Being LGBTQ+ at IU
LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff have unique needs and challenges. Thankfully, at IU, there are lots of resources to help make things easier.
Student Groups
Supportive social groups offer numerous opportunities for community involvement, networking, discussions on issues of sexual orientation and gender identity, and more.
Transitioning at IU
Transitioning can be an emotional process. We are here to help with support and information. Transgender and gender-nonconforming students have created a comprehensive guide on transitioning while at IU. Students may also reach out to LGBTQ+ Culture Center staff for support and additional resources during their gender transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to the LGBTQ+ Culture Center, which is a part of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs, the campus also has a standing advisory committee that deals with LGBTQ+ issues. This committee advises the administration on constituent group issues and concerns.
Indiana University establishes itself as an LGBTQ-friendly campus by including the phrases “sexual orientation,” “gender identity,” and “gender identity or expression” in its primary non-discrimination statement and Equal Employment Opportunity policy. IU also includes sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in public written statements about diversity and multiculturalism.
Indiana University includes LGBTQ+ issues, concerns, and representation in its grievance procedures, housing guidelines, admission application materials, and alumnae materials and publications.
Residential Programs and Services (RPS) provides transgender and genderqueer students the option to be housed in a space that aligns with their gender identity/expression. RPS provides multiple restroom options in their living areas, including floor single-occupant restrooms in Teter and McNutt and in-suite restrooms in Briscoe, Union Street, and Willkie. Gender-inclusive public restrooms are also available in most buildings.
RPS also partnered with the LGBTQ+ Culture Center to open the Spectrum Thematic Community in 2015. The community is open to returning and incoming students who identify across gender and sexuality spectra. Spectrum residents have the opportunity to explore the development of identities, related social constructs, and historical and present culture. The Spectrum community will allow students to live on a floor that validates and supports LGBTQ+ and ally individuals.
Indiana University’s Incident Team follows a clear and visible procedure for reporting bias incidents and hate crimes. The Incident Team provides support to the victim, outreach prevention for future incidents, and protocol for reporting hate crimes and bias incidents.
Members of the IU community and visitors can view a Google map of gender-inclusive restrooms on campus.
Career Development Center advisors can assist students in researching queer-friendly employers. The Human Rights Campaign regularly publishes the Corporate Equality Index, which rates businesses on the inclusivity of their work environments.
Learn more about how the LGBTQ+ Culture Center supports students at IUB.