This document provides information about serving LGBT students. It begins by defining terms in the LGBT alphabet including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual and pansexual. It then discusses resources on campus like GSAs and key administrators and policies around housing and training. It highlights the potential impact advisors can have in making LGBT students feel supported and shares advice like using inclusive language and subtly displaying symbols of support. The document encourages advisors to focus first on the student as a whole person rather than just their identity and provides additional resources to learn more.

1. Serving the LGBT Student
Presenters: Ally Vertigan, Class of 2012
Christine Grenier, Associate Director of Admission

2. The LGBT Alphabet?
• L Lesbian
• G Gay
• B Bi-Sexual
• T Transgender
• Q Queer
• Q Questioning
• I Intersex
• A Asexual
• P Pansexual

3. Resources on Your Campus
• GSA
• Faculty Group—SAFE
• Key Players on Your Campus
– Out LGBT faculty, administrators, and staff
– Allies
– Intercultural Affairs Office and Personnel

4. Know Your Campus
• Climate On-Campus and Off
• Don’t project your view (rural perspective vs. city)
• GSA leadership and events
• Training for student leaders and staff
• Housing Policies
• Community Resources

5. Your Potential Impact
“I just read the news about your decision to ask applicants to your
institution about their sexual orientation. I just sat at my desk and
cried a little bit -- tears of joy.”
“My years at the University of Virginia could have been so much more
fulfilling if I had been there during a different time. A social
revolution is happening before our eyes. Thank you for bringing
down another barrier.”

6. Advice
• Use inclusive terminology when asking students about their
personal lives. Use “partner” instead of “boyfriend” or “girlfriend”.
• Be visible! Whether you are an ally or LGBT yourself, displaying
rainbow flags, safe symbols or pictures of your partner are
subtleties that can make a student feel comfortable even if they
don’t want to ask you anything specific.
• However, your students should know more about your institution
than you after meeting with you.

7. Advice, cont’d
• Be careful not to hesitate or hiccup over mentioning LGBT or
sexual orientation in your conversations and presentations.
Remember, you are the “they”.
• If you get flustered by a parent/student, always revert back to the
mission of your institution and policies.
• Most importantly, remember that the student is first and foremost
human. Not all members of the LGBT community wear their
identity on their sleeve or want that to be the first thing that you or
anyone else knows about them. (Texan first )

8. Check Out
Campus Pride.org
LGBT Campus.org

9. Questions and Discussion