The Office of LGBTQ+ Initiatives works to enhance campus inclusion and provide support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and ally students, staff, and faculty through intellectual and leadership development, building community, outreach, and visibility.

The office is committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, feels supported in a safe and affirming community.

Welcome

Dear 2SLGBTIQA+*, non-binary, gender non-conforming, gender fluid, gender queer and ally friends,

With all of my heart, I welcome you at the Office of LGBTQ+ Initiatives, where each and everyone’s unique experience is celebrated, where everyone’s identity (identities) enriches the campus culture and helps our community to thrive. We are here to uplift each other, to learn from each other, and – together – transform the world around us, making it more just, diverse, affirming, and friendlier. 

I invite you to familiarize yourself with the Office’s work by going on our social media (IG: colgate_lgbtq); attending our programs/events; meeting with me in-person (East Hall, Room 108B, Center for Women’s Studies) or via Zoom or email (agorshkov@colgate.edu); or proposing an event or project on which we can work together.

I do believe in this community and its creative powers of healing, bringing people together, and making changes.

Yours,

Dr. Lyosha Gorshkov,
Director

 

*2SLGBTIQA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual-Agender)

 

Student drawing of plants and flowers with the text "Keep Queer"

Colgate’s LGBTQ+ Community

Through our programs, trainings, communities and spaces, Colgate celebrates all intersectional identities working together to make the campus a more inclusive and welcoming community. 

Learn more

 

Venn diagram displaying how queering belonging is equal parts allyship, leadership, and aspiration.

Our Mission

The Office of LGBTQ+ Initiatives’ mission is to build a sense of belonging and provide support to everyone regardless of one's sexuality, gender identity and gender expression, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, religious/spiritual/cultural background, ability etc.

The Queering Belonging Formula

We call our mission “Queering Belonging” Leadership = Allyship = Aspiration

Leadership

We support students to develop skills that prepare them to become effective social justice advocates, community organizers, and LGBTIQA+ ambassadors.

Allyship

Through collaborative projects and programming, we educate the community on 2SLGBTIQA+ issues and forge strong allyships with multiple constituents, providing our students with more avenues for their professional and personal development.

Aspiration

We encourage students to share their authentic selves with others. We empower those who are just beginning their journeys to self- authorship and agency. Through social and cultural mixers, workshops, fests, and celebrations, we affirm our intersectional identities and welcome allies to learn about — and support — the 2SLGBTIQA+ community.