Queer Resource Center

Classroom Presentations & Trainings

The Queer Resource Center offers an array of programs and presentations on topics such as gender, queer and trans inclusion, and heterosexism. Queeries panels are the main classroom activity offered by the QRC.

The Queer Resource Center provides panels of student speakers to share their stories around coming out, via the Queeries Speakers Bureau, and faculty can contact queeries@pdx.edu for more information. Faculty can also supplement their classroom experience by working with the Queer Resource Center to further develop curriculum or to seek out recommendations for course content dealing with sexual orientation and gender identity. The Queer Resource Center can provide expertise around developing curricula that addresses gender identity issues.

Faculty Opportunities on Campus

Faculty can become a part of the Queer Resource Center advisory board, offering input and expertise to the QRC policies, events, and students. The advisory board is a six hour commitment, with two hour meetings each term. Interested faculty should email qrc@pdx.edu. 

The Commission on Sexual and Gender Equity (referred to as “SAGE”) offers faculty the opportunity to work alongside staff on specific policy change, intended to promote the ease with which students, staff, and faculty can access services at Portland State. Past projects include winning Trans-inclusive healthcare for the student insurance and winning domestic partnership benefits recognition for faculty. Email the QRC Director to express your interest in this opportunity.

Student Involvement & Employment Opportunities

The Queer Resource Center, or QRC, offers a range of volunteer opportunities. Any currently enrolled Portland State student can volunteer. All sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome. Students can volunteer for a small project, doing outreach for the center, or staffing the front desk. Students can sign-up to volunteer by emailing the QRC Volunteer Coordinator at qrcvol@pdx.edu.

For more information, please stop by our office in Smith Memorial Student Union room 439. You can also reach us by phone 503-725-9742 or you can email us at qrc@pdx.edu. Visit our website at https://www.pdx.edu/queer-resource-center/

Supporting Transgender, Nonbinary, & Queer Students

PSU's Queer Resource Center supports students who are trans, nonbinary, and queer, as well as students who are questioning their gender identity and sexual orientation. Portland State University's Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment policy lists gender expression and sexual orientation as a protected class and instructors must honor the name, gender identity, and pronouns that students provide to their instructors. You can take steps to provide a supportive classroom environment, and resources exist on campus to assist students outside of the classroom.

The following are a few ideas on how you can support non-binary, trans, and queer students in the classroom. In classes where you would call roll or take attendance verbally consider calling all students by their last name without a Mr. or Mrs. or Ms. salutation. Ask students to tell you their preferred first name and pronoun. Introduce yourself with your pronouns to model how to introduce pronouns. Interrupt classroom language that is homophobic or transphobic or denigrates queer and trans people. QRC staff are available to help faculty who want to integrate queer and trans topics into their curriculum. 

Other resources for nonbinary, trans, and queer students include:

• All Gender Restrooms across campus

• All Gender Housing offered by University Housing and Residence Life

• Preferred Name (accessible through Banweb)

• Advanced Preferred Name (accessible by talking to a QRC staff person or the Office of the Registrar)

• All Gender Shower and Changing Facilities in Campus Rec

• Trans Inclusive Insurance options through Student Health and Counseling

Please stop by our office in Smith Memorial Student Union room 439. You can also reach us by phone at 503-725-9742 or you can email us at qrc@pdx.edu.