Resources for LGBTQ+ Students
Resources for those with diverse sexualities and genders come at many levels, organization size, and focus. Below you will find resources at the campus/university, local, state, and national level.
If you have suggestions or feedback on our resources, please send them to us via this link.
Resources to help you feel supported
On-campus resources
Resources from our office
How to Survive Mount Pleasant guide
In the style of the "Being Not-Rich at UM" guide, the Office of LGBTQ+ Services and Gender Equity Programs has created an on-going and crowd-sourced guide to living in Mount Pleasant as an LGBTQ+ person. To access the guide, reach out to our Director.
Office of LGBTQ+ Services and Gender Equity Programs Book Library
The Office of LGBTQ+ Services and Gender Equity Programs has a wealth of texts about gender, sexuality, relationships, and the intersections of identity. Students may read the texts while in the CSID or can check them out by reaching out to office staff.
On-campus support
Counseling Center
Counseling services are free and confidential.
The Center for Student Inclusion and Diversity has a dedicated counselor for students with historically marginalized identities. Learn more about Elizabeth and schedule an appointment with her here.
Office of Civil Rights and Institutional Equity (OCRIE)
The Office of Civil Rights and Institutional Equity supervises the maintenance of related reports and records, provides and develops related educational programs and materials, offers guidance and advice to all community members on the University's nondiscrimination and affirmative action policies and procedures, assists departments with recruitment and retention activities, and receives and resolves complaints of discrimination from students, employees and others.
It is important to know that OCRIE is not a confidential resource and is required to report certain crimes/incidents by law.
Office for Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The Office for Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offers campus-wide programs and activities for students, faculty, and staff that foster better understanding across diverse groups.
Student organizations
Spectrum
Spectrum is Central Michigan University's alliance for LGBTQIA students and allies. This organization serves as a social space to connect with other LGBTQ+ students on campus and create community together.
Transcend
Transcend is dedicated to support for and community of transgender people and their partners, families, and allies. The organization serves as a welcoming and judgement-free space for gender diverse people to share their experiences and create a sense of belonging for one another.
Mount Pleasant/local resources
Listening Ear Crisis Center
Listening Ear offers hope and opportunity by listening to, supporting and advocating for people who need quality services and safe, affordable housing.
Mount Pleasant Pride Center
The Mount Pleasant Pride Center is an all-volunteer supported center with the mission to "empower, support, and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. We are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and vibrant space where individuals can find community, access essential resources, and foster personal growth."
State resources
ACLU: American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan
A state chapter of the national ACLU, ACLU of Michigan has expanded its reach by applying international human rights standards in our complex Post 9/11 world. A number of national projects address specific civil liberties issues: AIDS, capital punishment, lesbian and gay rights, immigrants' rights, prisoners' rights, reproductive freedom, voting rights, women's rights and workplace rights.
CenterLink: The Community of LGBTQ Centers
CenterLink is an international nonprofit organization andmember-based association of LGBTQ centers and other LGBTQ organizations serving their local and regional communities. Our mission is to strengthen, support, and connect LGBTQ community centers.
LAHR: Lansing Association for Human Rights
The Lansing Association for Human Rights, lovingly known as LAHR, is one of the oldest LGBTQIA advocacy organizations in Michigan. Our vision is simple: a Michigan that values all people. Simple, but not easy. LAHR works towards this vision through inspired activism, education and connection. And we want you to join us. Now more than ever, we need your help in working towards the Michigan we envision. We hope you’re ready to connect with us to support the lives of LGBTQIA people in your community.
Michigan Pride
Michigan Pride provides education, outreach, support, and events to enhance the lives of lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgender people and builds quality relationships with all Michigan residents.
PFLAG: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
PFLAG Great Lakes Bay (a chapter of the national PFLAG organization) is working to make sure that all people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer are not only valued by society, but take pride in and value themselves. We do this through providing peer-to-peer support, educating people on the issues that are important to the community, and advocating for inclusive policies and laws.
Transgender Michigan
Transgender Michigan's primary mission is to provide advocacy, support and education while serving to create coalitions in the state of Michigan to unify and empower transgender and gender non-conformist communities.
National resources
COLAGE: Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere
COLAGE is celebrating 30 years as the only national organization expressly dedicated to supporting people with one or more LGBTQ+ caregivers, uniting them with a network of peers and supporting them as they nurture and empower each other to be skilled, self-confident, and just leaders in their communities.
Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals
The Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals is a member-based organization working towards the liberation of LGBTQ people in higher education. We support individuals who work on campuses to educate and support people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as advocate for more inclusive policies and practices through an intersectional and racial justice framework.
GLAAD: Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
GLAAD works through entertainment, news, and digital media to share stories from the LGBTQ community that accelerate acceptance.
GLAD: Legal Advocates & Defenders
Since 1978, GLAD's bold litigation has achieved scores of precedent-setting victories on behalf of LGBTQ people and those living with HIV.
GLSEN: Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network
GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. Together we can transform our nation's schools into the safe and affirming environment all youth deserve.
Hudson's FTM Resource Guide
Hudson's FTM Resource Guide is intended to provide information on topics of interest to trans men and trans mascs. Non-trans men have also found the pages on men's grooming and clothing to be helpful. Transgender, cisgender, intersex, non-binary, genderqueer, questioning, and all others are welcome.
ILGA World: International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association
Since 1978, ILGA World: International Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association have been committed to equal human rights for rainbow communities and their liberation from all forms of discrimination.We support LGBTI civil society worldwide through advocacy and research projects, and give grassroots movements a voice within international organizations.
Lambda Legal: Making the case for equality
Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.
National LGBTQ Task Force
The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. We are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Projectis the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning youth.