Lil’ Purple Backpack Guide, 3rd Edition It’s time again to QUEER THINGS UP! Campus Pride’s Lil’ Purple Backpack Resource Guide is intended to help LGBTQ student leaders create safer, more inclusive college campuses. This pocket-sized publication is full of student organizing tips, tricks and resources to assist social justice warriors impacting change in their communities. Campus Pride is excited to introduce new content in this year’s edition including: Top 50 LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges and Universities, 7 Brave Spaces for and by LGBTQ College Students in the South, Disability Rights Activism for Student Leaders and many more. Let Campus Pride help you create positive change on your campus and in your community for LGBTQ people. The ‘Lil’ Purple Backpack Resource Guide is also available online at campuspride.org/purplebackpack or in print - FREE!
Lead With Pride,
Shane Windmeyer Founder & Executive Director, Campus Pride 5
The Do’s and Don’ts of Campus Organizing ............................................................................................................... pg. 10 Queer Tips for Increasing Attendance for Campus Groups ......................................................................... pg. 12 Creating Change in Our Community...�
pg. 15
How to Plan your Lavender or Rainbow Graduation ........................................................................................... pg. 17 Rate your School’s LGBTQ-Friendliness .......................................................................................................................... pg. 22 Top 50 List of LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges & Universities ................................................................................... pg. 24 7 Brave Spaces for and by LGBTQ College Students in the South ..................................................... pg. 26 Top 7 LGBTQ-Friendly Religiously Affiliated Colleges & Universities.................................................. pg. 27 Score Your Athletic & Rec Sports for LGBTQ-Friendliness ............................................................................ pg. 29 How to be an Ally to Queer People of Color ............................................................................................................... pg. 31 Disability Rights Activism for Student Leaders ........................................................................................................ pg. 34 6 Ways to Make your Campus More Trans-Friendly............................................................................................. pg. 38 Trans Advocacy into Action ..........................�
pg. 40
LGBTQ & Ally Student Leader Checklist ......................................................................................................................... pg. 46 Tips for Establishing a Working Relationship with your Campus’ Greek Community......... pg. 50 Campus Pride Speakers Bureau............�
pg. 56
Campus Pride Resources ..............................�
pg. 61
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The Do’s Do strive to reach win/win agreements for both the university and the
organization. Look for alignments between the university’s and organization’s missions, visions, values and commitments.
Do seek to understand what motivates people to join the organization.
What motivates one member might not motivate another. This is okay! Offer programming that appeals to a wide variety of people. Talk to your less active members and see what they’re looking for in your organization.
Do ask for help instead of trying to do it all on your own. Utilize the talents of your organization’s members, and reach out to faculty and staff allies. Partner with other organizations. Getting more people involved makes your organization stronger.
Do organize with a playful heart and maintain focus on the 5 P’s: Purpose,
Passion, Presence, Power and Possibilities. Remember, just because it’s work doesn’t mean it can’t also be fun.
Do share your impressions freely-and hold your opinions. Are you making
assumptions about the situation or are you assessing the situation? By using assessment tools, you and other leaders can help the university focus on solutions and create a process for gaining a clear, objective picture of the current situation.
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The Don’ts Don’t judge and make the university feel under attack. The job of a student
leader is to help the university be the best it can. The focus is finding solutions, not placing blame. The governing board of the university will give more of themselves when they are focused on the positive.
Don’t forget to remain true to the leadership Code of Ethics. Remember these five keys: Respect, Trust, Confidentiality, Credibility and Integrity. Consistently “role model” these values.
Don’t work without a timeline. A timeline will automatically build in accountability.
Set benchmarks for the next meeting or the next step in the process. Start early and delegate tasks.
Don’t assume you’re without prejudice. All of us have prejudices and are subject to prejudice. Understand your prejudice and exercise your personal power and privilege to foster more diversity.
Don’t try to control your organization. Lead your organization! When it feels
like you are steering your organization’s sailboat, it’s time to give up the helm. Empower your organization members to participate and explore for themselves. Remember, change comes from within. Your fellow organization members have great wisdom and feel ownership only when they are part of the solution. Source: Christopher Bylone & Jess McDonald, Campus Pride, 2012.
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Many student organizations want to increase their membership. Whether your organization is just starting or has been around for years, attracting new members and increasing your visibility on campus is very important to having a successful year.
Creative Advertising Explore policies on posting flyers, chalking sidewalks, and adding your event information to your college’s online calendar. Find out if you can hang large, colorful banners on the sides of buildings or from balconies. Pass out candy along with information about meeting times. Consider using table tents in dining halls to reach a broader audience.
Email Reminders Build a contact list by having a table at orientation or another well-attended event early in the school year. Consider getting in touch with other political activism groups and progressive groups on campus (Amnesty International, Young Democrats, Women’s/ Gender Studies Department) to see if they will send an email out for you.
Online Outreach Create and maintain a fabulous web page and don’t forget Facebook and Twitter. Keep them all updated and include each web address on fliers, signs, mailings, etc. This is great way to reach questioning or shy students who are too nervous to stop at a table and get information.
Reconsider Meeting Times Send out a survey asking members what meeting times and days are best for them. Based on responses, consider moving your meetings to an earlier or later time. You might also think about alternating meeting times, such as meeting at 3 p.m. one week and 7 p.m. the next. It might seem complicated, but it could increase your meeting attendance. 12
Partner with Other Organizations This is one of the easiest ways to increase your attendance! Find common ground and plan an event such as a voting drive with a political organization or a panel on the experiences of LGBTQ people of color with the Black Student Union or similar group. Reach out to community groups such as PFLAG to pool your resources and reach a broader audience when hosting speakers or other events. You can also plan social outings or service days with other organizations to create new connections.
Hold Exciting Recruiting Events A Drag Ball, Show or Contest can be exciting and get people involved. Another interesting event is “Live Homosexual Acts,” also known as “Queer Zoo.” Rope off an area or chalk the sidewalks (get permission!), give out tickets, and show queer students...going about their daily business! Have “out” members of your group do homework, eat lunch, and chat in this little viewing area to show that they’re not so shockingly different from other students after all. You could also hold a Film Festival! You can show both serious dramas and campy classics. There are also lots of foreign language films dealing with LGBTQ themes.
Free Food A tried and true favorite! Advertise that there will be free food at your event/ meeting and make sure there will be enough for everyone. Source: Nicky Rohrkemper & Jess McDonald, Campus Pride, 2012.
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Help make places “Safe Zones.” Use LGBTQ-inclusive language and display LGBTQ-friendly materials such as books, pamphlets, or stickers. If you see something, say something. Confront anti-LGBTQ remarks, including slights and slurs that you overhear. Let people know in no uncertain terms that such speech is unacceptable and should not be tolerated.
Don’t assume anyone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Individuals may wish to disclose—or not disclose—their sexual or gender identity for different reasons. Respect everyone’s right to privacy. Establish or work to establish Gay-Straight Alliances at local schools. Make sure GSAs in your area are trans-inclusive.
Support LGBTQ-friendly companies and businesses. Support LGBTQ-friendly companies and businesses that support their customers and their employees. Through financial support, you can help LGBTQ business owners thrive and become successful in your community.
Show your pride and support for the LGBTQ community. Even small displays of support can make all the difference for a LGBTQ person feeling uneasy or isolated.
Lead with Campus Pride. Remember you are always a leader, whether you have a title or not. Others are watching what you say and do – your actions. Demonstrate integrity, diversity and value all contributions and help by everyone.
Online Resources: CampusPride.org/resources 15
Graduation is a Time of Tradition, Ceremony and Celebration What is a Lavender or Rainbow Graduation? The First Lavender Graduation was held in 1995 at Michigan State University because of the work of Dr. Ronnie Sanlo. A Jewish lesbian, Dr. Sanlo envisioned the lavender color as a remembrance of gays and lesbians who were killed during the Holocaust. Gay men were made to wear pink triangles in concentration camps and lesbians were forced to wear black triangles. These symbols have been reclaimed as a source of pride and remembrance in modern times and the significance of lavender comes from the idea that if pink and black were mixed, they may create that lovely shade of purple. Today, many institutions of higher learning participate in Lavender or Rainbow Graduation ceremonies or celebrations in order to honor the LGBTQ and Ally graduates within their communities.
How can I organize a Lavender Graduation celebration or ceremony on my campus? Gain support Contact LGBTQ student groups or resources such as Safe Zone on your campus. A student group could also benefit greatly from a partnership with another organization or department.
Don’t have these? Perhaps a local organization outside of your campus would be willing to help you host a non-school-affiliated event that serves this purpose or, better yet, help you negotiate a way to have your event on campus.
Make it official Follow the channels in your school’s administration to make your event officially recognized by the school. This could allow your event to appear on school calendars, cater food through your campus, and use school security services, etc. 17
Order early Make sure to order materials such as rainbow or lavender designed graduation stoles, printed banners, table cloths, frames, certiďŹ cate paper, small gifts, decorations, etc. plenty of time ahead so that they can arrive on time and even be replaced if necessary.
Budget - Make one In that same vein, be sure to budget. Make sure that your costs do not exceed the funds available to you. Creativity, cost comparisons, and other strategies, such as asking business organizations or individuals (with permission from your school) to donate items that you may need rather than cash, could bring you closer to reaching your budget goals.
My best budget tip One trick that my colleagues and I have used for GSA and Safe Zone events on my campus has been to purchase quality (but not overpriced) items that can be reused for recurring events like our Lavender Celebration. Make sure items don’t have dates or references that would age them. Of course, for smaller quantity or lower cost items personalization and current information like guests names, the date, or an added theme is a nice touch.
Advertise Early The key to effective advertising is to build momentum leading up to your event. For Lavender or Rainbow Graduations in particular, organizers run the risk of being drowned out by all of the other senior and year’s end programming so make sure that you start early ahead of time (a month or more) in order to stay in awareness. Also, be sure to diversify your advertisement strategies by combining social media, paper, mass media, tabling or other methods, and switch those messages up too! Just be sure to retain the valuable details like the date, time, and location, and perhaps a common registration link.
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Speakers Consider asking someone from your school or community to give a “commencement-style” speech congratulating your graduates on their accomplishments or speaking on a topic such as being an active member in the LGBTQ community post-graduation.
Know who you’re honoring Implement a uniform and organized system for graduates and other attendees to RSVP such as an online form or a physical sign-up sheet in a central LGBTQ office. This way you can be sure you have the correct information on certificates or other mementos for graduates and make sure there is incentive for those who sign up to show up in other words: follow up.
Get closer Make your campus’s Lavender or Rainbow Graduation personal and memorable. One of the benefits of this type of celebration or ceremony is that it could be smaller and more intimate than the full-scale commencement ceremonies at your school, which gives it the potential to be more personal. Therefore, it could be a time to have a mentor, family member, or friend speak on behalf of graduates or award graduates for their academic or social achievements.
Lastly, make it yours. As long as the key ingredients of love, respect, honor, and celebration are in the mix, your school can make their version of a Lavender or Rainbow Graduation totally unique! All the while knowing that hundreds of other LGBTQ and Ally communities are also celebrating their graduating classes. Source: Isabel Williams, Campus Pride 2014
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The Campus Pride Index is designed to help students, faculty and staff provide an accurate, in-depth assessment of their college or university’s programs, policies and practices for LGBTQ safety and inclusion. Is your campus doing all it can to create a welcoming environment for everyone? Learn more about the Index and how to assess your campus’ inclusion in eight different areas ranging from counseling and health to safety and policy inclusion at CampusPrideIndex.org.
Want to get started? Follow these important tips: 1. Discuss the issues: Bring together a small group of students, faculty and staff to discuss current policies and programs on your campus. Visit the Campus Pride Index to see our assessment categories and do an informal assessment over the course of one or two meetings. 2. Take the plunge: After your initial, informal assessment, have a faculty member take the lead on your new assessment committee and sign up for a free account at the Campus Pride Index. 3. Begin your official assessment: Once your account is approved, have your faculty or staff lead complete the index tool consisting of 50+ selfassessment questions. Keep your team in the loop and be sure to include students, faculty, staff and administrators who reflect the diversity of your campus population (age, race, ability, involvement, etc.). 4. Review your results: When you’re done, an assessment review will be returned. Review the results and recommendations and set your campus on a course to increased diversity and inclusion! Learn more and get started at CampusPrideIndex.org.
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Campus Pride is proud to announce the 2014-2015 Top 50 List of LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges & Universities, based on data from the Campus Pride Index. The Index rates campuses based on LGBTQ-friendly policies, programs, and practices. Make sure your campus is on the Index in order to be considered for next year’s list!
The list includes (in alphabetical order): Amherst College Augsburg College Brown University Central Washington University Connecticut College Cornell University Dartmouth College Emory University Harvard University Indiana University Ithaca College Macalester College Northern Arizona University Oberlin College Oregon State University Pomona College Portland State University Princeton University Rutgers University San Diego State University Southern Illinois University - Carbondale Southern Oregon University Stanford University Syracuse University The Ohio State University
The Pennsylvania State University Tulane University University of California - Berkeley University of California - Los Angeles University of California - Riverside University of California - Santa Barbara University of California - Santa Cruz University of Central Florida University of Chicago University of Illinois at Chicago University of Maryland, College Park University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Michigan University of Minnesota - Duluth University of Minnesota - Twin Cities University of Oregon University of Pennsylvania University of Rhode Island University of Southern California University of Vermont University of Washington University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Warren Wilson College Washington State University Washington University in St. Louis
Learn more and get started at CampusPrideIndex.org. 24
Southern colleges and universities are a vital part of the social, political and cultural landscape. The struggle for fair access and treatment for LGBTQ students is still that in many places—a struggle. Organizing in the South offers a unique set of challenges. Founded and based in Charlotte, NC, Campus Pride has provided ongoing support and a hands-on commitment for the work done by and for Southerners, especially on college campuses. In recent months, the national LGBTQ movement has turned attention to the South where, while resources have been scarce, conviction has always been strong in the face of adversity. This article highlights seven “brave spaces” where LGBTQ young adults have stood up against the politics of bigotry and pushed forward driving grassroots change for LGBTQ rights. Many of these campuses are pioneers in the region advocating for LGBTQ inclusive policies, programs and practices. In other cases the students have taken up the fight for equitable treatment themselves and are creating “brave spaces” on their own. The designation “brave space” comes from the philosophy that “safe spaces” are a privilege that some situations are not afforded, such as these Southern campuses.
Listed in Alphabetical Order: 1. College of Charleston - Charleston, SC 2. Emory University - Atlanta, GA 3. North Carolina Central University - Durham, NC 4. Tulane University -- New Orleans, LA 5. University of Houston -- Houston, TX 6. University of Richmond -- Richmond,VA 7. Western Kentucky University -- Bowling Green, KY This article was written based on a review of Southern campuses from Campus Pride programs and services. For the purposes of this article, the South was defined as Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. The writing staff included Campus Pride Executive Director Shane Windmeyer and the 2014 Campus Pride Summer Fellows H. M. Barton, D. Andrew Porter, Andrew Salman, and Isabel Williams. These student leaders have attended or are currently attending Southern campuses. 26
Religiously afďŹ liated universities often are not associated with LGBTQ friendliness or visibility. Recent studies by Campus Pride reveal, however, that more and more Catholic and Protestant universities are actively seeking to improve the campus climate for their LGBTQ students. These results are based on data from the Campus Pride Index, which rates campuses based on LGBTQ-friendly policies, programs, and practices. All of these campuses have earned at least 4 out of 5 stars on the Index.
The list includes (in alphabetical order): Agnes Scott College Baldwin-Wallace College Elmhurst College Georgetown University Hamline University Macalester College Muhlenberg College
Make sure your campus is on the Index in order to be considered for next year’s list! Learn more online at CampusPride.org/infaith Source: Ties That Bind, Campus Pride 2013
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Use this Campus Pride Scorecard to assess how LGBTQ-inclusive your intercollegiate athletics and recreational sports are, and how you can help make your campus safer and more welcoming for LGBTQ individuals. The following are a few highlights from the NEW Campus Pride Sports Index.
Does your athletic & rec sports department/program have... • • • • • • • • • • • •
A nondiscrimination statement inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression? Written policies and procedures address anti-LGBTQ behavior for student-athletes, coaches and spectators? Written policies and procedures enabling students to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity? A written policy requiring dress codes and team uniforms be gender-neutral? An LGBTQ organization for student-athletes that is visible, active and supported by the department/program? An LGBTQ-inclusive training for coaches and staff to respect and include people of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions? Private changing space and showers in the locker rooms? Gender-inclusive bathroom facilities? Student-athletes, coaches and staff who actively participate in campus-wide LGBT events? An LGBT-inclusive sportsmanship pledge that is actively shared and promoted through activities and events? An LGBT-inclusive conduct code that student-athletes and coaches/staff are required to sign? Participation in LGBT and Ally campaigns? Have your sports administrator(s) participate in the Campus Pride Sports Index at CampusPrideSportsIndex.org
The Campus Pride Sports Index is in partnership with the LGBT Sports Coalition as well as NCLR Sports Project, GO! Athlete, NASPA Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, ACPA College Student Educators International, NCAA, NIRSA and national sports leaders Dr. Pat Griffin, Dr. Sue Rankin and Chris Mosier. 29
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
Understand LGBTQ Stereotypes and how they often do not include people of color. Be open to different types of communication (restricting to modern/ standard English is in and of itself oppressive.) Learn all of the terms of the Rainbow Spectrum (downe, stud, same gender loving (SGL), dom, etc...) Understand Appropriation (twerking, two-spirit, sass/invoking of black womanhood stereotypes) Just Listen (Defer until you understand) Don’t apologize for your privilege or guilt; don’t thank me for sharing what POC folks have known to be true for years Find other white folks to process your white guilt. Understand how people of color have helped to pave the way for the work you do. (Inclusive LGBTQ History, Stonewall, etc...) Don’t just know who’s missing from the room; invite those folks to create the space with you. Know that our community experiences regarding race are more complex than simply just Black/White Know that just because we do not discuss the impact of racism in our lives on a daily basis, that our everyday realities as people of color are in fact shaped by the continuous institution and perpetuation of racism, especially when it goes unaddressed.
Source: Camp Pride 2013 QPOC Caucus
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The disability community is the only minority group one can enter at anytime. For example, you might get into a car accident tomorrow and become disabled. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 5 people have a disability, which means that 1 in 5 LGBTQ people have a disability so it is important to ensure that LGBTQ spaces are inclusive of LGBTQ people with disabilities. To help you be inclusive of LGBTQ people with disabilities in your activities, we have created this guide.
What Are Disability Rights? Disability rights is a movement to advance inclusion of people with disabilities in our communities. People with disabilities have the right to self-determination and equal opportunity at school, work, and anywhere else we might be.
Disability Etiquette Do’s and Don’ts DO use respectful terminology. In addition to slurs like “retard” and “cripple”, the disability community views terms like “special needs”, “challenged”, “handicapable”, “handicapped”, and “differently abled” negatively. “Disabled person” and “person with a disability” are both acceptable ways to refer to people with disabilities. However, as is the case with pronouns, it is encouraged to ask people with disabilities how they prefer to be referred to as. DON’T treat people with disabilities as inspiring for simply existing. Too often, people with disabilities are seen as inspiring for simply existing and doing everyday things like going to school, work, and the grocery store. DO respect a person with a disability’s privacy. The objectification of people with disabilities is similar to the objectification of trans people and must be avoided. Don’t ask questions you wouldn’t be comfortable answering yourself. 34
“Nothing About Us Without Us” The first thing you should do to be inclusive of LGBTQ people with disabilities is to include LGBTQ people with disabilities in your leadership whenever possible. “Nothing About Us Without Us” has been the motto of disability rights activists for decades, and it continues to be used today. People with disabilities know what is best for themselves and others with disabilities, and it is important to listen to people with disabilities.
Learn Disability Rights History The disability rights movement, much like the LGBTQ rights movement, has a rich history of struggles and victories for the civil rights of people with disabilities. Learn about the fight for important pieces of legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act as well as notable disability rights advocates like Judith Heumann and Ed Roberts.
Make All of Your Meetings and Events Accessible When planning a meeting or event, ensure that they are accessible. Physical Access Needs Wheelchair ramps at every entrance Working elevators Braille signage on doors and handouts Wheelchair accessible bathrooms ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation CART (Communication Access and Real-time Translation) services Plenty of outlets to charge power-chairs AAC (Augmented and Assistive Communication) devices* Social Communication and Sensory Access Needs Social communication badges* Non-fluorescent lighting* Designated smoking areas for outdoor events Crash room* *more information can be found at: CampusPride.org/tools/disabilityactivism Source: Kristen Guin, Queerability 2014 For more information about Queerability check out facebook.com/qability and queerability.tumblr.com 35
By Genny Beemyn
1. Gender-Inclusive Bathrooms Colleges should create and publicize the location of gender-inclusive bathrooms—that is, restrooms available to people of all genders – in order to provide a safe, comfortable place for trans people to “pee in peace.”
2. Gender-Inclusive Housing Currently, more than 120 colleges offer a gender-inclusive housing option, in which students can choose to live with other students of any gender on campus. This option should be open to both incoming and returning students and offered in different parts of campus and, if possible, in all types of housing.
3. Hormone and Gender-Affirming Surgery Coverage Colleges need to remove the standard clause that excludes coverage for transition-related expenses in student health insurance policies and add language that provides coverage for mental health care, hormones, and surgery for trans students without a cap.
4. Name and Gender Change on Records and Documents Trans students who go by a name other than their legal one should be able to use that name on college documents, such as course and grade rosters, online directory listings, unofficial transcripts, and ID cards. Otherwise, the student is at risk of being outed as trans.
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5. Gender-Inclusive Recreational Facilities and Intramural Sports Trans students should have safe and convenient access to bathrooms and locker rooms in Rec Centers and other athletic facilities and have the right to participate in Intramural and Rec Sports programs in keeping with their gender identity.
6. Educating about Trans People Students, staff, and faculty are generally much less aware of the experiences of trans people than they are of cisgender LGB people. As a result, colleges should develop trans-speciďŹ c ally trainings and training programs and not just rely on an LGBTQ Safe Space or Safe Zone program to address the educational needs of the campus community. Online Resources: www.CampusPride.org/TPC
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“I felt alone and isolated. No one cared. No one really understood me and what I was going through. I loved school, but I never felt safe there because I was trans. I was threatened, followed, cornered, pushed, spit on, kicked, slapped, punched, beaten, and assaulted. I decided this is not the way I wanted to get an education and so I dropped out.”- Keisha, age 21 As educators, students, advocates, and activists, we have to take the lead on trans issues and concerns on campus. After educating ourselves, we must educate others on our campus. To be true advocates, we must empower ourselves and others by identifying power imbalances and creating opportunities to correct those power imbalances through collective action that transforms our educational institutions into safe and supportive environments. The following is a checklist of ways to improve the educational and work environments of colleges and universities for trans students, staff, and faculty.
Update Policy and Forms: 1. Include gender expression and gender identity in official nondiscrimination policies. This helps to provide a safe educational and work environment for everyone, especially in matters of protecting against violence, harassment, and discrimination in tenure, promotion, student admissions and financial aid. 2. Be gender inclusive with all forms, including surveys, administrative forms, and applications. Do not limit gender and sex categories to “male” and “female,” but also include “transgender” or “trans.” 3. Develop guidelines to assist trans students, staff, and faculty in navigating your school system, including addressing concerns with bathrooms, residential living arrangements, school identification picture cards, name changes, possible issues of harassment, etc. 40
Use Appropriate Language: 4. Provide workshops, guest speakers, and professional trainings to encourage use of gender-neutral and trans-friendly language. For example, use parent or guardian instead of mother/father, use partner instead of girlfriend/boyfriend. Do not assume the sexual orientation of a trans person. 5. Respect trans people by using appropriate pronouns and preferred names. When in doubt, ask! (Some people may prefer gender neutral pronouns such as “they” or “ze” instead of he or she, and “their” or “hir” instead of his or her.)
Create a Safe Environment: 6. Include trans literature, brochures, books, magazines, art work, and posters in your lobby or office. This helps people to feel welcomed and more comfortable. 7. Be an ally. Create an atmosphere in which derogatory remarks regarding trans people are not acceptable. 8. Hire openly trans people as staff and faculty who provide valuable knowledge about trans needs, as well as help trans students, and other trans staff and faculty feel represented in your school.
Increase Awareness & Provide Educational Training: 9. Ask for help from trans-specific local and national organizations. Build collaborative relationships between your schools and local centers, organizations, and support groups. 10. Have your campus LGBTQ center be inclusive of trans people as well. Provide trans-specific services, programs, and resources. Create a safe and welcoming space by training staff to be aware of trans experiences and concerns. This is essential for support, outreach, education, and advocacy. 11. Encourage staff and faculty to include trans films, articles, books, guest speakers, and panels in their curricula to provide a place for open discussion, increased awareness, and education about the various issues affecting trans people.
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Establish Resources: 12. Designate resource people in your college or university to update and provide trans-specific resources for students, staff, and faculty. Make sure your personal or office libraries, as well as your college or university libraries, can provide current books and films on trans issues and experiences. 13. Fund students to attend trans specific conferences to educate themselves, and encourage them to present their findings or share their information with campus organizations and others. Source: Lydia A. Sausa (Collegiate Empowerment, Inc.) & Jess McDonald, Campus Pride, 2012
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Use this handy checklist to determine how LGBTQ-inclusive your campus is and which areas could use more attention and resources from student leaders, student organizations, administrators, faculty and staff. Fill-in the blanks at the end with five of your own LGBTQ-friendly checklist items for your campus. Keep the checklist handy as a guide to measure how much work needs to be done and where to focus your time and energy.
Your Name of College/University:
How to Measure Your Checklist Results: 19+ Yes Responses: LGBTQ-Friendly Campus; Definitely on a path to progress. 18-10 Yes Responses: More LGBTQ-Friendly efforts necessary; Apparent areas of success & improvement. 9-1 Yes Responses: Much work to be done; Warrants definite attention.
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TOPIC/SERVICE/PROGRAM
Yes No
1. High number of Out LGBTQ Students? 2. High number of Out LGBTQ Faculty/Staff? 3. High number of Visible LGBTQ Allies? 4. Significant number of LGBTQ social events? 5. Significant number of LGBTQ educational events? 6. Visible signs/symbols of LGBTQ support on campus? 7. LGBTQ & Ally Student Organization? 8. LGBTQ Resource Center/Office funded by campus? 9. LGBTQ Pride Week/Coming Out Week? 10. Variety of LGBTQ Studies/Courses? 11. Safe Zone/Safe Space or Ally Program? 12. LGBTQ student scholarships available? 13. Nondiscrimination policy inclusive of sexual orientation? 14. Nondiscrimination policy inclusive of gender identity/expression? 15. Same-sex domestic partner benefits available? 16. Inclusive LGBTQ housing options/themes? 17. LGBTQ-inclusive health services/testing? 18. LGBTQ-inclusive counseling/support groups? 19. Procedure for reporting LGBTQ bias, harassment & hate crimes? 20. First-Year Experience/Orientation inclusive of LGBTQ issues? 21. * 22. * 23. * 24. * 25. * 47
Get to know your campus’ Greek Life Coordinator. This person is your first step into the door of all things Greek. They are the in-between for Greek organizations and the administration. They may play key roles in educational events, recruitment, and social events for the Greek community at large. This person can answer your questions, offer suggestions, and be a great ally as you pursue further organizing.
Research the organizations you have present on your campus. Each Greek organization has their own way of doing things, their own colors, symbols, mission, values and traditions. Understanding what the organization is and stands for will allow you to have more productive conversations.
Collaborative programming. The easiest way to begin a relationship with Greek communities is through programming. Social events, often called “mixers,” are really great ways to introduce your organization to these Greek groups and vice versa. Community service events are also great ways to collaborate.
Go to the Greeks. Don’t expect the Greeks to come to you. Most Greek organizations set their programming calendars well in advance. It’s up to us to take the initiative and approach the organizations. I suggest that you plan early, have options, and always ask more than one group.
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Philanthropy, Philanthropy, PHILANTHROPY! All Greek organizations have philanthropy, either local or national, that they care a lot about. Some examples are: Girl Scouts of America, YouthAIDS, Feeding America, Special Olympics, SeriousFun Children’s Network, and March of Dimes. Use this as an easy way to start the conversation about collaborative programs. Greeks love to raise awareness for their philanthropies.
If you can’t work from the outside - try working from within. There are Greek organizations that are LGBTQ inclusive that would love to be represented on your campus. You can find more information about groups like Delta Lambda Phi, Gamma Rho Lambda, Sigma Phi Beta and Theta Pi Sigma online and begin the process of starting a chapter.
Some final notes Remember that Rome was not built in a day. It may take some time to cultivate positive, working, relationships with your campus’ Greek community. If you try to speak with a group, or collaborative programming, and you are rejected or it’s a flop then be glad you tried and keep trying. You may not see it immediately, but your efforts are not in vain. Campus Pride’s Lambda 10 Project has loads of resources for you.
You can find the full resource and more information at: CampusPride.org/lambda10 Source: D. Andrew Porter, Campus Pride 2014
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SPEAKERS BUREAU • BOOK NOW
www.campuspride.org • info@campuspride.org • 704.277.6710, ext 0
The Campus Pride Speaker’s Bureau represents diverse voices, topics and stories from LGBTQ and ally artists. These artists work directly with Campus Pride and give a portion of proceeds from every booking back to Campus Pride to support our mission of building LGBTQ and ally leaders and safer, more welcoming campus communities.
Paul Katami and Jeff Zarillo Plaintiffs in the landmark United States Supreme Court case Hollingsworth vs Perry which overturned a ballot initiative known as Proposition 8 and restored equal marriage rights in California
Shane Windmeyer Leading author on gay campus issues and a champion for LGBTQ issues on college campuses; cofounder and executive director of Campus Pride
Ben Cohen Professional rugby player and ally who founded the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation to combat bullying, particularly against the LGBTQ community
Kara Laricks Sorority woman, out lesbian, and fashion designer. Laricks is the perfect speaker for challenging gender norms and for bringing together Greek and LGBTQ communities
Justin Utley Singer/Songwriter, an “out” ex-Mormon and survivor of ex-gay therapy, Justin speaks candidly about his life and experiences 56
SPEAKERS BUREAU • BOOK NOW
www.campuspride.org • info@campuspride.org • 704.277.6710, ext 0
Rep. Brian Sims Distinguished policy attorney, speaker, and civil rights advocate. Brian is the first openly LGBT state legislator in Pennsylvania and the only openly gay college football captain in NCAA history
J Mase III Black/Trans/Queer/Rowdy-as-Hell Poet with a capital [P] based in New York City and creator of Cupid Ain’t @#$%!: An Anti-Valentine’s Day Poetry Movement
Bobby Gordon An award-winning advocate for alcohol and other drug education, research and prevention. His programs are available to colleges, universities, high schools, community agencies and professional organizations to help sort fact from fiction in the confusing world of drugs
Anna Aagenes Executive Director of Go! (Generation Out) Athletes and former out college track and cross-country athlete
Randi Driscoll Singer and songwriter, Randi says that her greatest personal accomplishment is her song “What Matters,” written in response to the death of Matthew Shepard
Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington President and founder of the Washington Consulting Group, a multicultural organizational development firm out of Baltimore, MD
Ma Purdy Educator, speaker and award-winning ally speaker/activist, Ma is passionate about working with the majority population to move from being bystanders to being upstanders 57
SPEAKERS BUREAU • BOOK NOW
www.campuspride.org • info@campuspride.org • 704.277.6710, ext 0
Jack Mackenroth All-American swimmer, HIV activist & celebrity fitness model and fashion designer featured on Lifetime’s Project Runway
Lauren LoGiudice Lauren is an accomplished writer, actor and activist, who creates solo work to explore identity, most recently focusing on Old Hollywood. Her lecture topics and solo performance are focused on LGBT history of Hollywood, bisexuality in Old Hollywood and women’s struggles in Old Hollywood
Greg Miraglia Dean at Napa Valley College in California & Author of”Coming Out From Behind The Badge” and “American Heroes: Coming Out From Behind The Badge”
Dr. Sue Rankin Research Associate in the Center for the Study of Higher Education and Associate Professor of Education in the College Student Affairs Program at The Pennsylvania State University
Robyn Ochs Educator, speaker, award-winning activist, and editor of the 42-country anthology, Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World and the Bi Women newsletter
Vernon Wall Director of Educational Programs and Publications for the American College Personnel Association (ACPA), College Students Educators International
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SPEAKERS BUREAU • BOOK NOW
www.campuspride.org • info@campuspride.org • 704.277.6710, ext 0
Alice Hoagland Writer, speaker, and researcher on the issues of aviation security and LGBT rights, including the right of same-sex couples to marry
Dr. Ronni Sanlo Founder of Lavender Graduation, Director Emeritus of the UCLA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) Center and a frequent keynote speaker and consultant on LGBT issues in Higher Education
Dr. Genny Beemyn Director of the Stonewall Center, Genny is also coordinator of the Campus Pride Trans Policy Clearinghouse
Regie Cabico Critically acclaimed and award-winning spoken word and theatre artist whose work appears in over 30 anthologies.
Daniel Hernandez Jr. Hernandez talks about his difficult journey overcoming discrimination in language, ethnicity, poverty, sexual orientation and why he loves being an American
Bebe Zahara Benet Bebe was the winner of the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and has used her platform to educate individuals on the pride and dignity found in the art of drag
Christina Kahrl Sportswriter and Editor for ESPN.com, and a member of the Baseball Writers Association of America (and one of the first internet writers, as well as trans* women, voted into its ranks)
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Campus Pride
Resources
campuspride.org
campuspride.org/resources
Campus Pride Blog
Stop The Hate
campuspride.org/blog
stophate.org
Campus Pride Events
Lambda 10 For Fraternities and Sororities
campuspride.org/events
campuspride.org/lambda10
Campus Pride Index
Campus Pride in Faith
campusprideindex.org
campuspride.org/infaith
Campus Pride Map
Voice & Action National Leadership Awards
campuspride.org/map
campuspride.org/voiceandaction
Campus Pride National Scholarship Database
Connect with Campus Pride
campuspride.org/scholarships
campuspride.org/connect
Campus Pride Trans Policy Clearinghouse
Campus Pride Summer Fellowship Program
campuspride.org/tpc
campuspride.org/fellowship
Camp Pride
Intern with Campus Pride
campuspride.org/camppride
campuspride.org/internships
Advisor Bootcamp
Campus Pride Shop
campuspride.org/bootcamp
campuspride.org/shop
Campus Pride Sports Index campuspridesportsindex.org
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