LGBTQ Campus Support and Resources
College can be challenging for all students, therefore finding ways to make connections with others who identify similarly can make a big difference. The American College Health Association estimate that at least 10% of college students identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, asexual, pansexual, or questioning. Although LGBTQ PRIDE is becoming more prevalent, the LGBTQ community often face additional pressures or concerns. UNF and its surrounding community offer resources and information to both help LGBTQ students navigate the college environment and make connections in a group setting.
The LGBT Resource Center, located in the Student Union, is constantly updating events, like LGBTQIA+ Support Groups, HIV & STI testing, presentations, festivals, and local and campus events, like Pride-U-Cation, Coming Out Week, and Sex Week for the LGBTQ Osprey community throughout the year. Sign up to receive updates. The LGBT Resource Center also has its own library with books, DVDs, and videos related to gender, sexual orientation, and the LGBTQ+ community. The Resource Center also runs various identity discussion groups; like Trans Talks and Grey Spectrum. LGBTQ students may also want to join the UNF Pride Club, which is not a part of the LGBT Resource Center but is affiliated with it.
UNF offers gender-inclusive housing to assure a safe, inclusive, and supportive experience for all students, as well as, gender-neutral restrooms, located in several buildings throughout campus including gender-neutral locker rooms in the new Wellness Complex.
They also offer several academic courses that address gender and sexuality as well as LGBT specific scholarships available for undergraduate students. UNF acknowledges that a preferred name and pronouns should be used whenever possible and makes that possible for those who favor them.
UNF also celebrates the achievements and contributions of graduating members of their LGBTQ community with Lavender Graduation held in addition to the traditional commencement services.
Students may want to participate in a Brave Space/Safe Space workshop where community members at different points of their life are acknowledged and encouraged to grow and learn. Each workshop is guided by particular rules to assure that all participants always feel comfortable and safe. They may want to join Club Can-Do, a mentoring program to support youth and young adults that also identify as LGBTQIA.
Locally in the Jacksonville area, LGBTQ students and their families and friends may consider checking out PFLAG – Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.
Students that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or queer should not only feel secure that they have a safe environment where they can thrive as a student, but they should also feel confident that there is a community that will welcome them to a place they can make connections. UNF works hard to be sure that happens for all its students by promoting advocacy and education as well as creating opportunities for socialization and support.
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