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LGBTQ+ Student Resources

The Counseling and Psychological Services staff at UWF are committed to promoting and enhancing the well-being of all students. This includes individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning or any other term that best encompasses the intersection of an individual's gender identity and sexual orientation.


All sexual orientations and gender identities are a natural and valid part of each individual. The following are some of the struggles we help students work through:

  • Exploring one's sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
  • Exploring the coming out process.
  • Challenges associated with homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and heterosexism.
  • Dating/relationship issues.
  • Career Issues.
  • Family Issues.
  • Integration of sexual orientation and/or gender identity with other identities (i.e., race/ethnicity, religious/spiritual affiliations, political ideologies, family of origin).

Students who are interested in scheduling an appointment can call Counseling and Psychological Services at 850.474.2420 and select option 1, or visit the Center, located in Building 960, Suite 200A, during our hours of operation.


Allies

An LGBTQ+ ally is one who is aligned with the LGBTQ+ movement and supports LGBTQ+ individuals.

How to be an ally:

Overall

  • Build your knowledge and know resources.
  • Avoid assumptions and stereotypes.
  • Ask questions and don't be afraid of making mistakes.
  • Come out as an ally.

One-On-One

  • Listen first and address feelings.
  • Ask open-ended, positive questions.
  • Respect confidentiality and respect the courage of the person coming to you.
  • Know when and how to seek help.
  • Help, but don't force.

As A Leader

  • Incorporate inclusive language.
  • Be a role model for those around you.
  • Show your support and diversity in the materials that surround you.
  • Confront homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism activity.
  • Open up the space for dialogue on LGBTQ+ issues.

Resources

On-Campus

Local

  • Sunday's Child
    Sunday's Child is made up of citizens of the Pensacola Bay area working toward the acceptance and inclusion of all, including LGBTQ+ citizens.

Lifelines and Chat Centers

  • LGBT National Help Center
    National hot-lines and online chats serving gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning people by providing free and confidential peer-support and local resources.
  • The Trevor Project
    The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.

Online

  • "Am I Gay?" - A Guide For People Who Question Their Sexual Orientation
    by Richard H. Reams, Ph.D.
  • The American Psychological Association (APA) - The Office on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity
    The mission of the APA Office on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity is to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge on gender identity and sexual orientation to benefit society and improve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people's lives.
  • Intersex Society of North America (ISNA)
    The ISNA is devoted to the systemic change to end shame, secrecy and unwanted genital surgeries for people born with an anatomy that someone decided is not standard for male or female.
  • National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE)
    The NCTE is a national social justice organization devoted to ending discrimination and violence against transgender people through education and advocacy on national issues of importance to transgender people.
  • Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
    PFLAG is an organization that promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, and their families and friends through support, education and advocacy.
  • Services & Advocacy for LGBT Elders (SAGE)
    The mission of SAGE is to lead in addressing issues related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender aging. In partnership with its constituents and allies, SAGE works to achieve a high quality of life for LGBT older adults, supports and advocates for their rights, fosters a greater understanding of aging in all communities and promotes positive images of LGBT life in later years.
  • National Resource Center on LGBT Aging
    The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging is a project of SAGE and is the country's first and only technical assistance resource center aimed at improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older adults.