There are a ton of registered student groups on campus that support LGBTQIA+ individuals. Whether you’re looking for a new community to be a part of, you’re on the search for mental health resources, or you’re looking for professional development opportunities, there’s an inclusive group for everyone. If you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, check out this list of some of the groups at the U of M.
Queer Student Cultural Center (QSCC)
The QSCC is a safe space that “aims to promote awareness for queer issues on campus as well as provide aid to students who need it.” Acting as a hub for many different LGBTQIA+ student organizations on campus, the QSCC hosts inclusive events, has free internet and printing, provides information on mental health resources, and so much more. They’re open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday during the school year. Swing by room 217 in Coffman Memorial Union and check out the space.
Friends & Allies
Friends & Allies is a student organization geared specifically for people who may or may not identify as LGBTQIA+ to support the queer community. The group meets several times throughout the school year to host social events, discussions and information about combating homophobia on campus and in our everyday lives. For more information, contact the QSCC.
oSTEM at Minnesota
oSTEM’s mission is centered around building community and visibility for LGBTQIA+ students and staff at the U of M through hosting social and outreach events, advocating for the needs of underrepresented students, and providing professional development opportunities. Though oSTEM is traditionally geared toward those in STEM-related fields, students of all areas of study and identities are welcome to join. If you’re interested, email their secretary at ostem@umn.edu to get on the email list!
Biversity
This registered student organization is a group for people who identify as bisexual, bi-friendly, bi-curious or questioning. Biversity meets once a week to provide opportunities to meet new people of the same interests, build a supportive community, and discuss hot topics. The group is also a part of the QSCC.
Compass
Compass is the first inclusive student group to come out of The Carlson School of Management that focuses their attention on professional development, career exploration and mentorship for LGBTQIA+ individuals. This fall they hosted their first annual Carlson LGBT+ Alumni Reunion, and they are continuously putting together workshops focused on networking, interviewing and more.
fACES
fACES is a group for asexual and aromantic students to discuss pressing issues, meet other students who are on the spectrum, and participate in bonding events. Asexual Awareness Week was in October, and fACES hosted a craft night in celebration.
Lavender House
The U of M has a ton of opportunities for living in Living Learning Communities (LLC) on campus. Lavender House is a LLC where students are able to express their gender identities and sexualities in a safer and more tailored environment than traditional housing. Members of Lavender House are supported by the campus community to center their values around social justice and gender inclusion, and they are a part of many cultural events and a leadership retreat every year. To join, an application to live in this LLC can be found on the Housing & Residential Life website.
NeuroQueers
NeuroQueers is a student-run group that was developed to provide LGBTQIA+ individuals with a safe space to relax and de-stress. They host discussions of mental health issues and topics, provide mental health resources on and off campus, teach healthy ways to cope with the stressors of student life, and are a listening ear for when people just need to vent. However, NeuroQueers wants it to be known that they are not a therapy group. No one is a licensed therapist, they only offer support and ways to de-stress.
Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+ or not, it’s good to know some of the resources and groups at the U of M that support our diverse student body. Check out the QSCC’s website for more student groups and more information about LGBTQIA+ resources on campus.