LGBTQIA+ Community Center
First Floor
Rm 104
Welcome Home
The ӣƵ LGBTQIA+ Community Center works to create an open and inclusive environment for all students, faculty and staff. The center aims to affirm all sexual orientations, forms of gender expression, and gender identities through advocacy, education, and events.
Message from President Barry Maloney

As ӣƵ strives to become one of the most accepting and inclusive campuses, we launch this web site providing information and resources not just for those who identify as LGBTQ+, but foreveryone.
We established the Campus Climate Committee several years ago. Survey research the group undertook uncovered that we must do more to improve the experiences of all underrepresented groups, and, especially, those who identify as LGBTQ+. The Gender Identity working group (now the LGBTQ+ Advisory group) has since revamped our policies and procedures in areas such as data collection and campus records related to gender identity, chosen name, andpronouns.
Workshops and skill building sessions were held in academic year 2018-2019 to promote awareness and facilitate implementation of those changes. I appreciate the leadership the Gender Identity working group has demonstrated in moving usforward.
From this site, you can learn about resources available to, as well as the achievements and experiences of, our LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff. I ask you to explore it, and to do your part to make ӣƵ one of the most welcoming and inclusivecampuses.
Campus PrideIndex

In the Spring of 2021, the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging, in collaboration with the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Group, participated in the Campus Pride Index initiative to evaluate the University’s current environment and review recommended changes as well as a means of measuring future progress. The Campus Pride Index is an overall indicator of institutional commitment to LGBTQ-inclusive policies, programs and practices. ӣƵ is proud to receive a Campus Pride Index score of 4.5 out of 5. For more detailed information, please visit .
Chosen Name and Pronoun Forms and Policy
In a recent update to university policy, students, faculty, and staff can now designate a chosen first name, pronouns, and non-binary gender identity within our information system. Chosen name will be used on internal campus communications wherever a legal name is notnecessary.
Your chosen name will be reflected throughout the university’s computer information systems (including course registration lists, OneCard, Blackboard, and email addresses), and will be the official way you will be addressed throughout your daily life in our campus community. Students who would like to update information can visit the Registrar’s Office and fill out the“Chosen Name, Gender Identity, and Pronoun RequestForm.”
After the form has been processed, you can update your OneCard and email address. For email address updates,submit a help deskticket.
Faculty and staff interested in updating their information should contact Employee Services, hr@worcester.edu
For more information about records and data collection, please see our.
Lavender Graduate Celebration
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!!
This years Ceremony will take place on May 6th in Eager Auditorium (Sullivan Building) followed immediately by refreshments in the LGBTQIA+ Community Center. If you would like to attend, please click on the link below to RSVP (even if you are not a graduating student).
Doors open at 2:30pm with the Ceremony beginning at 3p.

LGBTQIA+ Monthly Events (April/May)
April 29 (Wednesday): 9a-12:30p. Tie-Dye and Crafts with the LGBTQIA+ Alliance. This will be held in the LGBTQIA+ Community Center (RM 104 of the Student Center).
May 6 (Wednesday): 2:30p-4:30p. Lavender Graduate Celebration. Come celebrate the accomplishments of our LGBTQIA+ and ally students as they receive lavender stoles to wear at Commencement. (more information above).
May 15: End of Semester and Graduate Commencement (CONGRATS TO EVERYONE).
May 16: Undergraduate Commencement (CONGRATS GRADUATES!!)

LGBTQIA+ Community Center Weekly Events:
Tuesday: 3p-4p: LGBTQIA+ Support Group
Wednesday: 3p-4p: LGBTQIA+ Alliance General Meeting
Thursday: 10a-11a: Chill Vibes Quiet Hour (Find a moment of peace in this intentionally quiet and productive space in the Community Center)
Friday: 1p-2p: Queer Social Hour (Socialize with community members and allies)
Out and Ally List
The ӣƵ Out and Ally list is a resource provided by the ӣƵ LGBTQIA+ Resource Center. By agreeing to be part of the Out and Ally list, you are helping to promote LGBTQIA+ awareness and visibility on campus in the community.
The Out and Ally List serves as a community engagement resource for all LGBTQIA+ students seeking guidance, academic and non-academic support. Self-identified out and proud members show a rainbow flag icon.
If you are interested in joining the Worcester State Out and Ally list, please click on the link below
Training
If you would like to have a training for your group, organization, or department please reach out to Steven Edwards (sedwards3@worcester.edu) or Drew Goins (agoins@worcester.edu). 1 on 1 appointments to speak with an LGBTQIA+ Community Center staff member are available; for more information, please reach out to Steven Edwards (sedwards3@worcester.edu).
LGBTQIA+ Resources
This 30 minute training discusses all the LGBTQIA+ resources and connection points on campus.
Allyship Training
This 45 minute Allyship Training includes best support practices for the LGBTQIA+ community by learning basic terminology, key concepts, and resources.
This training is recommended before taking the Beyond the Binary training.
Title IX & the LGBTQ+ Community
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If you have experienced any form of sexual violence or discrimination based on sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, please contact the Title IX Coordinator, Jennifer Quinn (jquinn@worcester.edu,508-929-8243) to report the incident and receive any support and guidance that may beneeded.
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- Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity:diversity@worcester.eduǰ508-929-8053
- Bias Incident Response Team: All members of the Worcester State community who experience or witness a bias incident should immediately report the incident via the. All reports of bias incidents are directed to the EO Officer and/or their designee(s) and then taken to the Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT).Find out about additional reportingoptions.
- Find out more about confidential reporting options andresources.
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ӣƵ is committed to a policy of non-discrimination, equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action, and dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people. ӣƵ does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its educational programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, or veteranstatus.
For more information or to report discrimination please contact theOffice of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging.
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- You have the right to present your gender however youchoose.
- You have the right to have your correct name and pronounsrespected.
- You have the right to engage in romantic and intimate relationships with people of anygender.
- You have the right to safety in an environment free from harassment, intimidation, or threats of harassment orintimidation.
- You have the right to knowledgeable and respectful healthcareproviders.
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- Abusers might attempt to wield control by threatening to “out” the survivor to friends, family oremployers.
- Fear they will not be believed if they report anincident.
- Fear they will lose the support of theircommunity.
- Fear that reporting the crime to the police or local agencies will expose them to discrimination, homophobia, or genderpolicing.
Resources
First Floor
Rm 104