Make your student associations LGBTQ+ friendly

Student associations are at the heart of campus life. They build community, organize events, and reflect the values of the student body. That’s why it’s essential to ensure they are inclusive and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ students 🌈

🧠 Raise awareness among members

🎓 Internal trainings
Offer workshops that explore LGBTQ+ identities, the impact of discrimination, and inclusive practices. These sessions can help members understand terminology, intersectionality, and how to be effective allies.
🔗 Resources:

• GLSEN Professional Development
• The Safe Zone Project – Free LGBTQ+ Training Curriculum

🗣️ Open discussions
Create safe spaces for dialogue where students can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another. Consider hosting regular roundtables or “Ask Me Anything” sessions with LGBTQ+ speakers or facilitators.
🔗 Resources:

• GLSEN Resources for Students
• Making Caring Common – LGBTQIA Youth Resource List

🤝 Foster a welcoming environment

👋 Inclusive onboarding
Ensure that new members feel welcome regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Include pronoun sharing in introductions and provide clear anti-discrimination policies.

📄 Respectful communication
Use inclusive language in all communications—emails, posters, social media, and meetings. Normalize the use of correct pronouns and avoid assumptions about identity.
🔗 Resources:

• GLSEN Safe Space Kit
• LGBTQ+ Terminology Guide – Safe Zone Project

🎉 Celebrate diversity in your events

📅 LGBTQ+ visibility days
Participate in key dates such as January 24 (Holocaust Remembrance Day), March 31 (International Transgender Day of Visibility), May 17 (International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia), June (Pride Month), etc.
🔗 Resources:

• GLAAD LGBTQ+ Calendar
• Ultimate LGBTQ+ Awareness Days List

🎬 Themed activities
Host film screenings, storytelling nights, or panel discussions that highlight LGBTQ+ voices and experiences. Collaborate with LGBTQ+ student groups or invite guest speakers.
🔗 Resources:

• Groundspark’s Respect for All Project
• Unheard Voices: Stories of LGBT History – GLSEN

🏳️‍🌈 Support LGBTQ+ students

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Inclusion officer
  Appoint a dedicated contact person within the association who can advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion and serve as a point of contact for concerns or ideas.
• 🤝 Partnerships
  Collaborate with local or campus LGBTQ+ organizations to co-host events, share resources, and build stronger networks.
• 💌 Ask Feel Good for more information 
  Ensure students know where to find mental health, wellness, and inclusion support services. Promote these resources during meetings and events, and do not hesitate to contact the Feel Good Team if you need advices or resources.
  🔗 Resources:
• Inside Higher Ed – Supporting LGBTQ+ Students
• Point Foundation – The LGBTQ+ and ally scholarship fund
• Campus Pride

💡 In short

An inclusive association is a stronger, fairer, and more representative one.
By actively including LGBTQ+ students, you help build a campus where everyone can thrive and feel proud to be themselves 🧡

🌐 Explore more:

• LGBTphobia – resources and partners
• Le Caélif - Collective of LGBT+ student associations in the Paris region
• Fédération LGBTI+