Office of LGBTQ+ Initiatives and Allyship

Mission

The Office of LGBTQ+ Initiatives and Allyship seeks to create an affirming and equitable campus climate for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Non-binary, Transgender, Queer, Questioning and Ally (LGBTQ+) students. We provide training, educational, and social programming to FAU students, faculty, and staff.

Aim

By coordinating inclusionary efforts across campus, the office aims to foster a visible network of support and promote the achievements of students in an environment free of stigma based on sexual orientation, gender expression, and/or gender identity.

 

 

Signature Programs & Events

LGBTQ+ Welcome Receptions

Welcome Receptions occur at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. New and returning students are invited to learn about the network of support that exists at FAU to promote LGBTQ+ achievement. Participants are also exposed to involvement opportunities, resources and upcoming semester events.

 

Queer Coffee Hour

AAn opportunity for LGBTQ+ faculty, staff and students to explore and discuss topics related to identity and inclusion, as well as on campus resources available to serve the LGBTQ+ community. Coffee provided at each gathering.

 

Lavender Lunch

Lavender Lunches are an opportunity to discover important LGBTQ+ resource across the South Florida community. Students also learn about upcoming involvement opportunities with the Office. Food provided by the Office of LGBTQ+ Initiatives and Allyship

Coming Out Monologues

Coming Out Monologues is an annual event intended to center the experiences of the FAU LGBTQ+ community. Participants share coming out experiences through storytelling, spoken word, song, dance, or in whichever medium they express themselves best. Participation is open to faculty, staff and students.

 

Annual Drag Show

FAU’s annual drag show exposes participants to Drag Culture and its history. Locally known artists perform drag theatrically in an environment that promotes inclusion and awareness of issues affecting the LGBTQ community.

Friday, Oct. 7, 2022 at 8 p.m.

 

Lavender Graduation

A ceremony to honor Florida Atlantic University is graduating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Ally undergraduate and graduate students. The annual celebration commemorates their achievements, contributions, and unique experiences at FAU.

 

Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month

A series of events from October 1st through October 31, to commemorate and celebrate the presence, impact, and contributions of LGBTQ+ people throughout history.

 

Awareness/ Visibility

The office also provides programming to recognize the importance of days intended to raise visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.

• Bisexual Visibility
• LGBTQ+ History Month
• National Coming Out Day
• World Aids Day
• Ally Week
• National Transgender Day of Remembrance
• National Day of Silence
• Asexual Visibility

 

Resources

Safe Zone Training

Level One

The Safe Zone Ally Training program educates students, staff and faculty on issues related to the LGBTQ+ community, and fosters allies throughout our campuses. The goal of Safe Zone is to create a safe and inclusive campus environment for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Level Two

The Safe Zone Level Two Training educates participants on issues relating to the transgender and nonbinary community. The goal of Safe Zone is to foster an inclusive campus environment for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

 

Diversity Lounge

The Diversity Lounge is an affirming space for students, which features LGBTQ+ resources and information. Our monthly discussions entitled Lavender Lunches are also held within the space. The Diversty Lounge is located within the Center for IDEA’s in the Student Union room 206.

 

Owls Ally Network

The purpose of the Owls Ally Network is to foster a visible network of allies to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) community. Owl Allies are FAU faculty and staff who are informed about and supportive of LGBTQ+ concerns, respectful of confidentiality, and willing to help LGBTQ+ students find resources when needed.

 

Gender Inclusive Bathrooms

 

Involvement Opportunities

Awareness/ Visibility

The office also provides programming to recognize the importance of days intended to raise visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Bisexual Visibility
• LGBT History Month
• National Coming Out Day
• World Aids Day
• Ally Week
• National Transgender Day of Remembrance
• National Day of Silence

 

LGBTQ+ Peer Mentor Program

A collaborative effort between the Office and Counseling and Psychological Services, the Peer Mentor Program seeks to provide community building opportunities to FAU undergraduate and graduate students. Mentors aim to support mentees through many facets of LGBTQ identity development.

 

Registered Student Organizations

FAU offers more than 300 registered student organizations including various LGBTQ+ organizations.