The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center is a resource for the entire university community, serving students, faculty, and staff, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning individuals themselves as well as their family members, friends, and allies.
No. Our services are available to anyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
While meeting the needs of LGBTQ individuals is a crucial part of what we do, we regularly are contacted by others who have an interest in or whose lives are impacted by issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity.People who are not LGBTQ may contact us for a variety of reasons, such as:
- They are researching some aspect of LGBTQ identity or experience for a class project;
- Someone in their lives has come out to them as LGBTQ and they would like support and assistance in responding to this situation;
- They would like to learn more about LGBTQ identity for personal or professional reasons;
- They are a service provider who is looking for resources for a client.
Others may contact us because they are unsure of or are questioning their identity and are seeking help answering their questions. In these situations, we will listen, recommend resources, help individuals sort through their questions, and if needed refer them to other sources of assistance.
No. Because we are one of the few LGBTQ-focused resources available in Illinois outside the city of Chicago, many people who are not NIU students find their way to us. We will attempt to assist anyone who contacts us with a need related to sexual orientation or gender identity, as time and resources allow.
As a unit within the NIU Division of Student Affairs, the primary focus of our programs and services are students at Northern Illinois University. Beyond serving students, we particularly attempt to address the needs of NIU faculty, staff, and family members where possible.
Most campus events are open to all. Some programs or services we provide may be restricted to students or others affiliated with NIU.
We welcome your inquiries; if we cannot assist you, we will do our best to refer you to a more appropriate resource.
Yes. While many people may be comfortable being open about having an LGBTQ identity or about having an LGBTQ-related need or issue in their lives, we understand that others may fear or actually face negative consequences due to stigma or prejudice. For this reason, we will not talk to anyone about your use of the Resource Center unless you give us permission to do so in order for us to assist you.
There is one critical exception to this guideline: we must contact appropriate authorities if there is an imminent risk that you may cause harm to yourself or someone else. In these situations, we will act responsibly to protect your safety as well as the safety of others.
