LGBTQIA* Resources

SLU Rainbow Alliance

Rainbow Alliance is a chartered student organization whose mission is to provide an on-campus community for LGBTQIA+ students. Rainbow Alliance sponsors educational and social activities to affirm the dignity and self-worth of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning students and their allies.

Meetings cover a wide range of activities, including things like speakers, discussions, projects and games. Meetings are informal and largely social events, presenting a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. You can email Rainbow Alliance at alliance@slu.edu or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Center for Social Action

SLU's Center for Social Action, located in Wuller Hall, connects students with volunteer opportunities in the community. The center will assist students in finding opportunities and organizations that are inclusive, supportive and safe.

Service Interest Form

Community Partner Database

Campus Ministry

Guided by the Catholic Church and the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits, SLU Campus Ministry welcomes and serves all our students, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of all God's children.

In addition to coordinating traditional spiritual advising, Campus Ministry offers a spring semester retreat centered around the LGBTQ experience, particularly how different identities interact with religion and spirituality. The retreat takes the format of talks, small groups, solo time, reflections, and activities and is led by a mix of juniors, seniors, and staff members. For more information, contact Julia Erdlen at julia.erdlen@slu.edu.

 

Dean of Students Office

Committed to the Ignatian philosophy of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, SLU's Dean of Students office aims to ensure that every student has the opportunity to persist and succeed in their college career. There are many situations that the Dean of Students office can help students to navigate at SLU, including but not limited to academic or financial distress, anxiety and depression, student grievances and bias incident reporting, and challenges posed by a variety of developmental transitions.

Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement

The Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement helps SLU forge stronger bonds of common human purpose and shared values across the distinctions of race, class, gender, sexual identity and faith. The office’s areas of responsibility include the Cross Cultural Center for Global Citizenship, the Center for Global Citizenship the Center for Social Action, a Diversity Speaker Series and the annual MLK Tribute. The office also oversees our fulfillment of the Clock Tower Accords, which commit us to actively strengthen diversity, inclusion and equity on our campuses.

Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX

Saint Louis University's Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX, in DuBourg Hall, works with all members of the SLU community on matters related to affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination. The office also oversees the University's compliance with Title IX. This federal law prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities and is a resource for sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence and stalking. The office also serves as a resource for:

• Filing complaints of bias
• Receiving assistance for academic, housing and/or counseling accommodations
• Facilitating training/presentations

Queer Closet

Housed in the office of Rainbow Alliance, Queer Closet is dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA Billikens and allies. The closet is a resource where students can access donated clothing items, including fashion accessories and undergarments that help people wear clothing that corresponds to their gender identification in a flattering, comfortable way.

For more information or to arrange to donate to Queer Closet, contact alliance@slu.edu.

Queer and Trans Wellness Clinic @ SLU

Queer and Trans Wellness Clinic @ SLU provides financially accessible, culturally-attuned therapeutic care and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community and their families in Missouri. For more information about the clinic, email qtclinic@health.slu.edu or call 314-977-2505 and ask for the Queer and Trans Wellness Clinic.

Student Health

The Student Health Center, located on the ground floor of Marchetti Tower East, offers all SLU students a wide range of medical and psychiatric services. The staff consists of trained professionals committed to providing confidential, non-judgmental care. Students interested in having a private conversation about specific LGBTQ information, resources related to their health and what they can expect during a visit to the student health center can reach out to the director of the center, Katie Skosky, at 314-977-7167.

Transgender Health Collaborative

The Transgender Health Collaborative is a network of researchers and clinicians working with the transgender community throughout Saint Louis University and partner organizations. The collaborative was established in 2020 to promote the health of the transgender and genderqueer community through clinical services, research and clinical education.

University Counseling Center (UCC)

The University Counseling Center, located in Wuller Hall, provides medical treatment, counseling and outpatient services, as well as various educational programs for all Saint Louis University full-time, part-time and graduate students. The center offers assessment and psychotherapy to students who want to discuss concerns or challenges in a confidential environment.

Band Together STL

Band Together STL is a St. Louis-area volunteer music organization supporting the LGBTQIA* community.

Bisexual Alliance of St. Louis

Facebook page for Bisexual Alliance of St. Louis (BASL or "basil"), a social networking/social support group that understands bisexuality as a normal part of everyday life. Their goal is to develop a sense of community and mutual support within the Saint Louis metropolitan region.

Black Pride St. Louis

Black Pride St. Louis is the nation's second oldest Black Gay Pride Organization, serving as a resource for the Saint Louis Metro's Black and Underserved LGBTQ+ community as a catalyst for unity and pride.

Gateway Business Guild

The Facebook page for Gateway Business Guild, an organization formed to help the community support businesses that ally with the LGBTQIA* community.

Gateway Men's Chorus

The mission of the Gateway Men’s Chorus is to affirm and promote gay culture and acceptance through excellence in musical performance and education. Rehearsal schedules are currently modified to protect members' health.

General St. Louis LGBTQIA* Information

Find social opportunities, local queer history and useful article links from Explore St. Louis.

MTUG (Metro Trans Umbrella Group)

The mission of MTUG is to bring together the community of trans, non-binary, genderqueer, androgynous, intersex and allies in the St. Louis metro area through community, visibility, advocacy and education. Whether you are part of another transgender identity group or wish to find a sense of community, MTUG strives to support all individuals that fall under the “umbrella term” of "trans," which includes but is not limited to transsexuals (FtM, MtF), genderqueer, androgynous, agender, intersex, drag and questioning. Email for more information at info@stlmetrotrans.org.

Pride St. Charles

Pride St. Charles promotes equality within St. Charles County and advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community through positive events, support, education and resources.

PrideSTL and PrideCenter

This three-decade-old organization organizes Saint Louis' annual Pride festivities in June and operates PrideCenter, a free meeting place for LGBTQIA+ groups to hold meetings and events. The center also houses a library of several thousand books on LGBTQIA+, feminist, gender, and race topics cataloged for the public to loan. Email: center@pridestl.org

Prime Timers Saint Louis

A local chapter of Prime Timers World Wide provides adult gay and bisexual men (21 years and older) opportunities to come together in a supportive atmosphere to enjoy social, educational, and recreational activities. The group mainly addresses the social needs of aging gay and bisexual men. The chapter is scheduling and promoting online/internet activities to keep members engaged and in contact with each other.

PRIZM at the University of Missouri Saint Louis

PRIZM is UMSL’s Queer -Transgender–Straight Alliance. They strive to create and maintain an inclusive, safe and accepting environment on the UMSL campus for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. They aim to defeat negative stereotypes and educate people by sponsoring special events and activities on campus throughout the school year.

PFLAG Saint Louis

PFLAG STL promotes the health and well-being of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered persons, their families, and friends through support, to cope with an adverse society, education, to enlighten an ill-informed public, and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Email: rosenpsyd@juno.com

St. Louis Community Projects

• Saint Louis LGBT History Project
• Mapping LGBTQ St. Louis

St. Louis Equality Dance

St. Louis Equality Dance (SLED) is an all-volunteer group of dancers committed to supporting and growing the same-sex ballroom dance community in the St. Louis area. As of October 2020, classes are suspended for safety reasons.

St. Louis Gender Foundation

The St. Louis Gender Foundation is a not-for-profit and non-sexual support and educational resource for gender non-conforming adults. They also welcome significant others, caring professionals, and all who support freedom of gender expression.

St. Louis Queer+ Support Helpline

SQSH offers free, confidential and identity-affirming emotional support and resource referrals by and for the St. Louis LGBTQIA+ community. Trained peer helpline volunteers are available Friday to Monday, 1 - 7 p.m.

• Local: 314-380-7774
• Toll-Free: 844-785-7774

Team Saint Louis

Team Saint Louis is organized to educate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied public about various methods of promoting general health and the benefits of participation in competitive sports as a specific means of health promotion.

Transparent Saint Louis

Transparent's stated mission is to empower gender-independent children to live authentically. The group strives to normalize the naturally-occurring human experience of gender independence through connection, support and resources to assist families with their child’s gender journey.

Washington University in Saint Louis Groups

Pride Alliance: Pride Alliance is a multi-focus LGBTQIA organization open to all Washington University students regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression. Pride Alliance holds a general body meeting every two weeks during the school year.

People Like US (+PLUS): +PLUS is a group whose primary focus is holding closed spaces for students who are both LGBTQ-identified and people of color to discuss unique issues at the intersections of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity. It also works to spread dialogues on intersectionality and advocacy, collaborate with student groups and outside organizations, and remain in solidarity with QTPOC with various experiences, circumstances and needs.

PROMO (For the Personal Rights of Missourians)

PROMO is Missouri's Statewide Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Advocacy and Civil Rights Organization.
Contact PROMO@promoonline.org or 314-862-4900.

DignityUSA

DignityUSA works for respect and justice for all gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy and support.


Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbigay political organization, working to end discrimination, secure equal rights, and protect the health and safety of all Americans. With a national staff, and volunteers and members throughout the country, HRC lobbies the federal government on gay, lesbian and HIV/AIDS issues, educates the public, participates in election campaigns, organizes volunteers, and provides expertise and training at the state and local level.


It Gets Better Project

The It Gets Better Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe. Growing up isn’t easy, especially when trying to affirm and assert your sexual orientation and/or gender identity. It can be a challenging and isolating process, but the good news is that no one has to do it alone.

Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)

Located in and representing communities nationwide, PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends through support, education, and advocacy. PFLAG provides an opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF)

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force works to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people at the local, state and national levels.

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is an American nonprofit organization founded in 1998 focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth. Through a toll-free telephone number (866-488-7386), it operates The Trevor Lifeline, a confidential service that offers trained counselors.

allgo

allgo offers a variety of programs to support queer people of color. Its programming broadly falls into the following categories: cultural arts, wellness and social justice.

Asian Pride Project

Asian Pride Project celebrates the journeys, triumphs and struggles of LGBTQ individuals and Asian and Pacific Islander (API) families and communities. They capture these stories by using the arts – film, video, photography and the written word – as a medium for social justice and advocacy in the LGBTQ realm.

Black Trans Travel Fund

The Black Trans Travel Fund was developed to provide Black transgender women with the financial resources needed to self-determine and access safer alternatives to travel, where women feel less likely to experience verbal harassment or physical harm. Currently provides services in New York and New Jersey.

Department of Justice Pride

DOJ Pride represents LGBT employees of the U.S. Department of Justice and their allies.

Latino Equality Alliance

The mission of The Latino Equality Alliance and Mi Centro is to advocate for liberty, equality and justice for the Latino LGBTQ community.

Muslims for Progressive Values: LGBTQ+ Resources

Muslims for Progressive Values advocates for human rights, social justice and inclusion in the United States and worldwide.

National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance

NQAPIA seeks to build the capacity of local LGBT AAPI organizations, invigorate grassroots organizing, develop leadership and challenge homophobia, racism, and anti-immigrant bias.

National Resource Center on LGBT Aging

The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging is the country's first and only technical assistance resource center aimed at improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender older adults.

Solutions Not Punishment Collaborative

Solutions Not Punishment Collaborative is an Atlanta-based Black, Trans and Queer led organization that builds safety within the community, invests in collective embodied leadership and builds political power.

• “Guide to Being a Straight Ally - 4th Edition”
• LGBTQIA+ Related Terminology (UC Davis LGBTQIA Resource Center)
• The ABCs of LGBTQIA+ (NY Times Article)
• 10 Things to Say (and Not to Say) When a Friend Comes Out
• Mental Health Challenges in the LGBTQ Community Mental health resources and advice from HealthPartners, a health care and insurance company.

• Coming Home to Catholicism and to Self
• LGBTQIA Safer Sex Guide

• Recognizing the Cyclical Nature of Coming Out (Psychology Today article)

• Is it OK Not to Come Out? For LGBT youth, staying in the closet is sometimes the smart choice
• 20 Things to Know Before You Come Out and How to Go About It
• Live Your Best Life: Seven Mental Health and Wellness Tips for the LGBTQI+ Community
• LGBTQ Asylum Seekers and Refugees Must Be Welcome Here (Blog post)
• [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lgbtq-stories/id1182213921] LGBTQ Stories hosted by Kevin Gerdes on Apple Podcasts
• Muslim Institute article: Islam's LGBT Allies
• Transgender Law Center

• Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 for text hotline
• St. Louis Queer+ Support Helpline: SQSH offers free, confidential and identity-affirming emotional support and resource referrals by and for the St. Louis LGBTQIA+ community. Trained peer helpline volunteers are available Friday to Monday, 1 - 7 p.m.
  • Local: 314-380-7774
  • ‍Toll-Free: 844-785-7774
• LGBT National Help Center: 800-246-7743
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
• Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
• The Trevor Lifeline: 866-488-7386

A map with information about the location, ADA compliance, menstrual support and caregiver support of all-gender restrooms at SLU is available.

View All Gender Restroom Locations on Campus

Map Key

Blue: ADA Compliant
Red: Menstrual Products Available
Yellow: Changing Table
Black: Basic Single-Occupancy Bathroom

About This Map

Most bathrooms listed are single occupancy; multiple occupancy bathrooms are noted.

Please email ollie.schilling@slu.edu with any questions or concerns or if you notice any inaccuracies with the information on this map.

Changing your name in Banner may change your email name, and it will be used to identify you in PeopleFinder. Currently, your preferred name will not be reflected in the EAB system, your transcript and classroom rosters.

1. Log into the mySLU portal
2. Click on Banner Self-Service
3. Use the Search bar and manually type in "preferred name"
4. It will automatically populate "1 results found for preferred name Personal Information"
   a. Click on Personal Information
5. Type your preferred name in the empty white box
6. Hit "Submit"

If a student has legally changed their name, they may submit the Personal Information Update Form at the Registrar's Office in DuBourg Hall, Room 119.

Saint Louis University is dedicated to espousing a spirit of respect, compassion and sensitivity for all students. That includes a commitment to providing safe, comfortable, and supportive living environments for all, including those whose gender identity and/or expression differs from the gender assigned to them at birth.

The Department of Housing and Residence Life’s policies regarding housing assignments are guided by cura personalis, or "care of the whole person." Consistent with those values, Housing and Residence Life operates by the following standards:

Transgender, gender non-conforming and non-binary students have the option to:

• Indicate in the housing application the gender their assignment will be based upon
• Live with students who share their gender identity or who are affirming of their gender identity
• List their preferred name and gender identity on the housing contract in a text box included to provide additional information. Students can also change their student information via the Office of the Registrar.
• Match with their preferred roommate by sharing their Banner ID during the housing registration and selection process. New students receive Banner IDs upon enrollment and prior to starting the housing registration process.

If a student needs additional assistance, they may contact Housing and Residence Life for guidance in finding a housing assignment or roommate by contacting reslife@SLU.edu.

Housing assignments for students are guided by the following values:

• Respect for and affirmation of the student's gender identity and/or expression
• Prioritized attention to the student's physical safety and emotional health
• Enhancing the student's opportunity for success at St. Louis University by finding the best match between the student's needs and the options available

If you would like to discuss your housing options, please contact one of the following staff members:

• John Nguyen, assignments coordinator
  314-977-2811
  john.nguyen@slu.edu 
• Lauren Davis, director of housing operations
  lauren.davis.1@slu.edu
  314-977-2811

It is important for you to inquire about your housing options as early in the process as possible, while the widest range of options is available. This process is confidential. If you have already completed a housing contract with SLU and indicated that your gender identity falls into this area, you will be contacted directly to discuss your housing placement.