Support

The Ohio State University is committed to creating a safe, respectful and uplifting environment for our LGBTQ community. Whether you're questioning your identity, coming out, sharing your pronouns, wanting to set up a preferred name, seeking a legal name or sex/gender marker change, or looking for an affirming place to work, we are here to help! At Ohio State, we understand that every member of the LGBTQ+ community has a unique experience that presents individual challenges. As you navigate campus life, keep in mind that we are here to support you.

Legal Support

Student Legal Services at The Ohio State University (SLS) is a non-profit law office that contracts with Ohio State to provide legal services to eligible Ohio State students. SLS can assist eligible students with a variety of legal needs, including navigating changing names and sex/gender markers legally, helping you successfully file your application, submit an advertisement to the paper and complete your hearing. SLS also assists students who have experienced sexual, intimate partner and/or dating violence, harassment and/or stalking with filing criminal charges, seeking protection orders and more.

Ohio State's Title IX office is also available to support LGBTQ+ students seeking assistance in navigating nondiscrimination policies and filing reports when needed.

National organizations, such as Lambda Legal, have created guides on the rights and protections guaranteed to LGBTQ people.

Financial Support

Financial aid is available to LGBTQ+ Buckeyes from both Ohio State-specific organizations and national foundations dedicated to supporting students around the country. We encourage you to explore the full range of financial aid opportunities provided on our Financial Assistance page. For some extra spending money, check out available paid research opportunities.

Central Ohio Resources

Central Ohio has a thriving LGBTQ community. There are local groups for those looking to build community or advocate for change, as well as resources to access free or low-cost support related to food, housing, and utilities.

Food Security

If you need food assistance, there are resources available!

There are two food pantries on the Columbus campus:

• Buckeye Food Alliance

• ACES Food Pantry

Stonewall’s CARES Fund: provides resources to those in the LGBTQ+ community through offering Kroger gift cards, bus passes, and meal vouchers.

Additional Resources

We encourage you to take advantage of a wide range of resources available to Ohio State students, including the following:

• The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) - committed to creating an environment that is equitable, fair and just for everyone at Ohio State. You can report incidents of harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct through OIE.

• Student Advocacy Center - helps students navigate Ohio State's structure and to resolve issues that they encounter at the university, empowering students to overcome obstacles both inside and outside the classroom. The Student Advocacy Center can help students access OSU's Student Emergency Fund.

• Office of Diversity and Inclusion - supporting students, faculty, staff and alumni by building an inclusive Ohio State community.