I’m just coming out- do you have any advice or resources for me?
Coming out is a process of understanding, accepting, and/or naming one’s sexuality and/or gender. This is a very personal process that happens in different ways and at different times for each person. Many people experience coming out as an empowering and rewarding decision. However, coming out is not always easy. For various legitimate reasons, some people may not come out. For those that do, coming out can be a continuous, lifelong process. Only you can decide if or when you are prepared to begin this process.
If you are thinking of coming out, here are some things to consider:
- How will your physical, psychological, and emotional safety be impacted by coming out?
- Do you have people in your life who would support you in your coming out process? If not, how can you connect with people who might be supportive of your coming out process?
- What are some of the things you’ll want to say or do during coming out conversations?
- Remember the time it may have taken you to come to terms with your identity. Some others may also require time to process and accept what you have shared. What are some things you can do to cope in instances like these?
- Remember that there’s no one way to come out. Give yourself permission to do the things that feel best to you.
The staff of the LGBTQ Resource Center is always available to support individuals as they navigate their coming out processes. You may request one-on-one meetings with senior staff, participate in our affinity groups, become involved in student organizations, etc. If you’re thinking about coming out or have questions about your sexuality and/or gender, please feel free to email us at lgbtq@syr.edu or call us at 315.443.0228.
Also, please remember that the Counseling Center is a resource to students as they navigate coming out. If you’d like a referral to a counselor who has experience working with LGBTQ+ people, identities, and experiences, please email lgbtq@syr.edu.
I’d like to talk to someone about my identities- can I meet with someone on the staff?
Our senior staff members are always happy to schedule one-on-one advising sessions with students. However, none of the staff members at the LGBTQ Resource Center are counselors or mental health professionals. If you’re looking for sustained one-on-one support, guidance, and assistance as you learn about your identities, you might consider reaching out to the Counseling Center. If you’d like a referral to a counselor who has experience working with LGBTQ people, identities, and experiences, please email lgbtq@syr.edu.
How can I get involved with the queer community on campus?
There are so many ways to get involved with the queer communities on campus! Here are just a few:
- Attend the LGBTQ Resource Center’s events and programs
- Take a class in the LGBTQ Studies Department
- Join a student organization like Pride Union or Open Doors
- Participate in an affinity group at the LGBTQ Resource Center
- Sign up for a Safe Zone training
- Hang out at the LGBTQ Resource Center between classes
We look forward to seeing you around! 🙂
Are you looking for volunteers?
The LGBTQ Resource Center has a director, a program coordinator, two graduate student staff, and several undergraduate student assistants. For this reason, we rarely need assistance from volunteers.
If you’re looking to volunteer for an organization that supports queer communities, consider contacting the Q Center or SAGE Upstate!
I’m an ESF student- can I still be involved in the Center?
Absolutely! All of our programs, events, and trainings are designed to serve members of the Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF communities. Check out the specifics under our “Programs” tab.
I’m a Syracuse community member- can I still be involved in the Center?
The LGBTQ Resource Center’s primary focus is to serve Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF communities, but there are a number of ways that people from the greater Syracuse area can be involved. For instance, all of our events (LGBTQ+ History Month events, Trans Day of Remembrance, Trans Day of Liberation) are open to everyone. Community members are also welcome to participate in Safe Zone, a free allyship development training. If you have any other questions about how to get involved, please email lgbtq@syr.edu.
How do I schedule an interview with someone affiliated with the Center?
The senior staff (director, program coordinator, and graduate assistant) of the Resource Center are happy to participate in interviews.
If your inquiry is for a community publication, student publication, or academic course publication, we ask that you use the Student Experience division's Media Request Form. Please fill this out, and someone from our Communications office will follow up with you.
If your request is for non-media purposes, please email lgbtq@syr.edu with the following information:
- The name of the person you'd like to interview
- The topic of the interview
- The class you are representing
- Who will view the final product (i.e. professor, class, etc.)
- Whether you will be recording the interview
- Any other pertinent information