LGBTQ Students
The college search and application process can be confusing for many students, but may be particularly daunting for students with marginalized identities. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and other non-binary students are often faced with a unique set of challenges and considerations throughout their college search and application process. This page is intended to provide resources and guidance for professionals supporting LGBTQ students through their post-secondary educational pursuits.
In recent years, several states have introduced legislation that would negatively impact LGBTQ students and school staff. These bills, often referred to as “bathroom bills,” violate individuals’ privacy and safety. NACAC believes that these discriminatory bills and other similar bills create an unsafe environment for students and professionals, and prevent NACAC members from providing effective post-secondary counseling to students of all backgrounds. NACAC opposes such legislation and any policies that allow for discrimination in any form.
In October 2018, reports surfaced that the Trump administration intends to narrow the definition of sex and gender to effectively exclude transgender individuals. NACAC opposes any definition that has the effect of excluding an entire segment of the population. NACAC will continue to monitor these reports and will update this webpage as necessary.
For additional information, visit:
- GLSEN Educator Resources
- Campus Pride Resources
- Point Foundation - LGBTQ Student Scholarships
- Transgender Law Center
- Lambda Legal LGBTQ Teens & Young Adults Legal Resources
- Trans Student Educational Resources
- Human Rights Campaign Schools In Transition: A Guide for Supporting Transgender Students in K-12 Schools
- Human Rights Campaign 2018 LGBTQ Youth Report
- An Ally’s Guide to Terminology
- NAFSA LGBTQ+ Student Advising Guide for Education Abroad Professionals
Related NACAC Resources
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Escaping Stigma: School Support for LGBTQ Students
For its Fall 2018 edition, The Journal spoke with admission professionals, college counselors, and students about how to best support college access for LGBTQ youth.
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LGBT Applicants and Challenges for Admission: Five Cases
This Fall 2012 Journal Article highlights five cases from an admission professional's experience coordinating LGBT recruitment at Tufts University (MA).
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Ask the Admission Office: Diversity on Campus
One of the benefits of going to college is meeting students from different backgrounds. Diversity on a college campus can mean differences in race, religion, ethnicity, gender, geography, etc. When thinking about diversity, consider the following questions.
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NACAC GLBTQ and Allies Special Interest Group
The GLBTQ and Allies SIG provides opportunities for members to discuss issues of college admission that affect GLBTQ students and others. The group also tries to decide how to respond to various events that affect our students and colleagues who are dealing with issues, for example, of coming out and bullying.
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