The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Center at the University of Virginia seeks to foster the development of LGBTQIA students, faculty, staff, alumni, and allies. Founded under the Office of the Dean of Students in 2001 with support from the Serpentine Society, the LGBTQ Center works to raise awareness and inclusion of sexual and gender diversities through programs, outreach and services that support the advancement of the LGBTQIA community.
There are many groups on Grounds that support LGBTQIA students. Below is a list of some of those organizations—and if you don’t see one that fits your needs, you can always make your own!
- HISE – Hoos for Inclusive Sexual Education: HISE is a group of students advocating for LGBTQIA+ sexual education in public school systems on the local, state, and federal level.
- oSTEM at Virginia: oSTEM’s purpose is to empower and celebrate LGBTQ+ STEM majors at the University of Virginia through professional and social programs and initiatives.
- The Q* Anthology of Queer Culture: Q* is a student-run, annual literary magazine and online platform that publishes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art related to LGBTQ (or queer) culture at the University of Virginia.
- Queer Student Union: As the largest LGBTQ group on Grounds, QSU works to educate, represent, and advocate for LGBTQ students’ concerns at UVA. The QSU is a Contracted Independent Organization (CIO), which is an officially recognized student organization that has entered into the CIO agreement with the University but is liable for itself.
- Serpentine Society: The Serpentine Society is an inclusive alumni/ae organization dedicated to reaching out to and advocating for all LGBT UVA alumni/ae, faculty, and students by connecting to each other and to the University, in addition to providing educational, social welfare, and charitable services.
- Sigma Omicron Rho (Queer & Allied Gender-Inclusive Fraternity): ΣΟΡ is UVA’s only LGBTQ and allied gender-inclusive fraternity, and their mission is to promote LGBTQ visibility, friendship, social events, service, awareness, and pride.
- UVA Pride: UVA Pride is the LGBT faculty, staff, and graduate student network.
In addition to resources and organizations on Grounds, there are also some community groups that promote inclusion with like-minded individuals. One of these is the Trans/GNC Group, which is a space to gather in community and uplift the voices of trans, gender non-conforming, and gender-diverse people. Other groups include QTPOC Hangout, which is a similar space for members of the queer community who are also Black, Indigenous, and people of color, and the Aro/Ace Space, dedicated to those in the aromantic and/or asexual spectrum.
For more information on resources for students in the LGBTQIA community, please visit these websites: