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Supporting Our LGBTQIA+ Community

From inclusive programming to campus support services, St. Thomas is committed to ensuring the LGBTQIA+ community feels a sense of belonging and strong connection here.

from some of our LGBTQIA+ community members and allies (students, faculty, staff) on Pride and their place at St. Thomas.

We're guided by the church's call for an equitable society. As a Catholic university, we support the inherent worth and dignity of all. LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff can expect to experience that respect in their work and interactions at St. Thomas.

We proudly support all your milestones – whether it's a recent research publication, master's degree, or your first (and final!) March Through the Arches. We work closely across the university to promote advocacy, engagement, and visibility within our residence halls, worship spaces, athletics, departments, and classrooms.

If you need support navigating academic and student life, or anything else, we're here to help. Your presence deeply matters, and the Tommie community is stronger with you here.

aerial view of St. Thomas upper quad with Mississippi River in the background

Living on Campus

Hall staff and student leaders are prepared to provide support and engagement for students of the LGBTQIA+ community. If you have any questions or concerns about living on campus, including the Two-Year On-Campus Living Requirement Policy, please reach out to Residence Life staff.

  • Housing and community bathroom assignments generally use the legal sex indicated in your application and/or University records. Exceptions may be available for students whose gender identity does not match their legal sex. Students are encouraged to reach out to Residence Life as soon as possible to discuss housing options, which may include a single room or placement with a supportive roommate.
  • Single-user restrooms are included in all new and remodeled halls, and community bathrooms include privacy stalls around all shower and toilet areas.
Explore Residence Life

Resources Supporting Our LGBTQIA+ Community

Queer Straight Alliance (QSA)

QSA's mission is to foster respect and equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Pansexual, Asexual, Gender Non-Conforming, Non-Binary, Plus individuals and supporters within the St. Thomas community. (Best for: undergrads)

Lavender Graduation Celebration

St. Thomas hosts a Lavender Graduation Celebration to celebrate the accomplishments of undergraduate and graduate students. (Best for: undergrads, grad students)

Single User Restrooms

St. Thomas provides single user restrooms throughout campus and gender-neutral changing rooms in its Athletic facilities. (Best for: undergrads, grad students, faculty and staff)

Athletics

St. Thomas is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion among its student-athletes, coaches and staff. We embrace our rich diversity including gender and transgender inclusion. (Best for: undergrads)

Group Counseling

The St. Thomas Center for Well-Being offers an LGBTQIA+ Interpersonal Process Group and a Qmmunity Conversations drop-in group. (Best for: undergrads, grad students)

Center for Well-Being

The St. Thomas Center for Well-Being, an integrated health and well-being center, provides health services, counseling and psychological services and health promotion, resilience and violence prevention. (Best for: undergrads, grad students)

Out!Law

Out!Law educates members regarding gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues in a positive and productive learning atmosphere; promotes a law school environment free from discrimination, bias and intolerance. (Best for: law students)

LGBTQIA+ Faculty/Staff Association

The LGBTQIA+ Faculty & Staff Association is an affinity group on campus that supports LGBTQIA+-identified faculty and staff and allies. (Best for: faculty and staff)

Inclusive Classroom Institute

Offers opportunities to build awareness, gain understanding, and implement new pedagogical strategies to improve the learning climate for all students. (Best for: faculty)

Diversity Activities Board

Organizes student-led events and activities in the areas of social justice, diversity, and inclusion. (Best for: undergrads)

Tommie P.R.I.D.E.

Provides training to St. Thomas faculty and staff to work toward a more LGBTQ+-inclusive community. (Best for: faculty and staff)

Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Provides leadership for building a more diverse, welcoming and inclusive community at St. Thomas. (Best for: undergrads, grad students, faculty and staff)

Your Name, Gender, and Pronouns

  • Personal Pronouns and Gender Marks

    Students, faculty and staff are welcome to add their personal pronouns to their email signatures, Zoom profiles and business cards. .

  • Your First Name

    Your first name may be distinct from your legal name and you can decide what is used for internal University of St. Thomas communications including class rosters and residence life information. To request a change to your first name used on campus, simply email the Office of Student Data and Registrar using your St. Thomas email account.

  • Legal Name and Gender

    Your legal name and gender can be updated by completing a Legal Name Change Request and/or a Gender of Record Change Requst form with the University Registrar.

Policies and Reporting

Equal Opportunity Statement and Notice of Nondiscrimination

The University of St. Thomas is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and equal educational opportunity. St. Thomas does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. If you experience discrimination, please contact the Title IX Office.

Read the Full Equal Opportunity Statement (PDF)

Title IX

The Title IX Office is here to support you in accessing services and addressing any instances of sexual misconduct. Title IX is your primary resource for raising complaints or concerns around any discriminatory practices rooted in your gender identity, gender expression, and/or sexual orientation.

St. Thomas Title IX Office

Bias or Hate Reporting

Incidents of hate and bias are inconsistent with the St. Thomas mission and convictions and have no place here. The University is committed to responding to concerns regarding hate or bias and providing appropriate resources.

Bias and Hate Reporting Information