These articles explore some common questions about LGBT people and issues related to being LGBT.

What does it mean to be LGBT or queer? Coming Out What Does It Mean to be Gay? What Does It Mean To Be a Lesbian? What Is Bisexuality?

What Does Transgender Mean? Queer People Of Color What an Ally Does And Does Not Questions For Friends Questions For Roommates

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Q Safe Chat Q Safe Chat is a peer support program that seeks to create and broaden opportunities for students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer, as well as students who are questioning their sexual or gender identity or are in the process of coming out here at NU. Guidance and Peer Solutions (GPS) members connect students to campus resources and community, serving as mentors through online chats. THESE STUDENTS ARE NOT COUNSELORS, BUT THEY ARE ABLE TO CONNECT YOU TO INFORMATION AND RESOURCES. Why have a peer mentoring program? Navigating safe, supportive environments for students to explore their identity and to connect to LGBTQ campus resources can be a struggle for many students.

Who is this program for?

• Students who identify as LGBT, queer, same-gender loving, as well as any identity that is typically associated with this community (including, but not limited to, pansexual, genderqueer, intersex, etc.)
• Students who think they may no longer identify as straight or traditionally gendered, but are not sure.
• Students who are still searching for an identity or community where they fit in.
• Those not yet prepared or willing to participate in public activities suggesting a particular sexual or gender identity status.
• Those in need of support and connection, but not necessarily in need of counseling.
• Those who fear the loss of family and/or friends.
• Those who do not yet know how to meet others.
• Those seeking a role-model.
• Those looking to remain anonymous.

What are Q Safe Chats?

Peer Chats are online chats held every Sunday afternoon from 12-3pm during weeks 2-9 of each quarter. Peer Chats are hosted by GPS members, who are current LGBTQA NU students trained to help connect folks to resources and community. Q Safe Chats are a great way to interact with other LGBTQA and questioning students, and get answers to questions. Participants don’t even have to step foot on campus to get connected!

Is it private?

Participants can choose their own screen name and remain anonymous while in the chat room. No one in the chat room will know the students’ identity, unless a student chooses to disclose. PEER CHATS ARE ONLY OPEN TO NU STUDENTS.

THE CHAT SYSTEM IS OFFLINE RIGHT NOW. PLEASE CHECK THE Q SAFE CHAT SCHEDULE BELOW TO VIEW UPCOMING SESSIONS. YOU MAY ALSO SEND US AN EMAIL AT lgbtrc@u.northwestern.edu OR CALL US AT 847-491-1205.

Q Safe Chat Schedule, Fall 2011 – all chats 12-3pm

• Sunday, October 2
• Sunday, October 9
• Sunday, October 16
• Sunday, October 23
• Sunday, October 30
• Sunday, November 6
• Sunday, November 13
• Sunday, November 20
• There will be no chat on Sunday, November 27 due to the Thanksgiving Holiday
• Sunday, December 4
• Happy Finals Week!