In honor of Pride Month, we’re highlighting a number of University LGBTQ+ resources and opportunities available to the community. Whether you’re looking to learn more, get involved, meet like-minded people, make an impact, or show support, browse the list to find out more.
Explore the LGBTQ+ library resource guide.
Find information on LGBTQ+ topics from a variety of library resources. Explore a curated list of books, films, online resources, journals, and primary source materials from the libraries’ Distinctive Collections. The sources provided in this guide are intended as a jumping off point for additional LGBTQ+ studies, which is an interdisciplinary area of research.
Join the LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Network.
Established in 2013, the LGBTQ Faculty-Staff Network fosters inclusion and support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning University employees and their allies. With the goal of strengthening a culture of belonging for all faculty and staff members, the employee resource group focuses on those who are vulnerable and marginalized as a result of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Through education, advocacy, and social engagement and networking programs, the group reinforces employee pride in the University and each other as a community of professionals committed to doing their best work as their authentic selves. Learn more.
Discover the LGBTQ Student Center.
Using a holistic approach to educating and creating awareness around issues of gender, sexuality, and identity, the team at the LGBTQ Student Center uses restorative practices that transform the lives of University students and the greater Miami community. Under the umbrella of Student Affairs, the center offers a number of programs designed to support the LGBTQIA+ identifying members of the campus community and increase the awareness of the issues affecting these individuals through custom training and workshops that are available to University offices and departments. Contact lgbtq@miami.edu to request a training or workshop for a department, office, or group.
The University's IBIS Ally Network raises awareness, knowledge, and sensitivity of issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community on our campuses. IBIS Allies are faculty and staff members who are trained to be an integral part of the network dedicated to supporting our LGBTQIA+ community, regardless of their own sexual orientation or gender identity. An initiative of the LGBTQ Student Center, the program supports the University’s strategic initiative to foster a Culture of Belonging and the Division of Student Affairs philosophy of ’Canes Care for ’Canes. Students can learn more about the IBIS Ally Network by visiting the Student Resources page.
Interested faculty and staff members must complete a three-part training session to become an Ally, and the certification lasts for one academic year. Employees enrolled in the Well ’Canes Incentives program may earn points for participation. Students can refer any University faculty or staff members to the IBIS Ally Network program by completing a referral form.
Gender and Sexuality Living Learning Community
This fall, the University will launch the Gender and Sexuality Living Learning Community for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allied students. A collaboration between the LGBTQ+ Student Center, the Gender and Sexuality Studies Program, and Housing and Residential Life, the program aims to provide a safe space where students know they are respected for all their identities, such as their gender identity and their sexual orientation. Contact the LGBTQ+ center at lgbtq@miami.edu for more information, or visit their office in the Whitten University Center. Read more.
The IBIS Mentorship Program strives to ensure the retention and success of undergraduate and graduate students who identify within the LGBTQ+ community. By providing on-campus role models who can serve as a resource and support for students, the program helps students build LGBTQ+ community using a cohort-based model. Mentors—University faculty and staff members who identify as LGBTQ+ or an ally of the LGBTQ+ Community—help develop student leaders through skill-building opportunities and service projects and help foster a feeling of belonging and acceptance for LGBTQ+ students. All LGBTQ+ identified undergraduate and graduate students can be mentees.
Participate in LGBTQ Student Organizations.
There are five LGBTQ+ student organizations serving undergraduate, graduate, law, and medical students at the University of Miami.
- SpectrUM is the University's largest undergraduate LGBTQ+ organization. The group meets weekly to foster pride through education, awareness, advocacy, involvement, and support.
- Greek Ally Unity—Gamma Alpha Upsilon is a student organization that works to create a culture of acceptance, representation, and inclusion for all members of the Greek community at the University. By facilitating coalitions, educational programs, and meaningful conversations surrounding LGBTQ issues, the group fosters a welcoming environment among Greek life members.
- OUTLaw seeks to advance the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community at the University of Miami School of Law and to educate the law school community. The group sponsors social, educational, political, and cultural events throughout the academic year.
- GradOUT creates an inclusive space for graduate students on campus, providing educational and social opportunities for LGBTQ+ graduate students and allies. The group also advocates for the concerns and needs of LGBTQ+ graduate students as they arise.
- MedicOUT aims to create a more supportive environment for LGBTQ individuals on the Medical Campus and in the medical community, raise awareness of LGBTQ health issues, advocate for the rights of LGBTQ patients, and work with the administration to change the curriculum so that it accurately reflects the health needs of the LGBTQ population. The group welcomes and encourages involvement from allies.
Dive into gender and sexuality studies.
Offered through the College of Arts and Sciences, the gender and sexuality studies program seeks to encourage the rigorous investigation of gender as a significant issue in all areas of human experience. It reaches across disciplines to draw on a range of methods, theories, and perspectives that help us to understand how ideas and structures based on gender shape our lives.
Reach out to the Counseling Center.
In addition to one-on-one support, the team at the University of Miami Counseling Center offers group meetings, including one titled LGBTQ Understanding Self and Others. Led by Kirt McClellan, LCSW, and Julianna Guitelman, doctoral intern, the group provides a safe space to explore and talk with others about the challenges and joys of being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or asexual. Weekly meetings, which are confidential, offer emotional support and help participants connect with each other. Relevant life themes are explored, including relationships with family, friends, and partners; coming out and being out; identity; and ways to embrace all of who you are, in addition to other topics—like depression and anxiety—that are not related to one’s sexual orientation.
Access LGBTQ services at UHealth.
Medical providers at the University of Miami Health System are committed to ensuring that all patients have access to high-quality, comprehensive medical and mental health care with compassion and sensitivity in a confidential setting, regardless of sexual expression or gender identity. The team provides medical and mental health services specifically designed to meet the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning patients, including routine health care physicals, comprehensive gender affirmation procedures, and individual psychotherapy.
Additionally, in 2017, UHealth launched Miami’s first transgender support group, Trans-Trend Miami, with The Hub at the LGBT Visitors Center in Miami Beach. Find out more.
Connect with LGBTQ ’Canes.
Part of the Alumni Association, LGBTQ ’Canes aims to establish and foster mutually beneficial and enduring relationships between the University and its gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and allied alumni and current and future students. To join, fill out this form, or download the UM Alumni App and join the group page. In addition to existing alumni benefits and services, members will be kept informed of opportunities to connect and engage with fellow LGBTQ ’Canes and allies and assist with initiatives designed to enhance the experience of LGBTQ ’Canes at the U.
