Based on my Gender Identity is University Housing for me?
Choosing a place to live is a very important decision, and our staff at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is committed to assisting you to see if the University Residence Halls will work for you. Differently gendered and transgender students are encouraged to contact us as you consider your housing decision or if you would like to discuss any questions or issues related to your gender identity. Be sure to call prior to your contract deadline to discuss your options.
Differently gendered and transgender students are also encouraged to contact the director of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Campus Center (LGBTCC) as they consider their housing options. The LGBTCC is the primary campus resource and advocacy office for LGBT students and their allies and works closely with other campus offices in striving to provide a safe atmosphere and accommodations for transgender students with unique needs. In addition, the LGBTCC works with the Madison Area Transgender Association to provide mentors, support groups, and social activities for transgender students.
University Housing
Associate Director of Residence Life
608-262-9049; or TTY/TDD 262-6830
Director of Diversity Programs
608-265-5429; or TTY/TDD 262-6830
LGBT Campus Center
Director
608-265-2480
lgbtcc.studentorg.wisc.edu
Will my residence hall be a safe place for me to be out?
Everyone who works in University Housing supports LGBT students and their needs. This includes all student staff as well as professional staff. Though the people in your building or on your floor may come from different backgrounds which may not necessarily be supportive of LGBT issues, we will work very hard to make sure that everyone feels welcomed and safe being who they are. The LGBT liaisons facilitate a program called SAFE ZONE to educate all housing residents about LGBT issues and how to be supportive of LGBT friends. Though problems dealing with this issue rarely occur, when and if they do, staff work together to sort through the problem.
How can I meet other people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender?
The LGBT Liaisons will host a variety of LGBT Socials throughout the year, and will plan other events to help students get involved in Housing and on campus, and meet one other. Also, the Liaisons work one-on-one with students to help them meet one another and make connections both within their Residence Halls and in Housing as a whole. There are also many campus wide resources and organizations that might be of interest to you.
If I am not out, will I still be able to be involved or meet people?
Yes. Depending on your level of comfort and how "out" you are, there are a variety of levels of involvement which you can take with the LGBT Housing community. The LGBT Liaisons email an events update to students who would like to be on their email list, and also work confidentially one-on-one with students in private. At LGBT liaisons programs there is no pressure to be "out." In fact many programs are attended by both LGBT students and allies. Also, the Liaisons can plug students into resources for coming out or other more discreet means of meeting other students on campus. We also have some students who also identify as allies that receive information about our programs and events, to further create a safe space for students.
What can I do if my roommate is homophobic?
If any student experiences problems with their roommate based on issues of sexual orientation or gender identity, LGBT Liaisons and/or House Fellows can work to try and resolve the issue in whatever way is most appropriate. Resolving the problem can be as simple as an open conversation, or as complicated as switching roommates as a last resort with space permitting and support of the professional staff in your hall. Though every situation is different, in most there is some degree of understanding and agreement which can be reached. In most cases students do not have extremely difficult roommate conflicts.
Who can I talk to if I have a problem or need advice?
You can talk to either one of your LGBT Liaisons. Though they are not professional counselors by any means, they are students who have been specially trained to deal with issues relating to sexual orientation and gender identity. Furthermore, our LGBT Liaisons bring with them their own experiences and backgrounds as LGBT students themselves, and can offer a unique and helpful perspective. They are also fun to hang out with casually. Additionally, they will be well informed of other campus resources and people who may be better situated to support you directly.
What sorts of LGBT related events will be going on in my residence hall?
The LGBT Liaisons will plan a variety of activities throughout the year for students living in University Housing. This includes ongoing LGBT Housing Socials, with free food, movies, games, study nights, and trips to a local dance club. Also, the Liaisons will be leading educational programs in each residence hall on a regular basis to help raise awareness about LGBT issues. There are also events going on across campus as well, including monthly LGBT dances, LGBT support and social groups, and services provided by the LGBT Campus Center.