Support & Membership
COBO - Coming Out Being Out
Wondering about support for LGBTQAI identities on campus? This group is designed for students who identify as LGBTQAI or who are questioning their gender identity and/or sexual orientation to discuss issues regarding the lifelong process of coming out, being out, sexuality, gender, identity and other topics. If you would like more information about this group, please contact Erin Smith ([email protected]) or Avery Mitevski ([email protected]).
Co-Sponsored by: Counseling and Counseling Services (CAPS) and The LGBT Resource Center
TNQ - Transgender/Nonbinary/Questioning Identity Group
The group provides a space for transgender, nonconforming and genderqueer/questioning EMU students to find support and connection with each other. Participant interests will direct the discussion. This group is peer led and does not provide professional counseling services.
Currently meets the second Thursday of every month from 5–7 p.m. online via Zoom. Email the Resource Center to get more information at [email protected].
QTPOCC - Queer and Trans People of Color Collective
QTPOCC is a support group for people who identify as queer (anywhere along the LGBTQ+ Spectrum including folks who are questioning and/or don’t use a specific term to identify) and as a person of color. This group serves as a way to openly engage in dialogue around what it means to be a queer person of color. We understand the importance of the intersections of race, gender, sexual identity and other identities. This space is for every queer person of color regardless of immigration status, United States residency, how open they are to others about their gender identity and/or sexual orientation, where they stand politically and what level of understanding they have about intersectionality. We aim to focus and center the most marginalized identities within our communities to work towards an empowering space, to learn about others, ourselves and grow. Therefore we will hold each other accountable for our privileged identities to make sure we don’t continue oppressing people in our space, the way the world uses privileged identities to marginalize others. We recognize that people and identities continuously change and that not everyone has the same needs mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually and/or psychologically, we will aim to cater to your needs as a collective and as individuals. We respect people’s wishes to remain anonymous to people outside of QTPOCC and do not expect people to participate in the work we do unless they want to. Through programming, meetings, online community sharing, and informal conversations, QTPOCC will serve as a forum for students of color to develop a strong queer community at EMU.
The group currently meets the third Thursday of every month from 6:30–8:30 p.m. To join the collective, email the LGBT Resource Center at [email protected].
M&M - LGBTQ+ Peer Mentor Program
We are incredibly excited bring back the EMU LGBT Peer Mentorship Program, or M&M Program. This program is designed to provide a safe space where LGBTQ students can come and talk to other students, on a one-on-one basis. Mentors will help the mentees adjust to life at Eastern Michigan University and the new opportunities and challenges that that might provide. Mentors are there to answer any questions the mentee might have, whether that is regarding sexual orientation, gender identity or questions of a purely academic nature. This program will provide a safe, confidential, and affirming space for LGBTQ students to ask questions, get answers and feel supported.
LGBTQ+ upper class students can apply online to become a mentor - applications are due by Friday, October 16 at 11:59 p.m.
LGBTQ+ first year students (including transfer students) can apply online to receive a mentor - applications are due by Friday, October 16th at 11:59 p.m.
For more information or to answer any questions you may have, please email our Graduate Assistant, Jay at [email protected]
Binder Exchange Program
The LGBT Resource Center recognizes the challenges that many trans and gender non-conforming students encounter as they strive to live life as their full authentic selves. While not a necessity to identify within the endless possibilities of gender identities, physically transitioning is an important component to many trans-identified folks as they seek to align their physical bodies with how they identify. The RC is here to help with our binder exchange program!
Due to COVID-19 regulations, the RC is currently not loaning out gently used binders, but instead will provide funds for students to receive a brand new binder from an approved provider. Interested students can complete the application and acknowledge of Smart Binding Guidelines online. A staff member will contact you within 2 business days with next steps. Binders are shipped directly to the student to ensure a contactless, safe experience for everyone.
We are still collecting binders for when binder exchanges can resume. Email the LGBT Resource Center to coordinate a contactless drop off (or pick up for Washtenaw County residents) at [email protected].