TOP 5 REASONS Why UIC is so Queer
(and why that's a good thing)

Why UIC is the queer-ist, gay-ist, most lesbian, bisexual and transgender friendliest public institution of higher education in Chicago and Illinois.

5. UIC located in Chicago/Cook County, which is protective of gender identity and sexual orientations. Chicago has a Mayor's Liaison William (Bill) Greaves who is the contact person for Chicago LGBT issues and concerns.

4. UIC has a Gender & Women's Studies (College of LIbreral Arts and Sciences) major, minor, and concentration. Additionally, many other colleges like College of Education, College of Jane Addams Social Work, and College of Applied Health Sciences regularly offer a good number of LGBTQ courses.

3. UIC has many "out" LGBTQA faculty and staff people.

2. UIC includes BOTH "gender identity and sexual orientation" in its non-discrimination statement.

1. UIC has an institutional unit to specifically educate on, advocate for, and support LGBTQA students, faculty, staff, and alumni. THIS IS THE GENDER & SEXUALITY CENTER.

Admissions Counselor

Do you have student that is looking for an LGBTQA-friendly university? Need to get more information? Or does the student want to come for a visit?

Please contact Liz Thomson, Interim Director, of the Gender & Sexuality Center so we can make that happen. While the GSC does not have the ability to actually do the admissions for the student, we have close contacts in the Admissions Office where we can refer the student - especially if the student is LGBTQ identitied.

UIC Convocation 2009

Photo from the 2009 UIC Convocation; Courtesy of the Gender & Sexuality Center

The Gender & Sexuality Center aims to provide resources and support to all of UIC however one identifies. Specifically, we door help facilitate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and ally education, outreach, research and support.

As a new student, it's important to "get connected" right away. One way to begin is to attend one of our programs throughout the year. Check out our Events web page where you can find the details. LGBTQ Heritage Month begins on Wednesday, September 30, at 3:00 p.m., with the keynote speaker M.V. Lee Badgett speaking on Queer Economics.

Here's to a great semester, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

Liz Thomson, Interim Director