Welcome to Texas Lutheran University's LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer +) Resource Page! Texas Lutheran University prides itself on creating a community and an environment where individuality and personal growth are as integral to success as rigorous academics. We also feel that such an environment should be "designed to serve a diversified community", as stated in our Mission.

The purpose of this page is to provide the students, faculty and staff of Texas Lutheran University the information and resources they need to create and maintain an open, safe, and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the campus community.

If you have any concerns or suggestions, please contact our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office, Dr. David Ortiz at dortiz@tlu.edu or our Dean of Students, Kyle Wych at kwych@tlu.edu.

 

The acronym is used to represent a diverse range of sexualities and gender-identities, referring to anyone who is non-cisgender or non-heterosexual.متجر بلاي تنزيل يوتيوب متجر بلاي جوجل بلاي متجر بلايجوجل بلاي متجر بلاي تحديث ببجي تنزيل واتس اب متجر بلاي

What Does Each Letter Mean?
    • L (Lesbian): A lesbian is a woman who feels a sexual and romantic attraction to other women. While variations of the acronym exist, the L (for lesbian) is most-often placed first. google play apk
    • G (Gay): Gay is usually a term used to refer to men who feel sexual and romantic attraction to other men. However, lesbians can also be referred to as gay. The use of the term gay became more popular during the 1970s. The term 'gay community' was eventually replaced the phrase 'gay and lesbian community' until the use of the initialized LGB and LGBT acronyms became more popular.
    • B (Bisexual): Bisexual indicates having a romantic and sexual attraction to both men and women. The recognition of bisexual individuals is important since there have been periods when people who identify as bi have been misunderstood as being gay but unwilling or unable to come out as gay.
    • T (Transgender): Transgender is a term that indicates that a person's gender identity or expression is different from the sex they were assigned at birth.
    • Q (Queer or Questioning): This initial usually represents queer or questioning. Queer is considered an umbrella term for anyone who is non-cisgender or heterosexual. Queer may be used by people who feel that another term such as gay, lesbian, or bisexual is too limiting or not representative of their identity. Questioning refers to people who may be unsure of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
    • + (Plus): The 'plus' is used to signify all of the other gender identities and orientations that are not specifically covered by the other five initials. This includes intersex, asexual, pansexual, agender, and genderqueer individuals. google play store apk tiktok video downloader Android Auto google play services apk Google Services Framework  descargar play store

Texas Lutheran University uses the Human Rights Campaign's definitions. Some of these are:
  • Sexual Orientation: An inherent or immutable enduring emotional, romantic or sexual attraction to other people.
  • Gender Identity: One's innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither – how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. One's gender identity can be the same or different from their sex assigned at birth.
  • Gender expression: External appearance of one's gender identity, usually expressed through behavior, clothing, haircut or voice, and which may or may not conform to socially defined behaviors and characteristics typically associated with being either masculine or feminine.
  • Transgender: An umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or expression is different from cultural expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth. Being transgender does not imply any specific sexual orientation. Therefore, transgender people may identify as straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc.
  • Gender transition: The process by which some people strive to more closely align their internal knowledge of gender with its outward appearance. Some people socially transition, whereby they might begin dressing, using names and pronouns and/or be socially recognized as another gender. Others undergo physical transitions in which they modify their bodies through medical interventions.
  • Gender dysphoria: Clinically significant distress caused when a person's assigned birth gender is not the same as the one with which they identify. The term – which replaces Gender Identity Disorder – "is intended to better characterize the experiences of affected children, adolescents, and adults." 

Other Quick Definitions:
  • Asexual: (aka "ace") A lack of a sexual attraction or desire for other people.
  • Pansexual: Someone who is attracted to all kinds of individuals regardless of their gender identity. 
  • Cisgender: A term used to describe a person whose gender identity aligns with those typically associated with the sex assigned to them at birth.
  • Gender-Fluid: a person who does not identify with a single fixed gender; a person having or expressing a fluid or unfixed gender identity.
  • Intersex: a general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male.
  • Nonbinary: A person whose gender identity is neither exclusively female nor male.
  • Gender nonconforming: An individual whose gender expression is outside or beyond the traditional masculine or feminine norms.  متجر بلاي
Yes! It is TLU's goal to allow everyone to feel comfortable and a welcome part of our community, and part of that is being able to live as the gender you identify with without judgement. دخول نظام نور
 
Texas Lutheran University is working on creating a Preferred Name section on the registration form, which will allow students with a preferred name different from their given name to be listed on class rosters by their preferred name. For more information, please contact Dr. David Ortiz at dortiz@tlu.edu
Yes! TLU is a community that values respect and acceptance, and we expect all of our campus community, faculty, staff, and students to respect one another. متجر بلاي
 
If you have any concerns or issues regarding discrimination based on gender or sexuality, please contact the Title IX office or email Leslie Flores at lflores@tlu.edu. 
The LGBTQ+ acronym serves an important purpose—not only is it designed to be more inclusive, but it also represents the self-identities of people who are not straight or cisgender.
 
Inclusivity

The use of the acronym is intended to be an all-encompassing way to recognize different gender identities and sexual orientations. The addition of other identities to the LGBT acronym also plays an important role in recognizing and connecting them to a larger community.

It also means that these individuals are able to gain greater recognition by society as a whole. Rather than being erased, ignored, or denied, acknowledgment can help foster greater visibility of marginalized identities.

Visibility

Visibility can also help create a greater sense of self-affirmation of a person's identity. Research has found that offering inclusive and affirmative environments is important for LGBTQ+ youth.

Research also suggests that being visible as LGBTQ+ can be an important way to feel a sense of pride in individual identity. Affirming self-identity can help people feel greater self-esteem, self-worth, and boost overall mental well-being. This can be particularly important since representation has long been lacking in mainstream media.

The good news is that there have been improvements made in recent years to change this. A recent GLAAD report suggests that the representation of LGBTQ characters and relationships on television is higher than ever previously seen on TV. This includes greater diversity and visibility of non-binary identities, although the report notes that BIPOC characters are still underrepresented.

Research and statistics suggest that LGBTQ+ youth have an increased risk of a range of mental health and social issues, often due to or exacerbated by isolation, marginalization, and discrimination based on their orientation or identity.

 Fostering inclusivity and acceptance may be one way to help combat some of these issues.  
Yes! Sexuality Awareness For Everyone (S.A.F.E.) is an organization that strives to promote an environment of social justice, equal rights, tolerance, and acceptance for everyone at Texas Lutheran University. They are a safe space for students of the LGBT+ community, as well as allies, who are seeking peace and acceptance, as well as support during their processes of self-discovery. They also help to educate the community on issues related to LGBT+ current events, sexual and domestic violence, and mental health.
 
Instagram: @tlusafe 
Student Organizations - S.A.F.E. (Sexuality Awareness For Everyone) is a student organization dedicated spreading awareness and acceptance of gender, sexuality, and the LGBT+ community. Meetings occur during the semester. Please log on to Connect@tlu.edu for times and locations. 
 
Diversity Committee - Texas Lutheran University has recently instituted a diversity committee dedicated to advocating for our minority students.
 
Health Services - TLU's counselor, Sarah Westerfield, and our campus Registered Nurse, Laci Webber who are both LGBT+ Allies.
 
Athletics - our athletics department will respect the gender identity and sexuality of its athletes. Any complaints or concerns regarding this can be addressed to the TLU Title IX office.
 
Housing -  Campus Living can address any issues arising with housing or roommate assignments.
 

Trans-Health | Trans-health has provided information on health and fitness for trans people since 2001.
 
Healthy Bodies, Safer Sex (PDF) | A Comprehensive Guide to Safer Sex, Relationships, and Reproductive Health for Trans or Non-Binary People and Their Partners. Courtesy of Pacific Lutheran University.
 
Go Ask Alice! | Go Ask Alice provides reliable, culturally competent information and a range of thoughtful perspectives so women can make responsible decisions concerning their health and well-being.
 
Scarleteen | Scarleteen provides comprehensive sexuality information and help for teens and young adults.
 
Teaching Beyond the Gender Binary in the University Classroom | Brielle Harbin. Vanderbilt Center for Teaching.
 
FAQ on Gender Pronouns | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s LGBT Resource center.
 
Pronoun Introductions (PDF) | Smith School of Social Work. واتس ويب
 
Trans-Inclusion Quick Guide | University of Minnesota’s GLBTA Programs Office.
 
 
 
Risk Factors for Alcoholism in the LGBTQ Community Alcoholism is a very serious problem for the LGBTQ community, but increasing awareness and numbers of treatment options mean that help is out there.  RehabSpot
 

Campus Conduct Hotline is a confidential, anonymous way to alert administrators of unsafe or unethical behavior BEFORE it spirals out of control. 
Simply dial toll-free to 866.943.5787.

Click on the image below to see a map of the campus' gender-neutral bathrooms.