LGBTQ+ Resources

In English, whether we realize it or not, people frequently refer to us using pronouns when speaking about us. Often, when speaking of a singular human in the third person, these pronouns have a gender implied -- such as “he” to refer to a man/boy or “she” to refer to a woman/girl. These associations are not always accurate or helpful.

Often, people make assumptions about the gender of another person based on the person’s appearance or name. These assumptions aren’t always correct, and the act of making an assumption (even if correct) sends a potentially harmful message -- that people have to look a certain way to demonstrate the gender that they are or are not. Using someone’s correct personal pronouns is a way to respect them and create an inclusive environment, just as using a person’s name can be a way to respect them. Just as it can be offensive or even harassing to make up a nickname for someone and call them that nickname against their will, it can be offensive or harassing to guess at someone’s pronouns and refer to them using those pronouns if that is not how that person wants to be known. Or, worse, actively choosing to ignore the pronouns someone has stated that they go by could imply the oppressive notion that intersex, transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people do not or should not exist.

When we refer to "personal" pronouns, we don't mean that these pronouns are necessarily private information (generally they are not), we mean that they are pronouns referring to a unique and individual person.

First, make sure that you have shared your own pronouns. Doing so is the best way to encourage other people to share their pronouns, to help make them more comfortable to share their pronouns with you. If you are meeting someone new one-to-one, you might say something like: “Hi, I’m Akeem, and I go by ‘they’ pronouns. How should I refer to you?” Of course, if you are meeting someone who isn’t familiar with sharing personal pronouns, be prepared to explain that people often make assumptions about whether someone goes by “he” or “she” or another set of pronouns (e.g. “they” or “ze”) based on their appearance, and that the only way to really know how someone will feel respected is to ask what pronouns they go by. Usually offering up that the vast majority of people either go by “he” or by “she” helps indicate to the other person what the typical response is that they might give.We don’t recommend ever forcing people to share their pronouns. However, people could be invited or encouraged to do so. In a group setting where you are a leader, here is one example of how you could conduct a round of introductions: “Welcome to our meeting. Before we begin, we’d like to go around and share our names and personal pronouns. For those who haven’t done this before, this is a way that we can avoid assumptions, particularly about gender. What may seem obvious may actually be incorrect, and please keep in mind that while many people associate “he” or “she” as meaning men or women, respectively, this isn’t always the case. This is not about sharing your gender or private information, that is not what I’m asking for. I’m only asking for which pronouns you want to be referred to by, because these are a part of the English language in how we typically refer to people. So, for most people, that means they either go by 'she' and 'her' pronouns or they go by 'he' and 'him' pronouns. Some people go by 'they' and 'them' pronouns or another set of pronouns or another way of being referred to. However, for most people in this room you’d simply say something like 'Hi, I’m Lesley and I go by "he" pronouns' or 'Hi, I’m Jamie and I go by "she" pronouns' and then turn to the next person. If you don’t understand what I'm asking, or if you feel that you are uncomfortable sharing or unable to participate in a respectful way, it's okay to just share your name. But if you feel comfortable to share, and you know that typically you go by a certain set of pronouns and are good with that, let us know. Please also keep in mind that what people in this room share today is just what people are sharing today in this space and time, and that people may change their names or pronouns or go by different ones in another space. Does anyone have a question before we begin our introductions?”

Please note that no resource is perfect or comprehensive. We encourage you to look at many resources, and to really get to know and speak with trans people and gender nonconforming people whose lives are impacted by pronouns more profoundly than for most. Since asking personal questions of acquaintances in order to educate yourself might be a bad idea, and places a burden on already marginalized populations, a good way to learn can be through texts and videos, such as the ones listed here.

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The Jones Center’s Urgent Conversations offer an opportunity for students to talk about larger societal issues, as well as a safe space to express differing viewpoints.

The UC LGBTQ Center is the lead organizer of the Activist-in-Residence (AIR) series at the University of Cincinnati. The series seeks to feature transnational interdisciplinary activists and cultural organizers to educate and engage the UC community in methods of activism.

LGBTQ Activist training is a fully intersectional LGBTQ training designed to assist participants in understanding the roots of oppression, and provide training in social activism to enable participants to stand up for justice, equity, and equality in the LGBTQ Community. The training is designed to provide participants the skills they need to effectively create change.  Using an experiential approach, the training provides the practical tools and insights that participants can use for growth, transformation, and empowerment, and to create a ripple effect across the UC community.

Advocate training builds upon the knowledge participants gained in Ally Training. While Advocate training seeks to deepen participant’s knowledge around the issues and needs of the LGBTQ community, it is designed to be even more interactive.  LGBTQ Advocate training builds its curriculum around community dialogue and collaboration and is designed to give participants both the knowledge and skills to act as an advocate for LGBTQ students, staff and faculty.

Ally Training seeks to increase the visible presence of students, staff, and faculty who can help shape a campus culture that is accepting of all people regardless of sexuality, gender identity, or gender expression. Training topics and exercises include: learning identity terminology associated with the LGBTQ community, issues faced by the LGBTQ students while navigating institutions of higher education, ways that allies can work to create inclusive spaces, and resources available both on- and off-campus.

The OutList features openly LGBTQ+ faculty and staff at UC and is designed to promote visibility and pride to further foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity. There is power in representation and the hope is that the OutList will inspire current and future LGBTQ+ faculty and staff at UC to be their authentic selves at work and beyond.

CAPS is a professional counseling office within Student Affairs. CAPS provides counseling, outreach programs, and related services for UC students and those concerned about their welfare. CAPS is located at 225 Calhoun Street, Ste. 200, and can be reached via phone at 513-556-0648.

Read information on Housing and Financial Services for those no longer residing at home.

Lavender Graduation is an annual ceremony conducted on numerous campuses to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and ally students and to acknowledge their achievements and contributions to the University. For more information, please contact the LGBTQ Center.

The LGBTQ Center supports the mission of the University of Cincinnati through a commitment to diversity, equity, leadership development, and intellectual inquiry with particular respect to sexual orientation and gender identity. The Center is an inclusive campus community that welcomes people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and provides support, resources and advocacy. The Center facilitates LGBTQ visibility by promoting and enhancing understanding, acceptance, and awareness regarding LGBTQ issues.

The LGBTQ Center enhances the campus community for LGBTQ students and their allies through intentional advocacy, providing a safe space, intersectional programming, and access to culturally relevant resources.

LGBT History Month is a month-long annual observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. At the University of Cincinnati, this month is observed during the month of October. Please stay tuned to the social media pages @UC_LGBTQCenter for more information.

To assist with this, the LGBTQ Center offers  trainings to assist in better understanding and advocating for LGBTQ students, faculty, and staff at UC. Additionally, on a limited basis, we offer trainings and classroom presentations designed for classes, departments, and organizations to assist them in creating LGBTQ affirming environments and course materials.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in the university's programs and activities. Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, and retaliation are forms of discrimination prohibited by Title IX. UC's Title IX office is located in 3115 Edwards 1, and can be reached via phone at 513-556-6315

The LGBTQ+ community faces several unique challenges, needs, obstacles and oppressions. As a UC community, we are devoted to making sure all students, staff, and faculty have a campus environment that meets their needs, provides appropriate resources, and creates an environment that supports their educational, professional and social goals.

Transgender Inclusive Training is designed to explore the spectrum of transgender, gender nonconforming, and gender question identities and expressions. This workshop will prepare participants to understand and address the needs of transgender students. Training topics include: identity terminology related to sex and gender, issues faced by transgender students as they navigate institutions of higher education, and ways to practices transgender inclusion.

Read the UC Student Rights as listed in the official UC Handbook.

The Women's Center is committed to the personal, political, professional, and intellectual growth of women students at the University of Cincinnati by facilitating action, promoting intersectional justice, and fostering connections for all students. We strive to challenge gender inequities and advance the rights of all women through elevating student activism and leadership, bridging feminist theory and praxis, building mentorship and community networks, cultivating collaborative relationships with campus and community partners, and amplifying student voices.

AVEN hosts the world's largest online asexual community as well as a large archive of resources on asexuality. AVEN strives to create open, honest discussion about asexuality among sexual and asexual people alike.

BRAVO is your link to survivor advocacy and assistance regarding hate crimes, discrimination, domestic violence, and sexual assault. BRAVO is a founding member of the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP).

The Bisexual Resource Center is the oldest national bi organization in the U.S. that advocates for bisexual visibility and raises awareness about bisexuality throughout the LGBT and straight communities.

Cincinnati Men's Chorus is a voluntary, not-for-profit community chorus organized to provide the opportunity for gay men and gay-supportive men to sing together.

Crossport provides social, educational, emotional, and functional support for all facets of the transgender community including their partners, families, and friends.

Equality Ohio serves as an advocate and champion for fair treatment and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens.

TransOhio is a state-wide nonprofit that serves the transgender and ally communities by providing services, education, support, and advocacy.