Campus Resources for the LGBTQ Community
Office of LGBTQ Programs and Services
The Office of LGBTQ Programs and Services coordinates inclusive efforts designed to create a supportive campus environment that recognizes, appreciates, and affirms sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
- MacVittie Union 348
- (585) 245-6237
LGBTQ+ Resource Center
THE LGBTQ Resource Center is currently closed due to building renovations.
Department of Student Health & Counseling
The Student Health & Counseling staff recognizes and appreciates the diversity of Geneseo’s student body and their health care needs. Our entire staff has participated in Safe Zone training to assist us with providing services in a way that is sensitive to the concerns of LGBTQIA students; many staff members have had additional diversity training as well. Our services are available to ALL students, and we do not discriminate in our service delivery, hiring, or other policies/procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
To schedule an appointment with Health Services, call (585) 245 - 5736.
To schedule an appointment with Counseling Services, call (585) 245 - 5716.
Business hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm
Pathways Peer Advocacy
Pathways is a confidential peer-to-peer program. Peer advocates are student volunteers who successfully completed intensive training in helping skills. Peer Advocates offer support and referral information to students managing various challenges, including concerns about stress, academic issues, and social relationships or situations. For more information, visit the Pathways website.
Call (585)-237-8860 between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. any day of the week to reach a Pathways Peer Advocate.
Pillar Advocacy Program
Pillar is a network for LGBTQ+ and Ally students in Greek Life. Through Pillar, students can connect with one another across affiliations for networking, socialization, and support. Additionally, LGBTQ+ students interested in learning more about fraternities and sororities at Geneseo can connect with Pillar advocates who can provide insight and personal experience with recruitment and membership. The Pillar website also serves as a resource for students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni looking for information on LGBTQ+ resources specific to fraternity/sorority life, educational programming (such as Safe Zone), and organizations with transgender inclusive membership policies.
Preferred Name Change
At this time, transgender students may petition the Dean of Students to have their preferred name appear in place of their legal name in certain situations in the college experience. Please visit the Geneseo Preferred Name Process page for more information on how to utilize this policy.
The Office of LGBTQ+ Programs and Services may be able to assist students that have completed the Preferred Name Change Process by providing a portion of the funds needed for the purchase of a new student identification card. Please contact the office for more information.
All Gender Restrooms
Also commonly referred to as Gender-Neutral Restrooms, beginning in 2015, SUNY Geneseo is now in phase 1 of ensuring accessible restrooms all over campus regardless of gender identity, biological sex, or sexual orientation. The location of these restrooms can be found on this All-Gender Restrooms Map.
Residential Living
For any issues for students who are already living on campus, your first stop can be your Area Coordinator (AC). These professional staff members are responsible for the administration of each of the residence halls. Having been Safe Zone trained and with experience in crisis response, ACs are particularly sensitive to the needs of residential students. If you don't know who your AC is, you can find them on the page of Student Life Staff.
Gender Inclusive Housing is now offered in all of the residence halls. A living experience that allows students to live with one another regardless of their gender identity, Gender Inclusive Housing can allow students to feel entirely comfortable living with whomever they'd like. For more information on Gender Inclusive Housing, contact Student Life at life@geneseo.edu or 585-245-5851.
For concerns about your living experience that have not been adequately addressed by your AC, you are welcome to contact Director of Student Life, Chip Matthews, by emailing matthewsc@geneseo.edu or calling 585-245-5851.
Academic Courses
The Women’s and Gender Studies program has the most regular offerings regarding LGBTQ+ issues. The department coordinator is Professor Melanie Blood (blood@geneseo.edu).
You can also contact the chair of your home department to inquire about courses relating to LGBTQ+ issues.
SafeZone Training
Want to get your department, unit or student group trained in LGBTQ+ Issues? Fill out this Safezone Training Request by filling out this Google Form. You can also visit Geneseo's Safe Zone Network page for more information.
See these stickers somewhere?
Either of these stickers mean that individual has undergone Safe Zone training and is ready and willing to be an ally to LGBTQ individuals.
If you are a student interested in applying to become a Safe Zone Trainer, please click here:
LGBTQ Issues Working Group
This committee of students, faculty & staff examines issues relevant to LGBTQ+ students. More information on the committee and its members, can be found on the LGBTQ+ Website.
Chair: Alice Rutkowski, Associate Professor of English, rutkowsk@geneseo.edu
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS ON CAMPUS
The Pride Alliance is an SA-funded organization at SUNY Geneseo. Their main purpose is the promotion of education and community, both within the LGBTQ+ community as well with straight allies. The group holds weekly meetings as well as various other events on campus. They meet on Thursdays, 8 PM, in the College Union's Hunt Room (College Union 135). Some officers have weekly office hours in Union 308; check the door for the schedule, it changes every semester. These hours are open to any student with any kind of question.
Hanna Brant, Advisor, hbrant@geneseo.edu
WAC is a SA-funded group that works towards equality for people of all genders and can be contacted at wacsg@geneseo.edu.
Selected Off Campus Resources
Out Alliance of the Genesee Valley
Based in Rochester, OAGV is a non-profit agency dedicated to the eradication of heterosexism and homophobia and the empowerment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among LGBTQ youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources including our nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline, digital community and advocacy/educational programs that create a safe, supportive and positive environment for everyone.
24/7 helpline: 1-866-488-7386
A Rochester, NY-based primary medical care and walk-in clinic celebrating LGBTQ life and health. You will find LGBTQ health-affirming doctors, nurses, and various educational programming centered on information pertaining to both the physical and spiritual health of LGBTQ persons as well links to resources in the Rochester area.
Parents Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays
PFLAG is an excellent site for supporters of lesbian, gay, and transgender individuals; it includes information on support, education, and advocacy.
Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere
Designed for both young and old children of a lesbian or gay parent/parents, COLAGE provides both information and volunteer opportunities.
Lynn Conway
Lynn Conway, a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), created Mementos from Trans-Advocacy to share positive profiles of transgender people. Includes various helpful resources and translations into over 15 languages.
HIV/AIDS Tribe
This free HIV/AIDS support community offers information, therapist blogs, a forum, and more.
Campus Pride
Resources, events and research on creating safer college environments for LGBTQ students.
Gay and Lesbian National Hotline
Counseling, education and resources for all ages. They can be reached by telephone at (888) 843-4564.
GLAAD - Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
Works to create LGBTQ equality and cultural change through media and cultural institutions.
HRC - Human Rights Campaign
Educational material and resources working towards LGBTQ equality, including state maps of current laws and policies.
TSER - Trans Student Equality Resources
Resources, education, and networking improving the school environment for trans and gender nonconforming students.