We’re so glad you’re here! Now is the perfect time for you to explore yourself and learn more about gender and sexuality! Here at Pitt, we want you to feel comfortable enough and have the freedom to be your true self - whether you are an ally or a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Though the pandemic and virtual school environment has posed especially challenging difficulties for the LGBTQIA+ community, know that Pitt welcomes you to reach out - to your faculty, staff, or peers. As you return to campus, know that there are people and resources that are always there to help you navigate the challenges of transitioning into this exciting new chapter of your life.
Here at Pitt, there are currently over 10 student organizations dedicated to LGBTQIA+ advocacy and community at the intersections of different identities, experiences, and academic interests. There are also affinity groups, working groups, and task forces dedicated to improving resources and celebrating all LGBTQIA+ Panthers. Opportunities for LGBTQ scholarship and research at Pitt are numerous, including an interdisciplinary Gender, Sexuality and Women’s (GSWS) studies BA Major, Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies Minor, LGBTQ and Critical Sexuality Studies Minor, and Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies Certificate offered to undergraduates by the GSWS program. The Minoritized Orientations & Gender Identities Graduate Student Organization (MOGI) also exists specifically for graduate students. At the end of your studies, we also have a special Lavender Graduation celebration open to graduates and undergraduates; the ceremony highlights the amazing work and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community as they earn their degrees and transfer to the next stages of their lives.
Pitt has a variety of information and resources to support the LGBTQIA+ community’s health and wellness. For more information about LGBTQIA+ health and wellness resources for students of all levels and study programs, visit the Student Health Service and the Counseling Center. You can also find information about gender affirming medical care for trans and non-binary students.
Pitt strives to be a welcoming home for transgender students. The Transgender Working Group (TGWG) is comprised of students, faculty, and staff from across the University of Pittsburgh who meet monthly to work on initiatives like the Name Initiative, pronoun integrations for platforms like canvas, and increased bathroom access on all campuses. If you have an issue to report, or want to learn more about resources for the trans and non-binary community at Pitt, you can contact TGWG at tgwg@pitt.edu
The University of Pittsburgh values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and cultural diversity. As such, we prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Transphobia and queerphobia have no place at Pitt. We aspire to play a transformative role in global society by illuminating the need for a culture of inclusion that is conducive to the success of all people.
As LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and faculty, we know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to arrive at a new school and begin building community with helpful resources. But you are not alone. LGBTQIA+ Panthers have a proud history of organizing and advocating for our community. Know that there is a place for you to find and flourish in your community - whether through the various student organizations, academic offerings, counseling and health services, and more.