Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Building a Positive LGBTQ Community

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Campus Life

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

For more information about Washington and Lee University’s LGBTQ community contact Jake Reeves, Associate Director of Student Engagement and Technology, or go to the LGBTQ Resource Center’s website. 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 students can get support:

Individual therapy through Lindley Counseling: All University Counselors work with LGBTQ students. 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 students. 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 students.
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 Interim Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy.

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 Lindley Health 540-458-8401 or Rockbridge County Health Department 540-463-3185 / Anonymous testing at Roanoke Health Department 540-857-7600