Mission of LGBT Affairs
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Affairs, as part of the Dean
of Students Office and the Division of Student Affairs, provides education,
advocacy, and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning,
and allied students, staff, and faculty. We aim to create a safer, more welcoming
campus by raising awareness about sexual orientation and gender identity and
ensuring that all Gators can work and study free from bias and discrimination.
SERVICES, PROGRAMS, & BUILDING COMMUNITY
LGBT Affairs is here to serve you! Looking for a confidential place to talk about issues from coming out, to roommate troubles, to multiple identities, to dating? Feel free to stop by during office hours, email or make an appointment.
A collection of books, magazines, videos, and
other materials on LGBTQ issues is located in the
LGBT Affairs office and available for borrowing.
Read for fun, educate yourself, or get help doing
research for a class.
LGBT Affairs offers quality programs that
educate, create community, offer support and
foster dialogue. Past programs have included
a Coming Out Day Open House, Transgender
Remembrance Day, Same Sex Hand Holding
Day, an LGBTQ Faculty and Students of Color
Lunch, and various educational speakers and
films. Every fall, the LGBTQ Welcome Assembly
welcomes new and returning students to
campus offering a showcase of opportunities for
involvement plus food and entertainment. Every
spring, the accomplishments of LGBTQ graduates
are recognized at our Lavender Graduation
ceremony.
There are a number of events throughout the year that provide support for and
education about transgender individuals. Keep watching our calendar for programs,
and check out this wonderful brochure from MIT, "Action
Tips for Allies of Trans People."
LGBT Affairs is here to help you learn... AND teach others. LGBT Affairs is actively engaged in educating the campus community about LGBTQ issues. Students interested in being involved as peer educators are encouraged to apply to become FRIENDS Peer Educators. Peer Educators are involved in training RAs and in outreach to campus organizations including fraternities and sororities.
The FRIENDS program provides a way for people
to identify themselves as openly supportive
of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,
Questioning, and Queer students, faculty, and
staff by displaying a FRIENDS placard or button
on their door or backpack. Anyone can become
a FRIEND. Simply fill out an application, available
online or in various campus offices and sign up
for the required FRIENDS training workshop.
Applications for FRIENDS Peer Educators are
also available online.
ACADEMIC CONNECTIONS
Interested in taking an LGBT related course? Check out our website for an
up-to-date listing. Also, the Women's Studies
department offers a Bachelor
of Arts program in Women's Studies with a concentration in Theories and Politics
of Sexuality (TAPS), and an minor in Theories
and Politics of Sexuality.
Each spring, the Rainbow Alliance Research
Award is awarded to a student who has made
an exceptional contribution to research on LGBT
issues. Contribution to the LGBT community is
recognized with a Service Award given by the
Rainbow Alliance, the organization for LGBT
faculty and staff at UF.
ADVOCACY
LGBT Affairs is an advocate for you and your needs. In collaboration with other offices on campus, LGBT Affairs is committed to supporting and assisting victims of bias incidents, serving as a confidential resource, and ensuring that, when appropriate and desired, such incidents are responded to adequately. LGBT Affairs monitors and collects data on bias incidents through our anonymous reporting webpage.
LGBT Affairs is also your advocate when it comes to navigating this university as an LGBTQ student. We are committed to working with you to maximize your experience as a student at the University of Florida and are interested in any feedback you can share about experiences with various aspects of university.
Looking for a group you don't see? Please let us know what you are looking for and we will work with you to help meet your needs…