LGBTQ+ Community at Union

Union Pride - student club which aims to foster a thriving LGBTQ community on campus. Follow them on Instagram to stay up-to-date with meetings and other events!

Iris House - the first Union College residential space dedicated to concerns of the LGBTQ+ community. It aims to provide a comfortable space for LGBTQ+ students and student allies, and to raise awareness about historical and contemporary LGBTQ+ issues. Follow them on Instagram to see upcoming events!

Gender Inclusive Housing - this first-year student community is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all members of the campus community regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Gender inclusive housing provides students the opportunity to occupy a designated housing option that does not require all roommates to be of the same legal sex.

LGBTQ+ Affairs Committee - this committee connects students, faculty, and staff to support initiatives that promote belonging, celebrate LGBTQ+ identities, and strengthen an inclusive campus culture for everyone, including allies. Email Marlow Guerrant (guerranm@union.edu) or Jen Mitchell (mitchelj@union.edu) to get involved.

Queer Faculty and Staff Alliance - dedicated faculty and staff resource group open to all community members working to support LGBTQ+ and allied faculty and staff. Check out our website and join our listserve and stay-up-to-date with events!

LGBTQ+ Affairs Committee - this committee connects students, faculty, and staff to support initiatives that promote belonging, celebrate LGBTQ+ identities, and strengthen an inclusive campus culture for everyone, including allies. Email Marlow Guerrant (guerranm@union.edu) or Jen Mitchell (mitchelj@union.edu) to get involved.

LGBTQ+ Network - this alumni group serves as a network for members of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies through various events, educational programming and engagement opportunities with Union College students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff.

Expand your understanding of gender, sexuality, and LGBTQ+ experiences through Union's Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies program. Courses explore the intersections of identity, culture, history, and social justice while encouraging critical thinking, meaningful dialogue, and informed advocacy. Whether you're pursuing the major or minor or simply interested in learning more, these courses provide valuable perspectives for students of all backgrounds.

See the full list of courses here!

The Safe Zone Project offers a free collection of online LGBTQ+ educational resources, activities, and training materials designed to help students, faculty, staff, and allies build their knowledge, develop inclusive practices, and create more welcoming and affirming communities.

Wicker Wellness Center - offers inclusive healthcare for all students, including sexual and reproductive health services and support for students receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy through injection storage and administration.

Changing Your Personal Information - learn how to update your preferred name and pronouns, including what systems can be updated and how to get a new campus ID.

Out in the Archives - a digital exhibition from Schaffer Library that uncovers the rich history of LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and activism at Union College through photographs, documents, publications, and other archival materials.

Gender neutral restrooms - available across campus to provide safe, accessible, and inclusive facilities for people of all gender identities and expressions. The locations below identify buildings on campus with all-gender restroom facilities. Availability and accessibility may change as buildings are renovated. If you notice outdated information, please let us know so we can keep this resource current.

The organizations below are just a few of the many local resources where you can connect, find support, get involved, and build community. We encourage you to explore what the region has to offer and discover the spaces and organizations that feel right for you.

Cafe Euphoria - café and community space that provides an affirming environment through community events and programs that support the well-being and visibility of transgender and gender-diverse people. Follow them on Instagram!

In Our Own Voices - nonprofit dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities through advocacy, health and wellness programs, support services, leadership development, and community-building events. Follow them on Instagram!

Pride Center of the Capital Region - LGBTQ+ community center offering free counseling and case management, support groups, advocacy, educational programs, and community events. Follow them on Instagram!

Schenectady Pride - community-led organization that hosts annual Pride celebrations and year-round events to foster connection, visibility, and support for LGBTQ+ people and allies. Follow them on Instagram!

The organizations below represent a selection of trusted national LGBTQ+ resources offering education, advocacy, community, and support. While this list is a helpful starting point, it is far from exhaustive, and we encourage you to explore additional organizations that best meet your needs and interests.

The Point Foundation - Provides scholarships, mentorship, leadership development, and community support to help LGBTQ+ students achieve their educational and professional goals.

Lambda Legal - A national legal organization that works to advance the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV through litigation, advocacy, and public education.

The Trevor Project - Offers 24/7 crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and mental health support for LGBTQ+ young people through phone, text, and online chat services.

Gamma Mu Foundation - Awards scholarships to LGBTQ+ students who have demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to service and leadership.

The Asexual Visibility and Education Network - The world's largest online resource for asexuality, offering educational materials, community forums, and information to increase awareness and understanding of the asexual spectrum.

Out to Innovate - Supports LGBTQ+ students and professionals in STEM through scholarships, mentoring, networking, and advocacy for inclusive scientific and technical workplaces.

Trans Lifeline - A peer-led organization providing emotional support, community resources, and financial assistance programs created by and for transgender people.

GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality - Promotes equitable healthcare for LGBTQ+ people through education, advocacy, and a nationwide directory of LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare providers to help patients find inclusive, knowledgeable care.

Advocates for Trans Equality - Provides guidance and resources for updating legal identity documents, including name and gender marker changes, while also advancing transgender rights through policy advocacy, legal action, public education, and know-your-rights resources.

LGBT National Help Center - Provides free, confidential peer support, information, and local resource referrals through national hotlines, online chat, and support programs for LGBTQ+ people of all ages.