LGBTQ+ and Sexual Orientation
Bay Atlantic University supports our students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, genderfluid, non-binary, intersex, asexual, questions, pansexual, and many other sexual and gender identifications.
In our pursuit of advancing our students’ academic, and later professional, careers we are dedicated in educating our students and training staff and faculty in understanding the history, issues, and other aspects of the LGBTQ+ community. This is included, but not limited too: the creation of student organizations; the development, maintenance and progressing an inclusive learning environment; supporting our gender non-conforming community members (e.g., pronoun usage, bathroom utilization); and always encouraging healthy dialogues between students, faculty, and staff. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Alex Roset, the Director of Student Services, at [email protected].
BAU has created a list of resources to help further our students’ knowledge and understanding in developing an inclusive environment.
Resources
Genders & Sexulaities (GSA) Network
GSA clubs–originally called Gay-Straight Alliance clubs when they first established in the 1980s–are student-run organizations. Here they provide a safe place for students to meet, support each other, and talk about issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. While GSA clubs have traditionally served as safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth to build awareness and community as well as prevent discrimination and harassment in schools, they are now emerging as vehicles for deeper social change that extends beyond individual schools. Trans and queer youth are building their power through GSA organizing and connecting to state and national campaigns on a variety of issues that affect all students across the country.
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. Coming to terms with your sexual orientation or gender identity is not easy and suicide rates are higher for LGBTQ+ youths. It Gets Better Project has thousands of videos from a variety of individuals who promise it will get better. Including some individuals from BAU.
SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders)
SMYAL supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the Washington, DC, metropolitan region. Through youth leadership, SMYAL creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy. Committed to social change, SMYAL builds, sustains, and advocates for programs, policies, and services that LGBTQ youth need as they grow into adulthood.
The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386)
Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25 years of age.
In the United States, 4.2 million youth experience homelessness each year, with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their non-LGBTQ peers. True Colors United is committed to changing that.
