LGBTQ at Ohio State

QTPOC at Ohio State

The experiences of those living at the intersection of being LGBTQ+ and a person of color presents its own unique challenges. Queer and trans people of color (QTPOC) have been critically important to the visibility and survival of LGBTQ+ communities around the globe; QTPOC have been at the front line throughout the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. We are dedicated to supporting the QTPOC community at The Ohio State University with a variety of programs and community resources.

The following resources are available for queer and trans students, faculty, and staff of color at The Ohio State University.

QTPOC Mental Health with Counseling and Consultation Services

Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS) seeks to provide a safe, welcoming and affirming environment for those within the university community and beyond. CCS feels a special obligation as a mental health agency to affirm multiple identities, to respond to oppression in all forms and to educate students about the innovative, culturally sensitive, services we have designed to nurture their physical, intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional and creative wellness.

Affinity Groups

Affinity Group timing and availability varies by semester. Check out the list of groups currently offered at CCS.

Affinity Groups for POC

  • BIPOC Grad Group: a supportive space for graduate students who hold minoritized racial identities to gather together to offer each other support, perspective, and occasionally challenge in an effort to help each other navigate life’s stressors.

  • Buckeye Brothers – Undergraduate and Graduate: a group for men to come together and discuss their problems in a casual and genuine way.

  • Graduate International Student Group: This group provides a space for international graduate students to form community and build support as students navigate their unique experiences on campus.

  • Latinx HEART Graduate: a group for graduate students and open to all Latinx-identified students, regardless of identities, nationality or racial/ethnic background and/or immigration status.

  • Understanding Self and Others BIPOC: an undergraduate student group specifically for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color who seek a safe space to explore their own identities and shared experiences as it relates to their own culturally diverse backgrounds as well as gain a better understanding of how to relate to others in new and healthy ways.

  • You Good Man? – Undergraduate: a support/process group for Black people (inclusive of the African diaspora) who are male identified to discuss topics and issues of masculinity and how assumptions and expectations impact Black lived experiences.

Affinity Groups for LGBTQ People

  • Queer Grad Group: focuses on the social and emotional needs of graduate and professional students of any gender expression, identity, or cultural background who identify as queer and/or LGBTQ+.

  • Queer Undergraduate Group: a group that focuses on supporting positive mental health and social connectedness among undergraduate students who identify as queer.

  • True Selves: a group for undergraduate and graduate students who are exploring their gender identity or who identify as transgender or gender diverse.

Involvement Opportunities

Find additional student and alumni involvement opportunities here.

Offices of Support

Local Resources

  • Mozaic is a community program focused on health and wellness, HIV prevention, and community building initiative for trans and gender non-conforming people of color ages 13-29. The organization offers programs and services by and for QTPOC.

  • For additional resources, BQIC has a list of trusted local resources for a variety of services.

Coming Out Resources:

The Human Rights Campaign offers many guides on coming out, including guides specifically targeted toward LGBTQ POC:

Support Hotlines

BlackLine: provides a space for peer support, counseling, witnessing and affirming the lived experiences of folxs who are most impacted by systematic oppression with an LGBTQ+ Black Femme Lens.

  • Call 1-800-604-5841 

Desi LGBTQ+ Helpline for ​South Asians Mental Health Care (DeQH): free, confidential, culturally sensitive peer support, information and resources for LGBTQ+ South Asian individuals, families and friends around the globe.

Mental Health Networks

There are numerous mental health care provider directories and resources focused on QTPOC providers and patients.

Find more LGBTQ+ mental health resources here.