LGBTQ Resources

SEAS Students, faculty and staff marching in the UB Pride Parade.

The University at Buffalo and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences are dedicated to ensuring a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment for all members of the UB community, including our LGBTQ+ students, faculty, staff and community members.  

Services and resources are available for students, faculty and staff to better understand diverse identities and experiences.

Detailed information and resources for LGBTQ faculty, staff and students can be found through the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The university's Office of Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) will speak with you confidentially to discuss concerns about classroom or workplace situations, assist with obtaining accommodations, and provide support. EDI oversees policies governing discrimination, harassment, reasonable accommodation, religious accommodation, child protection and recruitment. They also ensure that issues of harassment, discrimination and accommodation are addressed in a timely and effective manner that does not tolerate retaliation.

LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Association

Baird Point lit up with the colors of the rainbow.

The UB LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Association began in 2014. Their mission is to contribute to and support a welcoming and inclusive university community for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer faculty and staff through education, networking and advocacy. The association also recognizes and is inclusive of identities outside of the traditional LGBTQ acronym.

Did you know that UB has faculty with expertise in LGBTQ Issues? Discover our LGBTQ faculty experts

LGBTQ Student Clubs and Organizations

  • oSTEM
    3/1/24
    oSTEM@Buffalo is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirited, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual (LGBTTQQIA+) and ally-affirming organization that aims to provide services and support for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and to create a dynamic network between students and professionals in industry and academia.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Alliance (LGBTA)

The LGBTA works to establish safe spaces on campus to facilitate understanding among all students and be sympathetic to concerns.

OUTpatient

OUTpatient is a club for LGBTQ+ medical students and allies that aims to educate peers about LGBTQ+-related issues in health care, advocate for policy changes in these realms, and work with the community to continue to make Buffalo an inclusive city. 

Preferred Name in HUB

Students can enter a preferred name into HUB, which will automatically appear on class rosters and in UB Learns.

Medical Coverage

Hormone therapy, primary care and surgical care may be available through student health insurance or employee plans.

Single-User Restrooms

all gender restroom icon.

UB community members are entitled to use restroom facilities that are consistent with their gender identity. We know that for many people, the most welcoming option is a single-user space.

Lavender Commencement Ceremony

The Lavender Reception is a commencement recognition ceremony that celebrates the achievements of graduating students who identify with the LGBTQ community at UB. Check the Commencement website in late spring for information about registration and participation.

Lavender ceremony program and rainbow tassel.

Digital Library Collections

UB Libraries houses a LGBTQ digital collection of photos, print materiasls, artworks and other resources. The collection covers the LGBTQ clubs and community at UB in the 70’s, during which the first LGB club was founded on campus, and into the 80’s, and 90’s. This collection will continue to grow to encompass more items from later decades. 

If you would like to donate materials related to the LGBT community at UB, please contact University Archives.

Artifact about James Baldwin from LGBTQ digital collection.

Discrimination and Harassment Policy

Gender identity and gender expression are included as part of UB's Discrimination and Harassment Policy, providing protection against discrimination and harassment. The university prohibits discrimination and harassment and requires that accommodations be provided to individuals when such accommodations are reasonable and necessary. 

Safe-Zone Training and Diversity Workshops

Students with rainbow flag and "I heart UB" sign.

Students can enhance their understanding of diversity-related issues through topical workshops. Offered by the Intercultural and Diversity Center, these workshops are available for student groups and organizations.

Western New York Community Resources

Pride Center of Western New York, Inc. (PCWNY)

Pride Center of Western New York, Inc. (PCWNY) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. The mission of the Pride Center is to work with the community to make Western New York a safe, healthy, and satisfying place for LGBTQ people to live, work, and establish their families.

Gay and Lesbian Youth Services of Western New York (GLYS)

GLYS offers a variety of opportunities and services for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and their friends, ages 14-21.

Embrace Western New York

Embrace Western New York is a local, non-profit organization comprised of gay and straight members of the Western New York community. Embrace Western New York is dedicated to equality and fairness within Western New York and seeks to raise awareness, understanding and acceptance of the LGBT community amongst all citizens.