LGBTQ

CAMPUS PRIDE

a nonprofit 501 organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBTQ students

The Campus Pride Index 

National Listing of LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges & Universities

The index is owned and operated by Campus Pride, the leading national nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create safer, more LGBTQ-friendly learning environments at colleges and universities. The index is supported under the Campus Pride Q Research Institute for Higher Education as well as benefits from strategic partnerships with professional organizations in higher education and related LGBTQ nonprofit organizations.

Campus Pride’s HBCU Clearinghouse

One-stop resource containing an index of LGBTQ-inclusive policies, programs and practices at HBCUs across the country.

Finding the best College for Trans and Non-binary Students

1. Colleges and Universities that include Non-Discrimination Policies that Include Gender/Gender Expression

2. Colleges and Universities that cover Transition-Related Medical Expenses Under Student Health Insurance

3. Colleges and Universities that cover Transition-Related Medical Expenses Under Employee Health Insurance

4. Colleges and Universities that provide Gender Inclusive Housing

5. Colleges and Universities that Allow Students to Change the Name and Gender on Campus Records and Have Their Pronouns on Course Rosters

6. Colleges and Universities with a Trans-Inclusive Intramural Athletic Policy

7. Colleges and Universities with LGBTQ Identify Questions as an Option on Admissions Applications and Enrollment Forms

8. Women’s Colleges with Trans-Inclusive Admissions Policies  

OTHER RESOURCES

• GLSEN, Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network

• GSA Network, empowering youth activists to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools

• Human Rights Campaign, the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans

Here are some additional tools to explore which campus is most inclusive:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-franek/what-should-lgbtq-applica_b_8526292.html

SCHOLARSHIPS

Campus Pride LGBTQ Scholarship Database: 

Filter by

• 1. • Specific Campus

     • National Scholarship

     • Regional Scholarship

     • State Scholarship

Point Foundation Scholarships: 

The Point Foundation National LGBTQ Scholarship Fund, empowers promising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential – despite the obstacle often put before them – to make a significant impact on society through scholarships. https://pointfoundation.org or https://www.campuspride.org/national-scholarship-database/

1. Political Activism and Awareness

Search the school's website for any student-sponsored LGBTQ organizations on campus. Read about these organizations and browse their social-media accounts. Research mechanisms of support that these student organizations offer members and read about issues they're working on. Many LGBTQ student organizations actively engage in improving LGBTQ campus life, so studying their current campaigns like MIT's "You Are Welcome Here"  campaign can tell you what a school might have or lack.

2. Social Outreach and Programming

Research any events, dedicated weeks or social happenings involving the LGBTQ community like the recent University of Madison Diversity Forum or Ohio University's International Drag Show. These can be speaker series, group discussions, concerts, art shows, drag shows, poetry readings, participation in national LGBTQ events (like Pride) and more. A full calendar and a vibrant social scene can indicate a friendly and inclusive environment.

3. Support Structures and Statistics

It's also important to check the school's website or ask an admissions officer about LGBTQ support groups or gender-neutral housing options. Even if you don't think you'll need these resources, it's great to know what's available. Campus Safety offices are also valuable places to look. Ask for statistics about any crimes against LGBTQ students, reports of discrimination or campus ordinances prohibiting harassment. Additionally, check out the surrounding neighborhood to see if you'd have the opportunity to join a larger, off-campus LGBTQ community, like those found here: https://www.lgbtcenters.org/LGBTCenters

4. Academic Environment

Search for LGBTQ faculty members, and while checking the course catalog, search for courses or academic majors exploring LGBTQ themes, like San Diego State University's LGBT major. Relevant courses might deal with diversity or gender studies, sexuality, and the self. Good places to look are in the sociology, gender/diversity studies, psychology, history and philosophy departments. Even if you're not interested in taking these classes, their presence or absence can indicate a school's cultural sensitivity.

5. Campus Vibe

Often the best way to get the sense of a place is to visit. Pay attention to the vibe you get while walking around campus. Notice how safe you feel. Attend a class to see if you can imagine yourself there on a daily basis. Most importantly, whether you visit or not, reach out to current students about LGBTQ life on campus and their experiences.

6. LGBTQ STUDENT CENTERS

LGBTQ Student Centers provide support, education and a welcoming community. To see which schools have professionally run LGBTQ student centers, which lists around 200 centers nationwide: http://www.lgbtcampus.org/find-an-lgbtqa-campus-center