Supporting LGBTQ+ Students at Faith-Based Institutions
Laura Gentner Hutchinson, M.S.Ed.
ACPA Commission for Student Involvement
February 29, 2024
Download the handout PDF above or keep reading below for the handout information.
Don’t forget to share your feedback on the session!
Enter the code TALK
Establishing LGBTQ+ Support at Faith Based Institutions
Preparing the Ground
Identify stakeholders
Take stock of current resources and gaps in support
Gather artifacts of institutional culture and mission
Identify program goals and priorities & connect program goals to institutional mission and strategy
Planting the Program
Be present with students and respond to individual and group needs
Provide developmentally appropriate tiered programming and content
Address intersecting identities
Utilize campus partnerships
Caring for Growth
Develop leadership opportunities for students
Empower students to lead education and change
Keep track of progress and continuing gaps
Strategies for success
Integrate campus mission/values and utilize guiding documents from institution and religiously affiliated organizations
Accurate assessment of campus climate & history thereof
Build coalitions with students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and identity groups (such a multicultural affairs or international student offices)
Root program in an intersectional framework -- LGBTQ+ students have the full range of intersecting and intersectional identities and experiences
Find the data/rationale that will work on your campus or with your audience (such as mental health, student retention, equitable access, and/or human dignity)
Empower students to demand resources and support
Work with leadership to create buy-in and trust
Define success and plan for it
Know your boundaries/danger zones (such as governing doctrine, harmful but theologically supported speech, off-campus interests, and safety of students and staff who provide visible representation)
Reflection Questions:
What LGBTQ+ & allyship resources already exist on your campus?
What is within your sphere of influence in the organization?
What have you seen/heard is the most urgent allyship need in the org?
Who can you collaborate with to make change?
What specific actions can you take to improve allyship in your organization?