LGBTQ Resources

We are excited to welcome you to campus! The University of Chicago has long been a place where queer students and allies have thrived. Here you will find a diverse and vibrant LGBTQA community.

The queer community is centered around the Office of LGBTQ Student Life, whose mission is to serve as the hub of the LGBTQ community on campus. The Office provides numerous events, resources and leadership opportunities for all students at the University of Chicago. We encourage you to check our website  frequently to stay informed of events in the community, as well as to connect to resources. The (U)Chicago Queer Compass, published by the Office, is an excellent guide to queer life on and off campus.

We've got everything you need here to adjust to queer life on campus and in the City of Chicago. Whether you're looking for a student organization to get involved in, or need help navi"gay"ting Chicago, this website will provide the resources you need.

Be sure to visit the home for the Office of LGBTQ Student Life at 5710 South Woodlawn. We hope to see you soon around campus!

The Office of LGBTQ Students Life's resouce library contains nearly 200 booksand over 60 DVDs. Books and DVDs may be checked out from the front desk at 5710 South Woodlawn.

LGBTQ Student Life also publishes it's own guide for the University and for Chicago. Queer (friendly) businesses, community organizations, neighborhood maps, and more are included in this guide.

In addition to our books and DVDs, LGBTQ Student Life also has subscriptions to several national and local publications. Past copies of these publications are also available in the resource library. Curent magazines are located in the LGBTQ Lounge on the 3rd floor of 5710 South Woodlawn. Our collection of periodicals includes:

• The Advocate Magazine
• Compete Magazine
• Curve Magazine
• Out Magazine
• Windy City Times (Chicago's LGBT Weekly Newspaper)

Click here for our Book List

Click here for our DVD List

Click here for (U)Chicago Queer Compass, a queer guide to The University of Chicago and the City of Chicago published annually by the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Student Life.

This section houses a collection of resources that can be used as educational tools for people who may want to learn more about a range of LGBTQIA+ identities, how LGBTQIA+ identities can interact with other social identities (such as race, socio-economic status, and ability status), and who are interested in obtaining resources and support surrounding LGBTQIA+ identities.

These lists are not all-encompassing of the social identities affecting people’s lives and experiences, and each resource list is not all-inclusive.

We welcome feedback about these resources, especially if you find that a listed resource is now out of date.

I. Arabic and Middle-Eastern Descent

A. Media

No Longer Alone: LGBT Voices From the Middle East & North Africa
Human Rights Watch and the Arab Foundation for Freedoms and Equality (AFE) teamed up to produce videos featuring Arabic-speaking LGBT activists describing their journeys of self-acceptance. Through the campaign “No Longer Alone,” they offer messages of support and encouragement to LGBT people living in Arabic-speaking countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

My.Kali.Mag
A monthly magazine that concerns the LGBTQ community from all around the world and dedicated for people who live in the: Middle East, for foreigners who live in the Arab world, for those new-gay-to-be, for those who’re away fom home and for those who’re intereseted in entering the world of My.Kali

B. Communities

Ahbab: Gay and Lesbian Arab Society (in Arabic)

Gay and Lesbian Arabs
A world-wide federation of national and local groups seeking equal rights for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender individuals everywhere

C. Advocacy Organizations

Gay and Lesbian Arabic Society
An international organization that serves as a networking organization for Gays and Lesbians of Arab descent or those living in Arab countries

II. Black, African American, and Afrikan Diaspora

A. Coming Out Resources

Coming Out for African Americans
HRC provides a guide to handling the challenges of coming out for African Americans

B. Education and Information

Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) LGBT lives and organizations

C. Communities

Pride and Promote
Pride & Promote brings together members of the Black same-gender loving (GSL) lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, their friends, allies and supporters in celebration of being Black and gay

RedBone Press
RedBone Press publishes work celebrating the cultures of Black lesbians and gay men, and work that further promotes understanding between Black gays and lesbians and the Black mainstream

D. Advocacy Organizations

National Black Justice Coalition
NBJC is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The Center for Black Equality
Our mission is to promote a multinational LGBT network dedicated to improving health and wellness opportunities, economic empowerment, and equal rights while promoting individual and collective work, responsibility and self-determination.

F. Faith & Spirituality Resources

Christianity

Unity Fellowship Church Movement
We are the UFCM, a movement of churches across the U.S. whose primary work is to proclaim the sacredness of all life, focusing on empowering those who have been oppressed and made to feel excluded and ashamed.

New Beginnings Life Center
To connect people with God and to provide opportunities to build relationships while becoming followers of Christ.

Non-Denominational

The Center for Lesbian and Gay Stdies in Religion and Ministry
The African American Roundtable at CLGS (AART) seeks the full inclusion of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in communities of faith and the mobilization of Black communities of faith in support of social justice for LGBT people

Operation: Rebirth
Operation: Rebirth is the first website dedicated to ending the religious and spiritual abuse against Black gays and lesbians inflicted by Black churches. The website provides resources that assist Black gays and lesbians on reclaiming their religion and spirituality

III. Latinx/Chicanx

A. Advocacy Organizations

FAMILIA Trans Queer Liberation Movement [Bilingual]
Trans Queer Liberation Movement works at local and national levels to achieve the collective liberation of trans, queer, and gender nonconforming Latinxs through building community, organizing, advocacy, and education.

Unid@s [Multilingual]
The mission of Unid@s is to create a multi-issue approach for advocacy, education, and convening of and for our communities. Guided by economic justice, feminist, environmental, and pro-peace values, UNID@S joins a global effort to transform systems and policies to create a just and equitable world.

HONOR Fund [Bilingual]
A non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the rights and freedoms of the Latino LGBT community through leadership development, advocacy and public education.

Immigration Equality [Bilingual]
A national organization fighting for equality under U.S. immigration law for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and HIV-positive individuals . Immigration Equality provides legal aid and advocacy for LGBT and HIV-positive immigrants and their families.

Human Rights Campaign (Coming Out: Living Authentically as LGBTQ Latinx Americans)
A resource is designed to aid LGBTQ Latinx Americans in navigating the intersectional challenges when coming out.

B. Communities

The Nework/La Red [Bilingual]
A survivor-led, social justice organization that works to end partner abuse in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, BDSM, polyamorous, and queer communities. Rooted in anti-oppression principles, their work aims to create a world where all people are free from oppression. They strengthen communities through organizing, education, and the provision of support services

Asociación Interacional de Familias por la Diversidad Sexual (FDS) [Español]
FDS is an organization that aims to maintain family unity. They fight for the safety and well-being of their gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender members, giving them support in dealing with a hostile society. FDS promotes information and education as tools to eradicate hatred, prejudice, homophobia, and all forms of related discrimination.

C. Faith & Spirituality Resources

The Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry
To promote understanding, acceptance and affirmation of Latino/a LGBTQ persons and their families by transforming Latino/a faith fatih communities and the wider Latino/a community.

IV. Indigenous/Native American

A. Education and Information

Indigenous Ways of Knowing (IWOK)
IWOK released the second edition of the groundbreaking Tribal Equity Toolkit: Tribal Resolutions and Codes to Support Two Spirit and LGBT Justice in Indian Country. Many Indian tribal governing documents are patterned after the U.S. constitution, which means Indigneous traditions and cultures are not always reflected in governing resolutions. The Tribal Equity Toolkit creates ways for Tribal government to adjust their codes and policies to include and reflect the experiences of Two Spirit and LGBT tribal members

NativeOUT
NativeOUT was originally founded in 2004 as a social group named the Phoenix Two Spirit Society, by Corey Taber, Ambrose Nelson, and Victor Bain in Phoenix, Arizona. Through our website, video productions, social networks and in-person presentations, we educate the world about the Indigenous LGBTQ/Two Spirit people of North America

B. Communities

GLAAD's Blog on Native American LGBT Community
GLAAD is leading the conversation for LGBT equality, and changing the culture. As the LGBT movement’s communications epicenter, GLAAD is the principal organization that works directly with news media, entertainment media, cultural institutions and social media.

Pronouns can be used to refer to a person’s gender identity. Several systems of pronouns have been created to refer to others without assigning them into the gender binary system. Pronouns of reference are the set of pronouns that an individual would like others to use when talking to or about that individual. Examples include, but are not limited to:

He, him, his – pronouns typically used to refer to another person who  identifies as masculine.
She, her, hers – pronouns typically used to refer to another person who identifies as feminine. 
They, them, theirs – gender neutral or gender inclusive pronouns which do not associate a gender with the individual who is being discussed.
Ze, hir, hirs - gender neutral or gender inclusive pronouns created by transgender and non-binary communities which do not associate a gender with the individual who is being discussed. 
Ze, zir, zirs - gender neutral or gender inclusive pronouns created by transgender and non-binary communities which do not associate a gender with the individual who is being discussed.
Source: The University of Iowa. Identity Terminology

For a comprehensive list of terminology related to gender identity and sexual orientation visit the GLAAD Media Reference Guide - Transgender

Why Are Pronouns Important?

Understanding pronouns beyond the two options of she, her, hers and he, him, his creates space for experiences and identities outside of the gender binary. We have been taught to make assumptions about people’s pronouns based on the way they look and the way we perceive them. While using pronouns on autopilot may not have bad intent, it is not only disrespectful and hurtful, but also oppressive. When someone is mispronouned, it can make the person feel disrespected, alienated, dismissed, invalidated, or dysphoric.
Source: Washington State University. Gender Pronouns

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I make a mistake with someone's pronouns?

That's okay, we all make mistakes. The best thing to do if you use the wrong pronoun for someone is to say something right away, like “Sorry, I meant (insert pronoun).” Don't over apologize, simply say you're sorry and move on.

How do I ask someone what pronouns they use?

Simply asking, “what pronouns do you use?” can provide an opportunity for someone to offer their gender pronouns for you to use. Other options include: “how would you like me to refer to you?” or “how would you like to be addressed?”
Another option is to begin by offering the pronouns you use. Try: “I use they, them, their pronouns. Do you mind if I ask what pronouns you’d like me to use when referring to you? I want to make sure I respect your identity.” 

Why are people asking me about my pronouns even though I’m not transgender? How should I answer?

To be increasingly gender inclusive on campus many faculty, staff, and students will ask you for your pronouns of reference. You could very well be asked to share your pronouns while introducing yourself in class, in a meeting, and/or when meeting new people.

When someone asks you what your pronouns are, or what pronouns you use, they’re asking how you like to be referred to — as she, he, they, a less common option like ze, xe, or ey, or by name rather than pronoun. The person asking you this question wants to make sure they refer to you respectfully rather than making assumptions. Chances are they ask lots of people this question, so it isn’t intended as a personal judgement or insult, nor does it necessarily mean they think you’re trans.
Source: FAQ about Pronouns & Trans People

For a detailed list of frequently asked questions related to gender identity visit Trans Talk.

The University of Chicago values the diverse identities students bring with them to campus; as such, we strive to grow in our ability to be inclusive of the multitude of gender identities that contribute to making our communities so rich. During the summer of 2018 a collaboration between the University Registrar and the Office of LGBTQ Student Life launched the process of updating student records with the ability to optionally disclose ones’ gender identity and pronouns of reference. These social identity expansions build upon the preferred name policy which provides students with the opportunity to share a first name that more fully affirms their identity.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Identity Information

As individuals we hold many identities, to value and honor this reality, the University of Chicago seeks to make my.UChicago and other online systems more inclusive to campus community members with diverse gender identities. Current students may elect to indicate their gender identity, and/or their pronouns of reference in their student records. Updates to these identity categories can be made in my.UChicago.

Information on how you can update fields within My Profile within my.UChicago can be found on the Using My Profile webpage.
Below you will find descriptions of the various identity terms that are available for you to optionally select in my.UChicago

A Note on Language

It is important to note that many gender identities exist globally and are not bounded by the same cultural and social understandings. That is, gender is a culturally constructed category understood differently depending upon on one's society. Here we are using U.S. - based defintions of pronouns of reference and gender identity to highlight some of the variance within the United States. We also reckognize the inherent problem with offering definitions related to these elements of social identity, as they can not be respresentative of all community members. As such, we offer these definitions as a starting point for understanding the nuances of gender, and to mark the significance of attempting, as imperfect as it may be, to increase inclusion of transgender, gender non-conforming and/or non-binary community members in our systems and campus spaces.

Gender

Gender is based on a group of emotional, behavioral, and psychological characteristics that typically classify an individual as “woman” or “man” or “gender queer/gender non-conforming” or “transgender.” Gender can be understood to have several components including gender identity, gender expression, and gender attributions.

Cisgender  – a value-neutral term to describe people who identify/agree with the gender they were assigned at birth, often shortened to cis. A cis woman is a person who is assigned female at birth and identifies as a woman. A cis man is a person who is assigned male at birth and identifies as a man.
Transgender – a value-neutral term to describe people who do not identify/agree solely with the gender they were assigned at birth (sometimes referred to as an umbrella category under which a broad spectrum of gender identities exist). Often abbreviated as trans or trans*. Can be transman,  transwoman and/or non-binary person.
Man – a gender identity that largely aligns with “masculine” traits and characteristics. Can be a cisgender man or a trans male/trans man, both are men.
Woman – a gender identity that largely aligns with “feminine” traits and characteristics. Can be a cisgender woman or a trans female/trans woman, both are women.
Gender Queer/Gender Non-Conforming – an inclusive category for gender identities that are not exclusively masculine or feminine – identities that are outside of the gender binary.

Pronouns of Reference

Pronouns are often used to refer to a person’s gender identity. Several systems of pronouns have been created to refer to others without assigning them into the gender binary system. Pronouns of reference are the set of pronouns that an individual would like others to use when talking to or about that individual.

He, him, his – pronouns typically used to refer to another person who identifies as masculine.
She, her, hers – pronouns typically used to refer to another person who identifies as feminine.
They, them, theirs – gender neutral or gender inclusive pronouns which donot associate a gender with the individual who is being discussed.
Ze, hir, hirs - gender neutral or gender inclusive pronouns created by transgender and non-binary communities which do not associate a gender with the individual who is being discussed.

Information Access, Usage & Locations

Gender identity and pronouns of reference information are considered confidential per the university’s Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policies.  If a student elects to disclose information related to the aforementioned categories it will be used for internal demographic tracking by the University Registrar. Students have the option to provide a preferred name via MyUChicago. This name is used on class rosters. In the coming months, if a student provides their pronouns of reference, this information will accompany any name that is visible on a class roster. Presently, pronouns of reference will only be collected as demographic information by the Registrar and will not appear on class rosters.

For a comprehensive list of student information that is always confidential review the Educational Records: Always Confidential section of the University Registrar’s webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why have gender identity and pronouns of reference been added as student record options?
The University of Chicago joins 30+ colleges and universities across the country in making our student records more inclusive. We understand that student’s identities play an integral role in how they experience and navigate their college experience, as such, the University of Chicago seeks to be responsive to the needs of gender diverse students who join us for their educational endeavors. We continue to strengthen our inclusion efforts by aligning our record systems with national best practices that seek to validate student’s

Who do I contact with questions?
For questions about changing preferred name, gender identity, sex designation, and/or pronouns of reference contact, the University Registrar. Email: registrar@uchicago.edu
For questions about why these changes were made, contact the Office of LGBTQ Student Life. Email: lgbtq@uchicago.edu