ-friendly Features: USC’s LGBT Resource Center has long been providing support, education, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community since 2005. The center has built a Lavender Lounge where students can study and hang out with other members of the LGBTQ community. It annually creates an “OUTlist” which publishes the names of students, staff, faculty, and alumni who support the LGBT and Ally community. This is to commemorate the National Coming Out Day through the Daily Trojan publication. Another hallmark of the LGBT community at USC is the Rainbow Floor. It is the only housing floor in USC with a gender-inclusive option and it is available to all even freshman students can apply.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
Syracuse University
OVERVIEW: Syracuse University began in 1831 as a seminary founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in Lima, New York. The college went through several changes and locations before it got its university status. It expanded its programs from liberal arts to comprehensive programs in architecture, education, engineering, among others. Syracuse University has a strong research initiative covering disciplines from performance, design, fine arts, and humanities to information, health, and social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
CAMPUS LOCATION: Syracuse, New York
ACCREDITATION: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
LGBTQ-friendly Features: Syracuse’s LGBT Resource Center traces its root back in 1997 when an undergraduate student a proposal to create a Rainbow Task Force supporting the needs of the LGBT community. In the present, the center holds a 3-hour, interactive allyship development training called “Safer People, Safer Spaces”, invites undergraduate students in the program called “Creating Change” and partners with alumni associations that support the LGBT community. LGBTQ students are celebrated through the Rainbow Banquet where a banquet dinner, keynote speaker, and recognition of the LGBT community’s achievements are presented yearly.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
Harvey Mudd College
OVERVIEW: Harvey Mudd College was chartered in 1955 as a liberal arts college of engineering, science, and mathematics. It is affiliated with Claremont Colleges where it shares university resources like libraries, dining hall, health services, and campus security. HMC’s goal is to be the leading scientific and technological school in the nation. Its core focus and majors include fields of physics, computer science, chemistry, biology, and engineering.
CAMPUS LOCATION: Claremont, California
ACCREDITATION: WASC Senior College and University Commission
LGBTQ-friendly Features: Harvey Mudd College is among the 7 schools that share the Queer Resource Center at the Claremont Colleges. It is located on Pomona College’s campus. In the center, they provide a computer lab, library, clothing closet, and the Rainbow Ski Lodge where students spend time to relax, study, do research and even swap out clothes especially for students who are transitioning. Aside from the colorful physical center, QRC offers education, advocacy, and QQAMP which stands for Queer Questioning Allied Mentor Program. Events and programs like the annual Gaypril, Lavender Graduation, National Coming Out Day, and Transgender Day of Remembrance.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HARVEY MUDD COLLEGE’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
Tufts University
OVERVIEW: Founded by the Christian universalists, Tufts University started as a small liberal arts college in 1852. Today, this private research university admits a mix of liberal arts and research learners. A total of almost 12,000 undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate and international students attend Tufts University. Tufts is considered one of the most selective colleges in the country with only a 14.3% acceptance rate. Its academic offerings include 80 undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs. Postgraduate students enrolled in either law school or medical school.
CAMPUS LOCATION: Medford, Massachusetts
ACCREDITATION: New England Commission of Higher Education
LGBTQ-friendly Features: The LGBT Center at Tufts University has been around for 26 years serving the LGBT community by supporting them through programming, advising, and educational resources. Prospective students need not worry about gender-inclusive housing since the center has built a Rainbow House where everyone is welcome to apply. While the undergraduate, graduate, and faculty have their organizations, Team Q is a student group for freshman and transfer students. Resources such as healthcare services, mental healthcare a legal name change are also accessible to all.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TUFTS UNIVERSITY’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
Ithaca College
OVERVIEW: Ithaca College is a private liberal arts college founded in 1892. It was originally built as a conservatory of music for a number of young musicians and alumni who brought important participation in the entertainment industry. In the present, Ithaca College confers 100-degree programs organized in 5 schools. These schools include the School of Business, School of Music, School of Humanities & Sciences, School of Health Sciences & Human Performance, and Roy H. Park School of Communications. Ithaca is home to top Fulbright scholars and award winners.
CAMPUS LOCATION: Ithaca, New York
ACCREDITATION: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
LGBTQ-friendly Features: The Center for LGBT Education, Outreach & Services started out as a committee seeking to support and serve the needs of the LGBT community. It was established in 1999 and has continuously been active in promoting a safe and valuable experience to the students and staff of Ithaca College. The center allows yearly screening schedules for queer films and shorts, and hands out pamphlets and brochures to deal with issues concerning families and allies of the LGBT community. Created Equal, Athlete Ally, Prism, and Spectrum are 4 organizations dedicated to implementing projects, creating a safer place, and organizes events. All gender restrooms on campus, in athletic centers, and in the residence halls are also provided. The center is also currently working on a program called LGBT and Tobacco to help the community lessen tobacco consumption.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ITHACA COLLEGE’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
Pennsylvania State University
OVERVIEW: The flagship campus of the Pennsylvania State system is a land, sea, space, and sun grant institution with an economic impact of almost $2 billion. Pennsylvania State University is considered one of the largest universities in the nation admitting nearly 48,000 students from all parts of the country yearly. It even has the largest alumni network in the world. In addition to its main campus, Penn State has other 19 school sites and campuses across the state. When it comes to research, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education recognizes Penn State with a very high research university dedicating $805 million annually. Future students can choose from its 275 baccalaureate degree programs under colleges that range from arts to sciences.
CAMPUS LOCATION: University Park, Pennsylvania
ACCREDITATION: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
LGBTQ-friendly Features: Penn State’s LGBTQA Student Resource Center maintain a strong and healthy network of resources for the LGBTQ community. They offer everything from a welcome reception for incoming students to peer education programs. LGBTQ+ History Month, Pride Month, and Lavender Graduation are some of the social engagement programs held yearly. The center recognizes the need to change and use the preferred names and gender designation. A respectful and safe campus is achieved through Trans/Non-Binary Inclusive Housing Policy & Options, On-Campus All Gender Restrooms & Locker Rooms, and implementing non-discrimination policy. Parents and families of the LGBT students are also welcome to contact and ask for more information through another great Penn State resource called Parents, Family, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).
LEARN MORE ABOUT PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
University of Maryland – College Park
OVERVIEW: Labeled as a “Public Ivy”, University of Maryland is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland. It is land, sea, and space-grant and is research-intensive as it is one of the first-tier research universities in the country according to Carnegie Foundation. The university provides education through its 127 undergraduate and 112 graduate degree programs structured in 13 schools and colleges. Some of these colleges are A. James Clark School of Engineering, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Robert H. Smith School of Business and College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences.
CAMPUS LOCATION: College Park, Maryland
ACCREDITATION: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
LGBTQ-friendly Features: UMD’s LGBT Equity Center knows the struggle and scuffle of being a freshman student in one of the largest universities so they have created a special program called “The One Project: First-Year Programming”. The program starts with a scheduled meetup, followed by the Welcome—a campus-wide welcome for the incoming LGBTQ+ students of UMD, and lastly a QCamp where these students stay in an overnight retreat campus to engage and get to know the LGBTQ+ community. Also, UMD has kept a campus-wide network of staff called the Rainbow Terrapin Network. They hold webinar series, in-person training for the fundamentals of LGBTQ+ concepts, and are currently implementing all-gender restrooms on campus.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
University of Oregon
OVERVIEW: With 365 degree and certificate programs to choose from and a 16:1 student-to-teacher ratio, students at the University of Oregon have myriad opportunities to pursue their aspirations. The University of Oregon is identified by Carnegie Classification with the “highest research activity”. Among its 300 academic programs, the top majors include Business Administration, Economics, Psychology, Political Science, Human Physiology, General Social Science, Biology, Computer and Information Science, Journalism and Communication, and Architecture. Its alumni consist of Pulitzer Prize winners, governors, Olympic medalists, and Emmy, Oscar, and Tony award winners.
CAMPUS LOCATION: Eugene, Oregon
ACCREDITATION: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
LGBTQ-friendly Features: In this university, “inclusivity” is used to replace the word “diversity”. One of UO’s mission is to unify its community no matter what race, religion, culture, or gender they belong to. One of its student resource centers is the UO LGBT Education and Support Services department. Get Educated, Get Involved, and Get Resources—are its three goals for the LGBTQ+ community. Panel discussions, LGBTQIA Presentations, and ally training are some parts of the Education category. Its members are encouraged to participate in activities like OUTreach, annual events, and student organizations. Employment opportunities are also available at the resource center. UO’s unique feature is the 3 scholarships (Creating Change Conference Scholarship, John R. Moore Scholarship, and RJ Hoyman Scholarships) offered to eligible LGBTQ+ members.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF OREGON’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
University of California San Diego
OVERVIEW: For almost 60 years, the University of California-San Diego is the only school in the University of California system to regard itself as a small college. It is counted among the best and oldest universities in California. Its 200 academic programs are coordinated in 5 divisions and 5 professional schools. With funding of over $1 billion, UC San Diego is on top of the game when it comes to research and innovation. Its world-class research accomplishments include the Scripps Institution of Oceanography— a research establishment for the ocean, earth, and atmospheric science research, education, and public service in the world. Members of the UC San Diego faculty are comprised of 16 Nobel Prize laureates and winners of prestigious awards.
CAMPUS LOCATION: La Jolla, California
ACCREDITATION: WASC Senior College and University Commission
LGBTQ-friendly Features: Through the LGBT Resource Center, the students of UC San Diego can find adequate resources and information addressing advocacy and queer related subjects. This resource center is a division of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion that believes “true excellence is achieved through productive relationships among people of diverse perspectives”. The LGBT site is filled with community events, services, and peer education that students can rely on. It is also supported by other campus centers that stand for fairness, cooperation, and professionalism in the UC San Diego community. The resource center holds an annual LGBT San Diego Pride Parade. Students march through Hillcrest to raise awareness about issues of the LGBT community in the greater San Diego area.
LEARN MORE ABOUT the UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA – SAN DIEGO’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
Columbia University in the City of New York
OVERVIEW: As the oldest institution in New York, Columbia University in the City of New York was established in 1754 as King’s College. It is one of the Ivy League schools with world-class academic institutions, distinguished alumni, and faculty. Three US presidents, nine justices, and more than 100 Nobel laureates were part of its faculty. Some of its great academic undergraduate studies are economics, finance, political science, biology, and psychology. In the field of research, Columbia University played an important role in developing the modern understanding of neuroscience. Besides leading journalism’s future for students from all over the globe, Columbia University administers the Pulitzer Prize every year.
CAMPUS LOCATION: New York, New York
ACCREDITATION: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
LGBTQ-friendly Features: New York has one of the biggest LGBTQ+ population. LGBTQ@Columbia has a wide range of services and programs for LGBT students. Several events are held almost every month and annually like the Quench (Queer + Lunch) Series, CU OUT on the Town, P-Gay Slumber Party, Trans Awareness Week, and Lavender Graduation to mention a few. The center also designates safe zones, training, and open sessions twice each semester. One of CU’s first LGBT student groups is the GendeRevolution that aims to provide safe zones for all the trans members of the community. Students are encouraged to reach out to the resource center for any concern related to LGBTQ+ issues, expression, and orientation.
LEARN MORE ABOUT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
Macalester College
OVERVIEW: Macalester College was founded by a chaplain in the Civil War named Reverend Edward Duffield Neill. It was built as a Presbyterian-affiliated but nonsectarian school back in 1874. In the present, students are enrolled in 63 areas of study. Economics, Political Science & Government, Biology, Mathematics & Statistics, and Psychology are among its popular majors. Macalester College is known for being multicultural. It was one of the first colleges to have early cultural acceptance and service to society. Internship sites at Macalester are within 8 miles of campus in all of its fields.
CAMPUS LOCATION: Saint Paul, Minnesota
ACCREDITATION: Higher Learning Commission
LGBTQ-friendly Features: Gender & Sexuality Resource Center is one of the centers that the Department of Multicultural Life holds. As part of Macalester’s mission for the emphasis of multiculturalism, the GSRC supports students, employees, and alumni to foster equality and social justice. The LGBT members can participate in GSRC Tea Time every Friday in Fall, Lavender Reception, Pride Month, and Lavender Graduation. They also get to access all-gender locker rooms, bathrooms, and housing. Other resource centers such as Scot’s Pride, Queer Professionals Network (QPN), Out & Proud Faculty & Staff Community, and QU (Queer Union) help unite LGBTQ students and alumni to promote awareness of gender equity as a universal issue.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MACALESTER COLLEGE’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
OVERVIEW: University of Minnesota Twin Cities is the flagship university of the University of Minnesota system. It was established in 1851 as a public land-grant institution. As one of the largest universities in the US, the University of Minnesota has more than 48,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It prides itself on having a big economic impact on Minnesota’s economy. It has launched numerous startups, employs more than 26,000 people, and produces 70% of Minnesota’s physicians from its veterinary, pharmacy, and dental colleges. There are over 150 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs with top majors in economics, Biology, Psychology, Rhetoric, and Composition, and Mathematics & Statistics.
CAMPUS LOCATION: Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota
ACCREDITATION: Higher Learning Commission
LGBTQ-friendly Features: The Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life has all the inclusion factors to look for in an LGBT resource center. They provide an Equity and Diversity Certificate program to help students develop the necessary knowledge and skills for equity and diversity work. It also provides a live stream for those students who can’t attend programs like the QueerX. Students may also live in the Lavender House to explore their identities and selves in a welcoming and nurturing environment. Healthcare services, all-gender bathrooms, and lockers, fellowships, and scholarships are also available. Its support extends from policies to endowment for the LGBTQIA Studies and offers a full-year interdisciplinary Fellowship in Queer, Trans, and Sexuality Studies, for Ph.D. candidates.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVESITY OF MINNESOTA TWIN CITIES’ LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
The University of Massachusetts at Amherst
OVERVIEW: the University of Massachusetts at Amherst was originally established as a school that provided training and instruction to Massachusetts citizens in “agricultural, mechanical, and military arts. More than a century and a half later, the university is named as the flagship of the University of Massachusetts system. It has a student population of over 30,000 admitted in its 239-degree programs. Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Master of Business Administration, and Doctor of Philosophy in Education are the three top programs at UMass Amherst. Graduates of UMass Amherst land jobs in Broadway, NASA, Google, IBM, General Electric to mention a few. Plus, it is part of the Five College Interchange allowing students to get credits from known colleges like Mount Holyoke, and Smith colleges.
CAMPUS LOCATION: Amherst, Massachusetts
ACCREDITATION: New England Commission of Higher Education
LGBTQ-friendly Features: UMass Amherst is “devoted to diversity.” It is one of the universities to first establish LGBTQ and women resource centers. It even offers 100 academic courses for diversity-related topics. The LGBTQ resource center in UMass Amherst is called the Stonewall Center. It was founded in 1985 due to anti-LGBT incidents. Now, Stonewall continues to serve UMass and other Five Colleges through its programs and advocacy for LGBTQIA students. HIV testing, bulletin board kits, and LGBTQIA workshops are some of the tools and services the students can take advantage of. The Queer-e Newsletter has more than 2,000 subscribers who receive weekly information about LGBTQIA events and activities. Student support groups, religious groups, allies in progress are some of the organizations the LGBTQIA students can apply to or seek guidance from.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSSETS- AMHERST’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
Williams College
OVERVIEW: Williams College is a private college that follows a liberal arts curriculum. Unlike many universities, Williams Colleges gives extra support to its undergraduate students when it comes to the major they want. Instead of providing minors, the school has concentrations. The college offers undergraduate programs in Political Economy, Anthropology, Comparative Literature, Astronomy/Astrophysics, and a Contract Major. Highly intellectual and talented students are eligible for the Contract Major where they can create a course of study outside the established majors. Williams College has produced students and alumni who are Pulitzer Prize winners, fields medalists, and members of the US congress.
CAMPUS LOCATION: Williamstown, Massachusetts
ACCREDITATION: New England Commission of Higher Education
LGBTQ-friendly Features: The LGBTQ life at Williams traces its roots back in 1976 when it was called the Williams Gay Support Organization. The organization faced a lot of backlashes and heated debate and controversy back then. It had gone a few name changes, but the mission still remains the same up to the present. It created the project called The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center to celebrate not just the LGBTQ but all sexualities. Williams has designed an entry system for incoming students from all aspects of life, background, and experiences. The school has also continued to implement the Non-Discrimination Policy since 1985. LGBTQ Life has all things LGBTQ related, from housing, bathrooms, athletics to alumni network organization, and education.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WILLIAMS COLLEGE’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
Emory University
OVERVIEW: Emory University, a private research university, admits 15,451 students from all over the country. It was founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church 182 years ago. The college boasts its excellence in liberal arts research and its best-in-class healthcare system and medical curriculum. Students have great participation in class and teachers spend less time on class management because of its 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Emory’s nine schools deliver 70 academic programs taught in two semesters. It has also some of the brilliant Fulbright and Rhodes scholars; and faculty with Carnegie scholars and Pulitzer Prize winners.
CAMPUS LOCATION: Atlanta, Georgia
ACCREDITATION: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
LGBTQ-friendly Features: The Office of LGBT Life provides both virtual and physical space where LGBT students feel safe and valued. The office consists of a library where students can learn more about gender identities. Sexual health supplies, pamphlets, books, and DVDs are also available at the office. Virtual space includes social media accounts that the office maintains to provide easy access to the schedule of training, events, and programs. In addition to these facilities, the office has created “The Emory Safe Space” program which gives a 3.5-hour training for all the Emory students, staff, and faculty. The office has also built a program to nurture the relationship between the current students and alumni through Emory’s GALA. The members get to interact with each other, and students gain helpful advice from LGBT professionals.
LEARN MORE ABOUT EMORY UNIVERSITY’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
Elon University
OVERVIEW: Elon University is a mid-sized private institution that was established in 1889 by the Christian Connection. The university is a member of the United Church of Christ. Elon has been on the top when it comes to student success. Students build strong mentorship with the faculty and find excellent learning through hands-on opportunities on-campus and on the job. There are nearly 7,000 students from 47 different states and 53 nations admitted at Elon. Its academic courses are ordered in its six schools in Arts & Sciences, Education, Health Science, Law, Communications, and Business. Its study abroad programs send 74% of its students to global program sites in Italy, Australia, Belize, Belgium, to name a few.
CAMPUS LOCATION: Elon, North Carolina
ACCREDITATION: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
LGBTQ-friendly Features: Access, Solidarity, and Excellence are the three objectives the Gender & LGBTQIA Center have. On the center’s website, the timeline for the LGBTQ students is well-drafted to show them the opportunities and possible engagement with committees and the community. Ally Training, Gender-Based Violence Prevention and LGBTQIA Toolbox are three of the eye-opening training programs at the center. “Identity Weeks” are events held annually to widen visibility, awareness, and education in the Elon community. Local community involvement is done through the Alamance Pride. This festival is sponsored by the Gender & LGBTQIA Center participated by 3,000 people yearly. Universal restrooms and residential life for the LGBTQ members are also provided on-campus.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ELON UNIVERSITY’S LGBT-FRIENDLY CAMPUS.
Babson College
OVERVIEW: Babson College started out with only twenty-seven students in 1919. In the present, it serves more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Babson College curriculum is grounded in the entrepreneurship and holds independent accreditation by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business 9 AACSB International). Undergraduate students take up any major under the Bachelor of Science degree and may choose from its 15 concentrations. Babson College also offers six graduate degree programs. Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Concentrations, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Science in Entrepreneurial Leadership is noted as the top programs.
CAMPUS LOCATION: Babson Park, Massachusetts
ACCREDITATION: New England Commission of Higher Education
LGBTQ-friendly Features: Babson College is known to have numerous active clubs and organizations created to suit the needs of every student. LGBT Babson Pride is a dynamic organization for its LGBTQ community. It encourages its members to join and march on the Boston Pride Parade to support the LGBTQ community not only inside the campus but also within the local community. This tradition helps its LGBTQ members expand their network with the Boston LGBTQ community. Babson’s “Pride: LGBTQ+ & Ally Club” serves as a support group and emphasizes the connection of students to the LGBTQ community.