Celebrating Ten Years of UCF LGBTQ+ Services Posted Monday, October 11, 2021 @ 1:29 PM UCF’s LGBTQ+ Services celebrated its grand opening ten years ago today, October 11th, coinciding with National Coming Out Day. LGBTQ+ Services is a resource office available to LGBTQ+ students and allies with the mission of connecting the diverse UCF community to opportunities and resources that help us achieve a stronger, healthier, and more equitable world for LGBTQ+ students. Below are a few resources throughout campus for anyone interested in learning more about sexual orientation or gender identity. Pride Commons Located in Ferrell Commons across from Marketplace, Pride Commons is a place for UCF students who are looking for resources, community, a place to hang out, or a quiet place to study. It is open to all students of all genders and sexual orientations. The Pride Commons is staffed by Social Justice & Advocacy staff members, the MSC Executive Board, and student assistants. Pride Commons’ hours are Monday-Friday from 11AM-6PM. During the Summer, adjusted hours are Monday-Thursday from 11AM-6PM. Lavendar Council The Lavendar Council is a student advisory board that serves as a liaison between students, faculty, and staff and LGBTQ+ Services. This council works to make UCF a more accepting and welcoming campus by developing and advising on student-centered programs for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Alliance Mentoring Program The Alliance Mentoring Program is a professional development opportunity that aims to match LGBTQ+ staff and faculty mentors with LGBTQ+ student mentees. Mentors will serve as a personal role mode in areas of development on the personal, educational, academic, and professional level and will provide support and encouragement for mentees. Safe Zone Training Safe Zone trainings are a series of four workshops for UCF faculty, staff, and students to educate themselves about LGBTQ+ issues, what it means to be LGBTQ+, and how to be a good advocate for the community. The training sessions are delivered in two parts. The first part is LGBTQ+ 101, which is comprised of LGBTQ+ 101 and Safe Zone Advocates. The second part is called Safe Zone advocate training, and it consists of the Coming Out workshop and the GOLD workshop, which aim to expand pre-existing knowledge about the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to these resources, UCF continues to listen to the needs of our LGTBQ+ Knights through educational guides and other initiatives. The Q Guide is a comprehensive guide to the LGBTQ+ resources available to students and allies of the Orlando UCF campus. Transgender Resource Guide educates and connects transgender UCF students to the many resources and individuals that are available to support transgender identity and transition on and around campus. Additionally, LGBTQ+ Services has identified numerous gender-neutral restrooms for students who need a safe space to change and utilize a restroom without having to be restricted based on gender. Follow LGBTQ+ Services to stay updated on upcoming events and initiatives! Facebook: UCF LGBTQ Services Instagram: @lgbtqservices_ucf Twitter: @UCF_LGBTQ Back