UT Dallas Named Among ‘Best of the Best’ for LGBTQ Students

10.21.2020

When it comes to the most LGBTQ-friendly campuses in the United States, UT Dallas is one of the best of the best.

Campus Pride included UT Dallas among the 2020 Best of the Best LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges and Universities to commemorate LGBTQ History Month and National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11). UT Dallas was one of only two universities in the Southwest to make the list.

The top 40 universities were selected based on data provided through the Campus Pride Index, which assesses LGBTQ-inclusive policies, programs and practices. UT Dallas has earned five out of five possible stars on the index.

“It’s important, more now than ever, that we support our LGBTQ+ community at UT Dallas.”
– Matt Winser-Johns, assistant director for LGBTQ+ programs at the Galerstein Gender Center

“Through achieving our excellent rank on the Campus Pride Index, I’m encouraged to always remember that through our challenges, we can create opportunity to redefine our community,” said Lauren DeCillis, director of the UT Dallas Galerstein Gender Center. “Our Galerstein Gender Center is not only defined by our welcoming space on campus, but how we stand up for each other off campus. We are here for you.”

The center, part of the Office of Diversity and Community Engagement, advocates for and supports the LGBTQ community through a variety of programs, services and events, including the Queer and Trans Action Group, Lavender Graduation and National Coming Out Day.

“It’s important, more now than ever, that we support our LGBTQ+ community at UT Dallas. This ranking is so wonderful, but it’s not the end,” said Matt Winser-Johns, assistant director for LGBTQ+ programs at the Gender Center. “We still have so much important work to do to ensure our LGBTQ+ faculty, staff and students feel affirmed here at UT Dallas in every space, program and policy.”

In June, BestColleges in partnership with Campus Pride ranked UT Dallas 14th in the nation for its commitment to LGBTQ-inclusive policies, programs and practices. Campus Pride is a national nonprofit for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBTQ students.

In addition to the Gender Center, UT Dallas offers services to the LGBTQ community through the Student Counseling Center, a Campus Pride Alternative Spring Break project and gender-inclusive housing. The University also supports employees through QuTD and provides alumni the opportunity to stay involved through the UTD Alumni of Gender, Sexual Orientation, and Romantic Minorities.

–Kim Horner