91´«Ã½

Coming to college is a big transition. Finding a community of peers eases that transition and can be a crucial part of feeling at home on campus.

At 91´«Ã½ there is a vibrant and thriving community of LGBTQ 91´«Ã½ and their allies. As a first-year student you will meet our LGBTQ Peer Connectors, have an opportunity to visit the LGBTQ 91´«Ã½ and allies group table at the Student Activities Fair, and of course enjoy activities year round.

For more information about 91´«Ã½’s LGBTQ community contact Jake Reeves, Associate Director of Student Engagement and Technology, for campus or go to the . And welcome to campus and to our community!

Additional Resources

Campus Resources

There are a number of ways that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning 91´«Ã½ can get support: 

• Individual therapy through Lindley Counseling: All University Counselors work with LGBTQ student. You can schedule an appointment with any counselor by calling Lindley Counseling at 540-458-8590. All information, including reasons for seeking counseling is completely confidential.
• LGBTQ Peer Connectors: A Peer Connectors program aimed at providing confidential, nonjudgmental support. There are several peer connectors who are all available by cell phone or email at any time, and you can call any one of them. Look for posters around campus. The larger Peer Connectors Program is also a resource, as all University Peer Connectors have special training in helping LGBTQ 91´«Ã½. If you know any of the PCs personally and feel comfortable with them, you can seek them out as well.  All contacts are strictly confidential. 
• Generals’ Unity: This is an recognized student organization with the mission of promoting an LGBTQ friendly environment for all 91´«Ã½.
• Discrimination and Harassment: If you feel that you have experienced discrimination or harassment because of your sexual orientation, you can contact the Title IX Coordinator, Lauren Kozak at 540-458-4055 or KozakL@wlu.edu to help provide support and resolution. Harassment on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression is prohibited by the . 

National and Online Resources

Hotlines

• The Gay and Lesbian National Hotline: 1.888.THE.GLNH (1.888-843-4564)
• The GLBT National Youth Talkline (through age 25): 800-246-7743
• National AIDS Hotline: 800-342-AIDS

Websites

News and Current Events

Parents/Families

Local Resources

• Equality Virginia
• HIV Testing Confidential testing at the Student Health Center 540-458-8401 or Rockbridge County Health Department 540-463-3185 / Anonymous testing at Roanoke Health Department 540-857-7600

Suggested Readings

• Becoming Gay: The Journey to Self-Acceptance, Richard A. Isay, 1997
• Being Homosexual: Gay Men and Their Development, Richard A. Isay, 2001
• Coming Out of Shame: Transforming Gay and Lesbian Lives, Gershen Kaufman and Lev Raphael, 1996
• Coming Out to Parents, Mary Borhek, 1983

For Parents, Families, and Friends

• Beyond Acceptance, Carolyn Griffin and Marian and Arthur Wirth, 1986
• It is a Choice? Answers to 300 of the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Gays and Lesbians, Eric Marcus, 1993
• Now That You Know, Betty Fairchild, Jovanovich, 1977

On Christian Themes

• What’s So Amazing About Grace?, Philip Yancey, 2002
• Stranger at the Gate: To Be Gay and Christian in America, Dr. Mel White, 1998
• Can Homophobia be Cured?, Rev. Bruce Hilton, 1992
• Cleaning Closets - A Mother’s Story, Beverly Cole, 2007