LGBTQ Programming Initiatives
Philosophy:
The guiding philosophy of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) initiatives through the Multicultural Center inspire reflective thought and increase awareness of identity and community through an understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity.
The programming, leadership development, training, educational resources, and service-learning opportunities enhance the learning community of Ohio State students, staff, faculty, and alumni toward extraordinary experiences for all.
LGBTQ programming initiatives further the academic mission of the University and the mission of the Multicultural Center through courageous dialogues, intentional presentations and community-based learning.
Programming Goals:
Programming is crucial to articulating the strategic mission of LGBTQ Programming Initiatives and to meeting the mission of the Multicultural Center. Programming assists in building community both within the LGBTQ constituency group and across cultures.
The goals of LGBTQ Programming Initiatives include:
- To build community by allowing people to connect with each other educationally, socially, and academically
- To live the values of social justice through dialogue and learning
- To educate community members about important issues regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
- To develop the leadership and professional skill sets of student leaders
Programming Model:
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Signature Events: Signature Events are the hallmark programs of the Multicultural Center and demonstrate a strong tradition of building community and raising visibility every year. Signature events are implemented with the support of professional staff and in partnership with student organizations.
Signature LGBTQ specific events include:
- LGBTQ History Month and National Coming Out Day: October
- Transgender Remembrance Day: November
- Queer Family Holigay Dinner: December
- Ally Week: January
- Q-Pid Semi-Formal: February
- Herstory Honoring Queer Women: March
- Buckeye Pride LGBTQ Awareness: April
- Rainbow Celebration: May
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Education Programs: Education Programs focus on the most salient issues impacting the LGBTQ community. The scope of these programs adapts to address the changing needs of LGBTQ people in local and national contexts, as well as in the centralized context of the OSU campus community. Education programs are implemented with the support of professional staff and in partnership with the GLBT Alumni Society, other campus units and Central Ohio community resources.
Within the scope of educational programs are:
- Anti-Racism Series: This quarterly program series focuses on racism within the LGBTQ community, the development of anti-racist practice for the LGBTQ community, and the contributions of people of color to the LGBTQ community.
- Gender Identity Series: This quarterly program series focuses on gender identity, gender-normative privilege, wellness, transphobia, and the contributions of transgender, intersex, gender non-conforming, and gender-variant people to the LGBT community.
- Sexual Orientation Series: This quarterly program series focuses on sexual orientation, heterosexual privilege, wellness, homo and biphobia and the contributions of bisexual, lesbian and gay people to the LGBT community.
- Faith & Spirituality Series: This quarterly program series focuses on the many threads of spiritual experiences, faith identities, cultural heritage, and how they relate to gender and sexual identity development.
- Speakers Bureau: The main student to student outreach arm of LGBTQ Programming Initiatives, the Speakers Bureau provides educational panels and presentations to various campus departments, classes, and organizations on issues around sexual orientation and gender identity, with a focus on presenting the diversity of our community. In collaboration with professional staff, the Speakers Bureau student organization officers train new panelists and facilitators, coordinate panels, and oversee the Speakers Bureau Program.
- Safe Zone Project: The Safe Zone Project seeks to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all members of the campus community by reducing heterosexism, homophobia, and transphobia. Through the training program and the display of Safe Zone stickers/magnets, the project creates a visible and supportive network of allies within the campus community who have basic knowledge about issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.
LGBTQ Student Cohort Groups: Student Cohort Groups allow students to connect socially, find support, and develop their passions and interests regarding social justice and LGBTQ communities. They focus on intersections between identities, community building, professional development and leadership. Student Cohort Groups are implemented with the support of professional staff and in partnership with LGBTQ student organizations and Central Ohio community resources. Available student cohort groups include:
- LGBTQ First Year Cohort: The LGBTQ First Year Cohort is offered to first year and transfer students. It is also an excellent resource for students who are coming out. The cohort meets weekly. This program exists to build community and engage lesbian, gay, bi and pansexual, transgender, questioning & queer students in social, support and educational experiences. Student leaders help to facilitate each session, plan social outings, coordinate small groups discussions and serve as mentors to group participants.
- LGBTQ&A Student Association: The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning and Ally (LGBTQ&A) Student Association is targeted toward second and third year students. The group is dedicated to education, outreach, collaboration, and social activities to foster an environment of understanding, respect, and unity between the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and questioning community and the larger community with the direct support and assistance of straight allies.
- LGBTQ Leaders Consortium: OSU has a variety of LGBTQ oriented student organizations that tackle both political and social issues that affect the lives of LGBTQ students and their allies. The Leaders Consortium serves as an umbrella for these student organizations involved in the support and outreach to LGBTQ students at OSU. This program provides a vehicle for the officers of these students groups to develop professionally, build community, collaborate programmatically and secure funding and on-going training, and consultation.