L G B T   C a m p u s   O r g a n i z i n g

experience than African American stu 

religious or are struggling with coming

dents, which is different than that of His 

out and their connection to their religion.

panic/Latino students, and so forth.  It is

It is important to remember to speak from

also important to remember that even

your own personal experience; not all

folks within the same group will have

religions are the same.  Many have

varying experiences.

changed over the years and some are

quite actively welcoming of lgbt people.

One way to be inclusive of people of col 

or is to contact your campus racial/minor 

How are disabled people represented in

ity affairs office and let them know that

your group?

people of color are welcome and encour 

This is a group that we have historically

aged to be a part of your organization.

ignored.  For too long we have not con 

Ask them for suggestions on how to iden 

sidered how accessible we are to people

tify and recruit people of color for your

with disabilities.  Where is your office?

group.  Post flyers in areas where people

Where are your meetings held?  Are they

of color are most likely to spend time.

accessible?  If not, can you make them

Ask people of color how your group can

best meet their needs.  They will let you

For many the inclusion of trans 

know.  Make sure that you then follow

gender people within the commu 

through to the best of your ability in mak 

nity is new.  Some are still unsure

ing sure that those suggestions are con 

what it means to be transgender.

sidered.

How are people of different religions rep 

resented?

accessible or meet somewhere else?  Call

Another issue for lgbt groups to consider

your campus office of disabilities (or

is their inclusivity of people from differ 

Affirmative Action Office) and find out

ent religions.  This means that you should

how you can better reach and meet the

not plan meetings, social activities, or

needs of physically challenged lgbt peo 

other events on any groups  major holi 

ple.  

days.  It is important to not assume that

Christianity is the norm (i.e.,  holiday

How are LGBT people represented?

party  rather than  Christmas Party ).

This seems like a silly question to be ask 

Some examples are Rosh Hashanah, Yom

ing in a manual designed for lgbt groups.

Kippur, Kwanza, and The Three Kings

However, it is a very important issue to

Day.  Keep these and others in mind

address.  How are each of these sub 

when planning your groups events.

groups represented in the main group?

Additionally, find out whether there are

Often there is an unequal representation.

certain dietary restrictions or other cus 

The most likely exclusion would be of

toms/rituals that people need to have

transgender and bisexual people.

attended to.  As always, if you don t

know, ask people what their needs are.

For many the inclusion of transgender

Another issue to be aware of is the ten 

people within the community is new.

dency for many folks in the lgbt commu 

Some are still unsure what it means to be

nity to make  anti religious comments.

transgender.  There is a range of people

This can be difficult for people who are

who identify as transgender:  people who

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B u i l d i n g   a   H e a l t h y   O r g a n i z a t i o n