The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center, a department of the Center for Student Involvement, was created in order to sustain and strengthen an open, safe, just and inclusive campus community for people of all sexualities and gender identities by eliminating heterosexism, homophobia and gender identity oppression.

We work to accomplish our mission within the framework of the following deeply held values:

We value people. We recognize that people, particularly students, are the most dynamic and unique resources available. We actively nurture and support both the intellect and the spirit of the total person.

We value diversity. We encourage all members of the campus community to participate in the LGBT Resource Center's efforts to promote social justice and eliminate discrimination in all of its forms. We also strive to serve every member of the NU community, especially allies, and support their development.

We value community. We recognize the importance of providing a visible, comfortable and accessible Resource Center space for LGBTQ and allied members of the NU community to congregate and explore issues of identity. In this space is a well-organized, diverse collection of books, publications, and films pertaining to LGBTQ themes.

We value education. We provide high-quality and well-advertised educational, social and activist programming which reflects the diversity within the LGBTQ community. We believe that by graduation all students should possess a base of knowledge pertaining to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.

We value service. We will strive to provide a superior level of support to the LGBTQ community at Northwestern. We will make every effort to accommodate the needs of the campus community with kindness, courtesy and respect.

We value accountability. We will endeavor to know and respond to the determined needs of the LGBTQA community. We will work to anticipate the future environment and adapt programs, services, and facilities in response to those needs.

We support the academic mission of Northwestern University.

We challenge existing definitions of gender and sexuality.

We build coalitions on- and off-campus.

We develop and offer programs and co-curricular, educational, cultural, and social opportunities for students, faculty and staff on LGBTQ issues.

We educate the university community about LGBTQ people through programs and trainings such as Safe Space, Transgender Ally Training, and programs including National Coming Out Day and LGBT History Month.

We advocate for an environment which eliminates barriers, diminishes prejudice and bigotry and extends a supportive climate for al LGBTQA students, staff and faculty.

We collaborate with campus citizens and with other institutions and community agencies to facilitate student development.

We foster, within Evanston and Chicago and across surrounding communities, relationships through which LGBTQA students can thrive as they pursue future educations, career and life goals.

We welcome opportunities to think critically, receive information, share knowledge and sustain an educational environment in which each student has the support needed to shape unique identities.

We assist academic and administrative departments in implementing policies, programs and activities that increase the number of LGBTQ students who enroll in and graduate from Northwestern University.

We connect the needs of LGBTQ students, staff and faculty with on- and off-campus resources.

We disseminate information about LGBTQ people and assist the institution in providing opportunities for students to learn about this population.

We provide representation to campus committees to ensure that the needs of the LGBTQ community are included in decisions regarding campus policies.

We provide unique support services specific to LGBTQ students, including: advising, advocacy, counseling and referral, education and training, group and workshop facilitation, and leadership development.

We recognize and explore the ability, age, ethnicity, gender, health, language, national origin, race, religion and socioeconomic differences in the LGBTQ community.

We serve every member of the student body, staff and faculty.

We celebrate the history, traditions and culture of LGBTQ communities.

We welcome your thoughts, comments or suggestions: lgbtcenter@northwestern.edu