UC ranked among nation's most LGBTQ-friendly campuses

The University of Cincinnati has been recognized as a top LGBTQ-friendly campus by Affordable Colleges Online and Campus Pride.

ACO ranked UC #52 on its list of top LGBTQ-friendly campuses along with Ohio State University, Miami University, Ohio University, and other nationally top ranking public and private institutions. UC also has earned 4.5 stars (out of five) on the Campus Pride Index. Campus Pride is the leading national, nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create safer, more LGBTQ-friendly learning environments at colleges and universities.

"We are thrilled and ecstatic to learn that UC has been recognized for our value and commitment to our LGBTQ students," said Juan R. Guardia, assistant vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students .

 Jayson Douglas, LGBTQ Center interim director added, "It is an honor to be recognized on a national level for the hard work that our faculty, staff and students continue to do for the LGBTQ community. There is a true commitment from the university to increase equity that is getting noticed."

ACO offers free online resources to help students in their college search. The site identifies universities that protect and serve LGBTQ students through policy inclusion, robust resources and services for LGBTQ students, and intentional promotion and inclusion of LGBTQ perspectives in their curriculum. Several of UC's programs and support groups were highlighted, including Grounds for Support, Kaleidoscope, Queer Spirituality, and the Rainbow Scholarship (supports LGBTQIA students studying abroad.) 

The Campus Pride Index is a vital tool for assisting campuses in learning ways to improve their LGBTQ campus life and ultimately shapes the educational experience to be more inclusive, welcoming and respectful of LGBTQ and ally people. The index is owned and operated by Campus Pride, the leading national nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create safer, more LGBTQ-Friendly learning environments at colleges and universities. 

The LGBTQ Center works toward enhancing the campus community for LGBTQ students and their allies through intentional advocacy, providing a safe space, intersectional programming and access to culturally-relevant resources.

Grounds for Support introduces students to the LBGTQ community on campus. Kaleidoscope is a support group for students who identify as transgender, non-binary, gender non-confirming and no label. Queer Spirituality explores the intersection of spiritual practice and the LGBTQ community.

The LGBTQ Center (565 Steger Student Life Center) is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.