Penn State LGBTA Student Resource Center - Frequently Asked Questions

Being a minority in a residence hall can be difficult at times. A college campus is a microcosm of society, meaning it is a mini-society. A student can expect to encounter the same issues on a college campus that he or she might in a residential community. However, the Residential Life Staff is very committed to supporting the LGBTA community at University Park. Several members of the Residential Life community are also members of the LGBT Support Network. They provide safe areas to talk about LGBTA issues. In addition, they are trained to deal with issues of intolerance and have resources and information on how to help you through an act of hate, discrimination, or intolerance. They are often Allies to the LGBT community and make the dorm experience a safer and better one. To see a listing of Support Network members, go to http://www.sa.psu.edu/lgbt/supportnetwork.

For more information on the Unity Floor see: is there a safe place (question 9). . .

First, realize that whatever happened to you was wrong and is not your fault. Do not take the blame for someone else's intolerance. Secondly, take care of yourself. Find support from friends, family, or individuals on campus that are here to provide support such as CAPS (863-0395) or the LGBTA Student Resource Center. Thirdly, if you are comfortable doing this, speak up. Talk to your RA or someone from the LGBTA Student Resource Center. Penn State University has a policy on Zero Tolerance and does its best to protect all of its students. To report incidents involving acts of hate, intolerance, harassment, and/or incivility, complete the Hate Report Form at www.equity.psu.edu/REPORTHATE. Students can also call the Lion Support Help Line at (814) 863-2020, Affirmative Action Office (814) 863-0471. To find out more, visit www.equity.psu.edu/zero. There is a new Diversity Advocate for Students at the Multicultural Resource Center. The position is through the Office of Educational Equity in 119 Grange building and the phone number is (814) 865-1773.

There is a national group for LGBTA Greek member called the Greek Safe Zone which is a part of the Lambda 10 Project. You can find out more about this organization at their web site: www.lambda10.org/ or by emailing them at info@lambda10.org

There is also an active alternative sorority at Penn State University Lambda Delta Omega. Check the Center's resources list for the current contact individual for this group. PSU has had an active chapter of Delta Lambda Phi off and on for many years as well. DLP is a national gay fraternity.

Some of the staff at the Sorority and Fraternity Life office are also members of the LGBT Support Network.

If you are currently a member of a sorority or fraternity and would like someone to come in to talk with your group about making your house friendly to it's LGBT members, please contact the LGBTA Student Resource Center or look into bringing the Straight Talks program to your house.

At this point, Penn State does not offer a major or minor in LGBT or Queer studies. A minor in Gender and Sexual Orientation studies is in the works, however, and the College of Education is looking into starting a graduate program in Queer Studies that may start before the undergraduate minor is in place. Either way, Penn State University is moving forward in this area.

There are currently a variety of classes that focus on LGBT issues or have a strong emphasis in this area. Please check here for a current list.

Students have several resources on campus. The LGBTA Student Resource Center is a space that is welcoming all students. Staff and students are available to talk to anyone with a concern.

The Support Network offers students another resource. The LGBT Support Network offers students a safe zone to speak about LGBTA issues. Support Network members have a sign or poster somewhere in an office or room, or you may see students with a button on a backpack.

Students can also call the Center for Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) (814) 863-0395 and talk with a counselor. The services are free and confidential to students.

All students are welcome at the LGBTA Student Resource Center; however, some student populations are not comfortable coming in during the 8-5 hours the center is open. If this is the case, call (814) 863-1248 or email LGBTA@psu.edu to set-up an alternative appointment. Your email or phone call will be kept confidential. The LGBT Support Network is another alternative. Several employees of the Morgan Academic Support Center for Student Athletes are members of the LGBT Support Network. You can find a Support Network member by looking for the Support Network poster or sign that is hung in a staff member’s office or by going to the Support Network website at http://www.sa.psu.edu/lgbt/supportnetwork In addition, here are some websites that may be of help.

The LGBT Support Network extends to all Penn State campuses and locations, including Penn Tech and the Hershey Medical Center. Refer to our Support Network link: http://www.sa.psu.edu/lgbt/supportnetwork to find someone at your location. In addition, several Penn State campuses have LGBTA clubs or student groups. To find a listing of these groups, please go to our Resources web site link at http://www.sa.psu.edu/lgbt/resources.cfm.

National Coming Out Day (NCOD), celebrates Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender persons. The first NCOD occurred as a march in Washington, D.C. on October 11, 1987. Months later, several individuals decided to make this an anniversary date that has been celebrated ever since. Penn State University at University Park celebrates NCOD through a variety of events such as a rally at Old Main, a march to the HUB-Robeson Center, an NCOD Dance. Please check our Events website for current NCOD events each year: http://www.events.psu.edu/

The MLK Floor is located in Beaver Hall in the Pollock Residence Hall area. Although it has been in existence for some time, the current members of the floor and members of the LGBTA community and members of underrepresented racial/ethnic communities are working to redevelop its social justice philosophy to increase awareness and involvement. The primary purpose of the floor is to provide members of these communities and their allies a safe space to live and an environment free from intolerance and stereotypes. Its secondary goal is to promote advocacy and opportunities to become involved in the process of breaking down stereotypes and making Penn State free of intolerance and injustice. How to live on the MLK Floor:

If you have accepted a regular housing contract for the 2004-2005 academic year, you can change your location preference to MLK on your contract by accessing your snapshot page at http://www.hfs.psu.edu/contract/. You should also mark this as your #1 priority in your rankings. You have until March 5, 2004, to do this.
If you have accepted a supplemental contract for the 2004-2005 academic year, you can email the assignments office at assignmentoffice@psu.edu to indicate your interest in living on the MLK floor when a regular room becomes available. We cannot make guarantees for students with supplemental contracts, but every effort will be made to assign you to the MLK floor either in your supplemental lounge, or when a regular housing space becomes available.

There are many thoughout Penn State, however we are in the process of identifying them. To see the current list go to http://www.sa.psu.edu/lgbt/apps/unisex.aspx. You can also let us know about more by sending an e-mail to lgbta@psu.edu.

The mission of the LGBTA Student Resource Center is to assist the entire Penn State University community in ensuring the inclusion of LGBTA persons and in eliminating homophobia and heterosexism at PSU by providing a comprehensive range of direct service, referral, programming, outreach, and education. In addition, we envision a campus where LGBTA people feel welcomed and are included in every aspect of the PSU community. The LGBTA Student Resource Center offers several resources: safe space, peer counseling, a meeting place, and information on anything from coming out to LGBT friendly employers. We have a friendly staff that welcomes anyone, gay or straight, into the center and the community. We also offer a library that contains books, educational and social videos, magazines, and scholarly and non-scholarly journals and articles. The resources are available to all students, staff, faculty, administration and community members.

Not necessarily. You make the decision to come out as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, ally, or straight person. The LGBT community has several allies. We are a community that tries to avoid assumptions about the sexual orientation or all persons. Again, it will be your decision when, if, and who you choose to come out to. There is a fear by many individuals that taking part in LGBT events or going to the LGBTA Student Resource Center is only for people that openly identify as LGBT. The Center has many students and staff members that are Allies and all of the events held by the LGBT community are open to everyone. We encourage people that are Allies or just want more information about the LGBTA community to attend events and visit the Center.

Students have several involvement opportunities at University Park. The LGBTA Student Resource Centers offers internships to undergraduate and graduate students. The Straight Talks program is a course that trains students on how to present LGBTA issues to populations unaware of what it is like to be LGBTA. The center also provides volunteer opportunities for students. Finally, students can join a variety of student groups on campus. See the Resource Section of the Web page for a current listing of the groups.

An ally is an advocate for the LGBT community. An ally supports LGBT persons and gives voice to that support. Allies are integral to the LGBT community because they are an example to those outside the LGBTA community that a person who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender is a person who deserves the same rights and privileges as those who are straight. Again, an ally gives voice to the given support, and in fact, must also “come out” to people as an ally of the LGBT community.

The Advisory Board explores issues surrounding the LGBTA community at University Park. Members discuss the efforts of the LGBTA Student Resource Center in order to determine what populations are being reached, and where efforts need to be improved. The Advisory Board reviews and pre-views the LGBTA Speaker and film series that has included individuals such as Keith Boykin (Black and Gay) and Shane Windmeyer (Gay and Greek). The Board is comprised of undergraduate and graduate students, staff, faculty and community members. Some members are appointed by campus groups and others are invited to sit on the Board by the Center Director. If you are interested in being a part of the Advisory Board, contact the Director at the LGBTA SRC.

Straight Talks is a program run by the LGBTA Student Resource Center. Undergraduate students take this three credit course and are trained to go to various University Park classrooms and talk about what it is like to be LGBTA. Graduate students, faculty, and staff can also be trained. The center provides a workshop in the spring for this purpose. A Straight Talk is in essence a panel discussion in which members of the LGBTA community discuss the stereotypes of the LGBTA community, provide personal stories, and answer questions by those attending. Straight Talks are typically less than an hour and provide those attending with a glimpse of what it means to be LGBTA.

University Park campus and the city of State College offer several LGBTA Friendly hangouts. Many students make use of the LGBTA Student Resource Center during operating hours. In addition, many students spend time in the portion of the HUB-Robeson Center where student groups are located. Some quiet or not so quiet hangouts are The Daily Grind, Webster’s Bookstore, and the Coffee Cellar. For those 21 or older, Chumley’s offers a pub atmosphere, and Player’s on Sunday nights offers ‘Rainbow Night’ an alternative evening where you can play pool or dance.

At this time, there is only one local State College High school GSA (Gay Straight Alliance). If you are a member of the State College High school and would like more information about the group and their activities, please email scahsgsa@yahoo.com. A gay-straight alliance aims to create a safe, welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity, and works to combat harassment and discrimination.
Other resources, www.youth.org/ and http://www.ssyglb.org/ provide information to those who are young and non-heterosexual. SSYGLB stands for ‘social support for youth that are gay-lesbian-bi.
Frequently asked questions are available on this website. Youth.org provides links to additional resources as well.
GLSEN is the leading national organization fighting to end anti-gay bias in K-12 schools. Go to www.glsen.org/ to find out how to find or start a chapter at your school.
There is also a local chapter of PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). You can contact their national web site at: www.pflag.org/. or call the Center for their current contact information.
If you would like educational information brought to your school or need help starting a GSA (Gay/Straight Alliance) at your high school, feel free to contact the Director of our Center at 814-863-1248. Many of the speakers and other events are open to the community and local student are welcome to attend. Check out the events website for a listing of all upcoming events, including LGBTA youth conferences. http://www.sa.psu.edu/lgbt/.

Yes! A lot of LGBTA students become involved in student groups that do activities both on and off campus. Bowling and movie nights are popular. Also, each semester, there are specific LGBTA events such as National Coming Out Day, and the Pride Week activities. These are just a few options for students.

Yes, in a way, there are two. Chumley’s is associated with Hotel State College and is located next to the Corner Room on Allen St. Chumley’s is primarily an LGBT bar, however, all individuals are welcome. If you are looking to dance or play some pool, Sunday night’s at Players offers Alternative “Rainbow” night. The night is geared toward the LGBTA community. Find them both on www.downtownstatecollege.com.

Three options are available for a student to get tested for STDs and HIV.
First, University Health Services (UHS) in Ritenour Building offer Confidential Testing and Counseling. This service is also offered by the center three times during the course of the academic year. Finally, the AIDS Project in downtown State College, PA offers Anonymous testing and counseling. Please note that confidential does not mean anonymous. Testing done through UHS is confidential and results are kept in your personal file. Anonymous testing means you are given a number and you call in for that number but no name is attached to your results.

UHS Ritenour Building
(814) 865-6538

AIDS Project
315 S. Allen St.
(814) 234-7087
Suite 115
State College, PA 16801

Planned Parenthood of the Susquehanna Valley
3091 Enterprise Drive
Suite 150
State College, PA 16801
(814) 867-7778
www.ppsv.net

Protection is available at University Health Services, the LGBTA Student Resource Center, and the AIDS Project.
865-6538
UHS Ritenour Building
AIDS Project
315 S. Allen St.
Suite 115
State College, PA 16801
The LGBTA SRC in 101 Boucke building also has a variety of books and pamphlets that deal with Safer Sex options and concerns and free protection as well.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers its services to all students. Several CAPS staff are members of the LGBTA Support Network and are LGBTA sensitive and friendly.

In addition, there are several groups…between men…between women…etc. Staff and faculty can call the center for referrals to local LGBTA sensitive therapists. Staff can also use Employee Assistance Program and ask for a referral to someone who has experience with LGBTA issues and concerns. The toll-free number is 1-800-858-2778. In addition, there are a variety of community and campus numbers to deal with emergency situations Centre County CAN HELP Line 1-800-643-5432 Community Help Centre 235-1890 Psychiatric Medication Questions 234-6110 Centre County Women’s Resource Center 234-5050 Centre Community Hospital Emergency 234-6110 The Meadows Psychiatric Center 1-800-641-7529 PSU Peer Counselors-LION Support 863-2020.

If you are afraid you will not be able to avoid hurting yourself or someone else, get help immediately. Go to the Centre Community Hospital Emergency Department Call 911 or 1-800-643-5432 for the CAN HELP mobile crisis team.

The Center for Women Students is an excellent resource to both the University Park campus and surrounding community. The website is http://www.sa.psu.edu/cws. It includes several links about what to do if someone you know has been raped, sexual assault awareness, relationship violence, and more. The Center for Women Students is located at 102 Boucke Building. Email is cws@sa.psu.edu and the telephone number is (814) 863-2027.

The Centre County Women’s Resource Center is also an excellent resource. Trained volunteers and staff provide crisis intervention for victims of rape and domestic violence on their 24-hour hotline. They also operate a shelter for women who are currently in abusive relationships and need safe housing temporarily. They can be reached at 140 Nittany Avenue or (814) 234-5222.

Penn State University offers several resources if an individual experiences discrimination on campus.

To report incidents involving acts of hate, intolerance, harassment and/or incivility, complete the Hate Report Form at www.psu.edu/dept/aaoffice/report_hate.htm.
Students can also call the Lion Support Help Line at (814) 863-2020, Affirmative Action Office (814) 863-0471.
The Penn State Support Network and Penn State University have a Zero Tolerance policy. To find out more, visit www.equity.psu.edu/reporthate/.
You can also contact the LGBTA Student Resource Center to set-up educational trainings for the department or look at options or resources available to you.

If you just need a safe space to talk about what you have experienced, there are a variety of offices on campus that are members of the Zero Tolerance for Hate Program. Please stop by any of these offices to talk with someone who can help you. Some of the offices include: :LGBTA Student Resource Center, Multicultural Resource Center, Center for Women Students.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at University Park offers a general substance-related disorders group that is open to all students. It is not a 12-step group, but rather focuses on establishing a healthier way of life, including addressing group members' substance-related problems. The group process includes the development of insight, social skills-building, and improved expression of feelings. For information on individual or group counseling, call (814) 863-0395 or visit www.sa.psu.edu/caps/.
The LGBTA Student Resource Center has a list of CAPS counselors who are on the Support Network and are LGBT friendly. Staff can also use Employee Assistance Program and ask for a referral to someone who has experience with LGBTA issues and concerns. The toll-free number is 1-800-858-2778.
Many LGBTA individuals attend the local Alcoholics Anonymous groups. The phone number is (814) 237-3757.

University Counseling Services, specifically Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), provides students with both individual and group counseling opportunities. For information on individual or group counseling, call (814) 863-0395 or visit ww.sa.psu.edu/caps/. The LGBTA Student Resource Center has a list of CAPS counselors who are on the Support Network and are LGBT friendly and also provides resources in our library on easting disorders.

Name change proceedings, updated 3/31/09 Go to the Center County Prothonotary Office in the courthouse in Bellefonte, PA ask for the Name Change Petition paperwork. Go to the Booking Facility at the Center County Correctional Facility to be fingerprinted. Bring photo ID. Payments accepted: Cashier’s Check, Cash, NO CARDS $ 20.0 Return paperwork to courthouse and pay the filing fee. $ 90.00 Court date will arrive via mail Contact the Center Daily Times (238-5000).Use the provided sample and enter the correct names and times to the sample provided by the Prothonotary office. $ 55.00 Contact the Center County Legal Journal (353-3472). You will have to Mail or fax the Notice to the Journal. The Journal will mail the proof along with a bill for the publication. Allow at least two weeks for it to be published and the Proof delivered. $20.00 Day before Your Hearing: Call the Prothonotary office to have a judgment search performed to see if there are any pending court cases on the books. Call Recorder of Deeds and have a Mortgage search performed to make sure there are no outstanding mortgages in the name. The Day of Your Hearing: Pick up the paperwork at the Recorder of Deeds Office on the day of the Hearing $ 5.00 Stop by the Prothonotary Office on the way to the Courtroom to pick up the Judgement Search. $ 7.00 Arrive early. When your case is heard the judge will ask you to present the Mortgage Search, Judgment Search and the Proof of Publications from the CDT and the CCLJ. Judge may ask reason for the name change “Gender reassignment”

PSU students can email Connie at cik4@psu.edu in the Speech and Hearing Clinic to set up appointments for speech therapy. She is very good with transexual students. There is often a semester wait period to get an apt., depending on how busy they are.

Center for Cosmetic Medicine, located in the State Collge office of Blair Plastic Surgery. Has worked with many MTF clients and is very friendly according to patron reports. 814-234-1420, 1952 Waddle Road

Parents often take it very hard when a child comes out as LGBT. They may sometimes blame themselves, thinking they did something wrong. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many parents come to grips with this after some time and they often do so with the support of other parents who have gone through a son or daughter coming out to them. The organization to call PFLAG, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Visit www.pflag.org/ for more information. This website contains information on 18 PFLAG chapters in Pennsylvania alone. The PFLAG website is also available in Spanish. In addition, visit www.hrc.org/. This website may give you greater insight into what your son or daughter is currently going through while coming out.

The LGBTA Student Resource Center has a variety of resources for gay parents. We have a library with many books, magazines and videos on the subject. Community members as well as those associated with the university are welcome to use the materials. Parents dealing with coming out or divorce may also use the Center for resources to lawyers or counselors in the areas as well as a way to find information about the local LGBT community and networking. Local PFLAG chapters may also be of interest to you. Please check with the Center for current information on contacting the local PFLAG chapter.

The best thing to do is listen to your roommate. You may not agree with what he or she is telling you and that is okay. If this is the case, make sure you talk to your roommate, RA, Area Coordinator, or someone else you trust to help you both through this situation. Realize that the reason your roommate came out to you is not that he or she is attracted to you. Rather, your roommate likely came out in order to live openly and honestly.

Coming out is a very personal process. It is an important step in acceptance of an LGBT identity. It is difficult to know what to say and do to be a supportive friend but here are some suggestions:

Thank your friend for having the courage to tell you. Choosing to tell you means they have a great deal of respect and trust for you.
Don’t judge your friend. If you have strong religious or other beliefs about homosexuality, keep them to yourself for now. There will be plenty of time in the future for you to think and talk about your beliefs in light of your friend’s orientation.
Respect your friend’s confidentiality. They are probably not ready to tell others right away and want to tell people in their own way.
Ask any questions you may have, but be prepared that your friend may not have all the answers. You can save some questions for later, or better yet, you can find some answers together.

As a friend, there is more you can do than is listed here. If you need more information, contact the LGBTA SRC.

Having a sibling or parent come out may be extremely difficult. Considering the societal implications that go with being LGBT, your sister, brother or parent may be feeling very isolated. One way to support your siblings, or parent is by joining Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). Visit www.pflag.org/ for more information.

In addition, visit www.hrc.org/ and check out their pages on ‘Coming Out’. Both websites can give you some insight and information on what your family member may be going through. Finally, talk to your sister, brother or parent. Let your family member know that you will support him or her, and that you are proud he or she decided to come out.

Yes. Graduate and undergraduate students can purchase benefits for domestic partners if they wish, but there are some limitations to coverage. Undergraduates can purchase medical insurance for Domestic Partners. For graduate students, there is a difference in the cost, depending on which plan they choose and if they are a graduate assistant or fellow who receives a stipend/pay from the university. Paid graduate assistants and fellows are eligible to purchase full medical, dental and eye coverage for domestic partners. However, graduate assistants and fellows who are not in assistantships or fellowships are not eligible for dental and vision coverage, but may still purchase the same medical coverage undergraduate students can purchase. For more detailed information, students should go to the Student Health Insurance 302 Student Health Building, and/or visit their website www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/basics/insurance.cfm

Yes, if the partner is a Pennsylvania resident. Pennsylvania residents may check out up to 20 books at a time for 28 days.

Yes. There are two options. Any visitor may use the gym with a Penn State student for a nominal fee per day, assuming the student has membership. For partners who are PA residents, a special gym pass can be purchased. Each couple should visit Room 111 of the White Building (during summer session) or Room 146 of the White Building (remainder of the year) for a gym pass - either per semester or per year. Cost is variable, but as of 2006 - $68/semester and $175/year.