LGBTQ+

Some of the History

1969: Students found the University of Chicago Gay Liberation Front, the City of Chicago's first gay liberation organization.

1998: Sexual orientation added to Chicago's non-discrimination policy.

2006: Gender identity added to Chicago's its non-discrimination policy.

2008: The University of Chicago adopts the gender-neutral Open Housing policy.

2013: The University launches the Preferred Name Policy, allowing students to choose their preferred name to be used on Chalk, Grade Rosters, Class Rosters, and the Online Directory.

2017: All dorms required to have at least one gender-neutral bathroom in every house.

2019: Single-user restrooms on campus designated as for all genders.

Campus Groups

• Center for Identity and Inclusion: The CII hosts quarterly affinity spaces, speakers, programs, and is the first-line contact for queer students that have experienced housing discrimination on the basis of gender or sexuality.

• The Center for Gender and Sexuality Studies: The CGSS offers academic and job support, with resources for lecturers, fellowships, and internships.

• Student Wellness: Student Wellness is one way to access gender-affirming healthcare and sexual health resources. Basic Student Wellness appointments are free for students and they take USHIP and many other insurances if there is a cost associated with your particular need. They can help provide:

  • PrEP HIV prevention

  • Vaccines

  • Screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections

  • Birth control/contraception

  • Referrals to UChicago Medicine for hormone replacement therapy, gender-affirming surgery, OB/GYN care, and referrals to the infectious diseases clinic for anal health.

• There are many queer RSOs on campus, namely the Organization for LGBTQ+ Students (OLS) and UChicago+ (primarily a Discord server). While these can be great and meaningful spaces for queer students to build community, these organizations do not necessarily align with radical values and do not always feel welcoming to all queer students, particularly queer students of color. Student organizing spaces on campus tend to be very queer-identifying and invested in queer liberation. You will inevitably find queer community through involvement in student organizing spaces. Come hang out with us!

Please feel free to reach out to any organizing group / the Dis-O team for off-campus resources!