USF hosts several year-long programs and services to nurture the LGBTQ+ community. Many of the programs are centered around education to help create cultural awareness. The goal is to encourage an inclusive and safe environment where students can develop global perspectives guided by USF’s Principles of Community. Events are held throughout the year and resources are continuously expanding to better address safety concerns, equity, student support, health and wellness needs for LGBTQ+ students, staff and faculty.
Pride Month honors the New York City Stonewall uprising that started on June 28, 1969, when members of the LGBTQ+ community protested police harassment. The demonstrations catalyzed the gay rights movement worldwide. Now, in the spirit of commemorating the struggles and acknowledging the strides, celebrations occur throughout the month of June with events ranging from parades to workshops and more.
Many of the strides made for USF’s LGBTQ+ community were spearheaded by the People Respecting Individual Diversity and Equality Alliance (PRIDE Alliance), the oldest and largest gay-straight student organization among all Florida public universities. Since 1974, it has actively pursued equality, inclusion and safety for its members.
Many of the issues experienced by the LGBTQ+ community are fundamental, such as access to health care, the ability to change one’s name and use of safe restrooms. The Committee on Issues of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (CISOGI), a presidential advisory group, focuses on sexual and/or affectional orientation issues as they pertain to faculty, staff and students, and has worked to expand policies and resources. The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), which houses more than 50 cultural or identity-based student organizations, works closely with CISOGI and PRIDE Alliance to create ongoing events and workshops that celebrate USF’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.
OMA leads several programs, such as the Safe Zone training workshops, the annual Lavender Graduation, Transgender Day of Visibility and LGBTQ+ history month in October.
Safe Zone
Safe Zone is a four-part training workshop available to all students, staff and faculty. The program is offered by OMA, which works to create an inclusive campus environment by promoting intercultural dialogue, awareness, advocacy and respect for diversity through its events and training programs.
Workshop participants learn about fundamental terms, identities and experiences related to the LBGTQ+ community. The goal of the program is to foster supportive allies and advocates across all the campuses.
Stonewall Suites
Stonewall Suites is a residential Living Learning Community (LLC) for LGBTQ+ and allied students on the Tampa campus. The suites are immersive environments of awareness, respect and advocacy for all sexual orientations and gender identities. Students can build a strong community with their peers, staff and faculty and have resources on- and off-campus. The deadline to apply is June 15th.
Haven Clinic
Student Health Services provides students with a range of medical, counseling, prevention and wellness services to help students remain healthy and succeed academically. Their services are designed to promote and protect the health of the entire campus community. The Haven Clinic is a confidential health resource for members within a culturally sensitive environment. Board-certified physicians specialize in LGBTQ+ Healthcare and Trans+care. Services include general health care, inclusive sexual health exams, Hormone Replacement Therapy, testing for sexually transmitted infections, PrEP: HIV Prevention and Post-exposure Prophylaxis to reduce the risk of HIV infection.
USF Libraries - Tampa Special Collections
Special Collections at the USF Libraries offers a resource portal that is actively expanding. The LGBTQ+ Research Collections hosts dozens of local and international archives, books and periodicals. The collections encompass event recordings, photographs, various administrative records, lyric sheets and much more. Together, they help illuminate the history and struggles of a diverse LGBTQ+ community.
Special Collections continues to promote the collections with scholarship and internship programs. Every year, one student is awarded a scholarship to use the collections in their research. Interns process, promote and develop new collections. Two of the newest intern-led online exhibits feature 19th century queer narratives and a young adult literature collection edited with through a culturally sensitive lens which is more inclusive of LGBTQ+ experiences.
QTPOC & Coffee
Queer and Trans People of Color Collective (QTPOC) is a student union focused on the intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. The QTPOC & Coffee series, hosted by OMA, addresses intersectionality through casual dialogue. There is emphasis on the intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation.
Togetherall
Togetherall is a free online peer-to-peer platform that offers a safe space to connect with others with similar experiences and emotions. The platform allows users to participate anonymously and has a variety of resources that help individuals assess their feelings and create goals. Trained professionals are available everyday throughout the year. Registration requires a USF student email address.
