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Colgate LGBTQ FAQ’s
IS THERE AN ACTIVE LGBTQ STUDENT ORGANIZATION?
YES. Lambda serves as the organization that provides a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and same gender loving students to explore their identities. This is a relaxed group that often focuses on support and social activities.
Advocates is the equivalent of a gay straight alliance and is responsible for activism within the queer community. They have done programming for National Coming Out Day, Big Gay Weekend and Guess the Straight Person.
IS THERE A CAMPUS OFFICE FOR LGBTQ INITIATIVES?
YES. The Office of LGBTQ Initiatives falls under the Center for Leadership and Student Involvement (CLSI) which is located in the O’Conner Campus Center (Coop) room 124. The office provides educational programming, support groups, alumni trips, advising and a safe space to explore conversations about sexuality.
WHAT IS IT LIKE LIVING ON-CAMPUS?
In the past an LGBTQ “safe house” provided a living learning community for queer and ally students. For two years Advocates and Lambda have worked on a proposal to institutionalize Avenue Q which would allow a permanent residence on campus. Currently you can find an LGBTQ friendly floor in the Creative Arts House.
ARE LGBTQ-SENSITIVE COUNSELING SERVICES AVAILABLE?
YES. All members of the counseling center have been through at least one three hour safe zone training, which is an educational program about experiences of LGBTQ people, terminology, the coming out process and resources.
ARE THERE OTHER CAMPUS OFFICES THAT ARE SUPPORTIVE OF LGBTQ STUDENTS AND ISSUES?
YES. Most departments in the Dean of the College have been through Safe Zone training including; Residence Life, COVE, CLSI, Dean of the College, Health Center, Counseling Center, Campus Safety, Chaplaincy, Career Services and ALANA Cultural Center. Other departments such as Communications, Outdoor Education, Center for Learning Teaching and Research and Human Resources have also attended trainings.
WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE SPONSORED ON CAMPUS FOR LGBTQ STUDENTS?
Every fall we have a welcome back event, awareness programs for National Coming Out Day, Bisexual Awareness Day, Transgender Day of Remembrance, LGBTQ Leadership Retreat, Alumni Events, Rainbow Cake, Day of Silence, Guest Speakers, Movie nights, Family Dinner, intramural softball team and Lavender Graduation (to name a few things).
DO LGBTQ-RELATED INCIDENTS OCCUR ON CAMPUS?
Unfortunately, YES. The vast majority of these incidents take the form of offensive graffiti or name calling. At the same time we have had great educational moments as a result of these events.
HOW DOES THE UNIVERSITY RESPOND TO SUCH INCIDNETS?
Colgate takes all incidents of anti-LGBT bias and harassment seriously. Concerns or complaints can be reported to LGBTQ Initiatives, Campus Safety, harassment advisors or at this anonymous tip form on the Dean of Diversity webpage. Depending on the type of incident and whether the perpetrator is know or not, there are a variety of ways Colgate may respond, including enforcing the harassment policy and student handbook policies.
CAN I FIND SUPPORTIVE FACULTY AND STAFF EASILY?
YES. There is an active Safe Zone program on campus. Many supportive staff and faculty publicly display the Safe Zone card (with a torch and rainbow flame). Any person that has this card attended the three hour training and feel comfortable talking with you about questions you may have. Safe Zone Online Directory.
ARE SEXUAL ORIENTATION/GENDER IDENTITY AND EXPRESSION INCLUDED IN THE NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY?
YES and NO. Currently sexual orientation is included in Colgate’s non-discrimination policy. The addition of gender identity and gender expression to the existing non-discrimination policy at Colgate has been brought up for discussion. New York AB 5710/SB 2406 Would update existing anti-discrimination laws to apply to discrimination based on gender identity or expression.
DOES COLGATE OFFER DOMESTIC PARTNER BENEFITS?
YES. In order for a domestic partner to be included in the programs, a signed application (available from HRD) must be submitted. Colgate University reserves the right to request evidence that the eligibility requirements are being met as outlined in the application. It is the employee's responsibility to notify Colgate if there is a change in status which would make the domestic partner ineligible for benefits within thirty (30) days.
Helpful links
On campus
Advisors on harassment issues (PDF)
Local resources (PDF)
LGBTQ library resources
Report a tip anonymously
National
Campus Pride
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Human Rights Campaign
Bisexual Resource Center
Day of Silence
Gender Public Advocacy Coalition
V-Day, Until the Violence Stops
Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals
Gay Pride
Empire State Pride Agenda
National Black Justice Coalition
Scholarships
LGBT Heart
Audre Lorde Scholarship Fund
Lambda Foundation for Excellence
The Point Foundation
FinAid
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Scholarship Resources
Minnestoa, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Educational Fund
LEAGUE at AT&T Foundation
Other Important Information
Religious holidays http://www.interfaithcalendar.org/
Real Estate
Christine E. Hoffman – Real Estate Sales Agent: I have had my real estate license since 2004, and am associated with Century 21 Countryside Realty in Earlville, NY. After many years in San Francisco, I returned to Central New York in May 2000 to be near parents and family, and I currently live in Sherburne.
After seven years working full-time at Colgate University, I am now devoting most of my energy to real estate sales. My specialty focus is working with LGBTQ-identified individuals and families relocating to Central New York.
The Central New York area offers many opportunities for vacation homes, lakeside getaways, Adirondack camps, and that "little house in the country" for those tired of city life or nearing retirement. I can help clients with a variety of business properties as well, such as a bed & breakfast, restaurant, cafe, or arts and crafts studios. CNY has beautiful vistas, an increasingly progressive and artistic citizenry, organic farms, and the peace and slower pace so many of us lack in today's frantic world.
In the past few years, we have seen several LGBTQ couples, friends, and professionals purchase homes and start businesses here. It's the perfect location -- just a few hours from NYC, Philadelphia, Toronto, Boston -- yet far enough way to rejuvenate your soul. I would like to encourage more LGBTQ people to get to know the area.
I am an avid LGBTQ activist, working since 2002 with Colgate University's LGBTQ Supporters Network to bring awareness, services, and educational outreach to Colgate students, faculty, and staff, as well as the local residents. Please call, or tell your friends. Wonderful beginnings await!
Contact Information Office: 72 South Main Street, Earlville, NY 13332 315-691-2100 voice 315-691-2072 fax Email: cehoffman@frontiernet.net Home Phone: 607-674-2611