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 Service

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.

LGBTQ Affinity Groups

  • 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.

  • Transgender and Non-Binary Group: 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

Community Connections

  • Mozaic supports the success and overall well-being of transgender, gender expansive, and nonbinary communities in Ohio through community building, education, and resource navigation. Mozaic serves transgender, gender expansive, and nonbinary young people of color ages 13-29 by offering 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 focused on coming out as a person of color:

Support Hotlines

BlackLine: provides a space for peer support, crisis counseling, reporting of mistreatment, and witnessing and affirming the lived experiences of folks who are most impacted by systematic oppression with an LGBTQ+ Black Femme Lens. BlackLine is a hotline geared towards Black, Brown, Native, Muslim, and LGBTQI communities. However, no one will be turned away from the Hotline.

  • Call or text 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.

Sovereign Bodies Support Line: 24/7 confidential support line for Indigenous crisis support, access to direct services, and healthcare referrals

  • Call or Text 707-335-6263

StrongHearts Native Helpline: a 24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, offering culturally-appropriate support and advocacy.

We R Native: a comprehensive health resource for Native youth, by Native youth, providing content and stories about the topics that matter most to them.

  • Offers Ask Your Relative, a service for Native young people to ask their relatives any questions that are on their heart. A team of educators, public health professionals, and caring adults support this Q&A service.

  • For weekly health tips, contests, and life advice, text NATIVE to 94449

Check out more hotlines on our Mental Health page.

Mental Health Networks and Directories

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

Find more LGBTQ+ mental health resources here.

Paid Research Opportunities

Paid research opportunities are a great way to earn some extra money while helping to advance knowledge in a variety of fields. Below are some current studies seeking QTPOC participants:

TNGE BIPOC Discrimination and Mental Health Study

Are you a transgender, nonbinary, or gender-expansive BIPOC individual? Consider participating in a 15-20 minute survey about your mental health experiences. You can visit https://umassboston.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eJpUybXr7fB4je6 to complete a brief 5-minute screening form to learn if you are eligible for the study. Once you complete the screening form, the PI (Álvaro Gamio Cuervo) will reach out via email to inform you of whether you are eligible to participate in the 15-20 minute cross-sectional survey. Here you will be asked questions about a range of topics (i.e., demographic information, discrimination, trauma, and suicidal ideation). During that survey, you will be able to opt into a raffle for a $50 Amazon gift card. 

Intimate Experiences of Queer Men of Color

Senior thesis research at Washington University. Research description: I am seeking to interview college-aged cisgender queer men of color (Asian, Black, Latino, or Indigenous), preferably ages 18-23, enrolled at American colleges and universities. The purpose of this study is to better understand the intimate experiences of queer men of color in casual or serious intimate relationships with other men. All participants receive a $20 gift card for their time. Sign up or email the researcher, Ranen Miao, for more info.

For more opportunities, check out our page on Paid Research Opportunities.

Faith

  • Many Voices - A Black church movement for gay and transgender justice, that embraces the diversity of the human family and ensures that all are treated with love, compassion, and justice.

  • Pride in the Pews - Mobilizes Black-serving anchor institutions to advocate for the holistic health and wellness of Black LGBTQ+ communities.

  • Unity Fellowship Community Church - An African-American LGBTQ spiritual organization.