College Resources

Find your people. Know your options. Build your space.

College is a major transition. It can be exciting, overwhelming, freeing—and sometimes isolating.

If you’re LGBTQ+, having access to the right resources and community can make a huge difference.

This page is here to help you navigate that.

Finding Support on Campus

Most colleges and universities offer some form of support for LGBTQ+ students—you just need to know where to look.

Common resources include:

  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices (In some states that have “outlawed DEI, they usually still exist but may have sneaky names)
  • LGBTQ+ resource centers
  • Counseling services with inclusive care
  • Identity-based student support programs

If you’re not sure where to start, try searching your school’s website for “LGBTQ resources” or “student diversity office.”

Student Organizations

One of the fastest ways to feel at home on campus is by finding community.

Look for:

  • LGBTQ+ student organizations.
    • On the Missouri S&T campus, you can join Spectrum.
  • Pride alliances or equality groups
  • Social or advocacy-based clubs

You don’t need to know anyone before showing up—that’s the whole point.

Names, Pronouns & Identity

You deserve to be recognized the way you identify.

Many campuses allow you to:

  • Set a preferred name for class rosters and IDs
  • Add pronouns in learning platforms or directories
  • Request updates to your email display name
    • For S&T Students or Faculty,, to change your preferred name on course rosters and Canvas through Joe’SS: Under the self service tab is an option for Names, preferred name can be edited. Doing this will also enable individuals to have their chosen name on their university ID.
    • The quickest way to have the name associated with your email changed is to email IT: ithelp@mst.edu. Canvas also allows users to set pronouns by going to Settings. The current choices are He/Him, She/Her, They/Them or none (default).

Even small changes like this can have a big impact on your day-to-day experience.

Gender-Inclusive Spaces

More campuses are offering gender-inclusive restrooms and facilities.

These may include:

  • Single-use restrooms
  • All-gender restrooms
  • Inclusive housing options (on some campuses)

If you’re unsure where these are located, check your campus map or student services page. Here is an S&T list of unisex bathrooms.

Scholarships, Jobs & Opportunities

There are opportunities specifically designed to support LGBTQ+ students:

  • Scholarships and financial aid
  • Internships and career programs
  • Leadership and advocacy opportunities
  • National LGBTQ+ organizations and networks

Youth Advocacy has an amazing “Pathway to College” of things to consider when applying for higher education. Included are links to scholarships, College Pride, Resources for Transgender students, along with other helpful information..

Why These Resources Matter

College is about more than classes—it’s about figuring out who you are and where you belong.

LGBTQ+ resources exist because:

  • Not all systems are built with everyone in mind
  • Community helps reduce isolation
  • Support systems improve success and well-being

Not Sure Where to Start?

That’s completely normal.

Try one small step:

  • Look up your campus LGBTQ+ group
  • Reach out to a student support office
  • Attend one event or meeting

You don’t have to do everything at once.