UC Answers: How does UC support the LGBTQ community?
Learn about resources at UC, including what is available at UC’s LGBTQ Center
Juan Guardia, assistant vice president and dean of students at the University of Cincinnati, discusses ways UC engages with and supports the LGBTQ community.
How does UC support the LGBTQ community?
Guardia: To those students who are coming to the University of Cincinnati who identify as LGBTQ, please know that we are here to support and advocate for you.
What are some of the specific ways UC is supportive?
Guardia: We are really proud of one of our spaces, which is the LGBTQ Center, a unit within the Division of Student Affairs at UC. Now in its 10th year, they have offered a variety of programs, resources, support and advocacy for our LGBTQ identified students.
Talk a bit more about what makes the LGBTQ center so valuable.
Guardia: It provides students a space to not only engage with their peers but to have conversations with professional staff there and really have them look at it from a lens of “where do I see myself as a student at the University of Cincinnati.” It really is a home away from home and a safe authentic space where students can come and be themselves.
What other message would you share with LGBTQ students considering UC?
Guardia: Coming to college may be a huge adjustment for a lot of these students, and they may not have come out during their younger years in high school. But here at the university we are prepared in the LGBTQ Center to not only work with those students but advocate and assist them in that transitioning process.
It is important at the University of Cincinnati to not only advocate but stand with our LGBTQ identified students.
Connect with resources
UC’s LGBTQ Center is an inclusive campus community that welcomes people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and provides support, resources and advocacy. Learn more and find more UC Answers to your important questions.
Related Stories
Ohio nurses weigh in on proposed federal loan rule
December 12, 2025
Spectrum News journalist Javari Burnett spoke with UC Dean Alicia Ribar and UC nursing students Megan Romero and Nevaeh Haskins about proposed new federal student loan rules. Romero and Haskins, both seniors, were filmed in the College of Nursing’s Simulation Lab.
Bearcat Mascot, Cheer Team and scholarships help celebrate Decision Day
December 12, 2025
Cincinnati media organization provided news coverage of Decision Day activities at the University of Cincinnati on Dec. 10, 2025. Surprise announcements of the 2026 Marian Spencer Scholarship recipient occurred during the day.
University of Cincinnati receives $3.4 million gift from alumnus
December 11, 2025
A $3.4 million gift from the estate of University of Cincinnati alumnus Stephen J. Helman, A&S ’83, supports the UC College of Nursing and UC Division of Student Affairs.