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Counseling Center

L.G.B.T. Student Resources

Lehman College is home to a diverse and engaged community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and allied students, staff, and faculty. Through this site you can find ways to connect with this community, and get information you may need.

Lehman College employs a part-time LGBT Outreach Coordinator – an important resource person for students to know. The LGBT Outreach Coordinator works through the Lehman College Counseling Center to foster the academic success and personal growth of LGBT students, and to offer college-wide services to enhance the campus community’s understanding and appreciation of LGBT people and themselves. Currently, Bridget Hughes is acting as the LGBT Outreach Coordinator at Lehman. [insert friendly picture of B. Hughes] (???)

The LGBT Outreach Coordinator’s office is located in the Counseling Center, Room # in the Old Gym Building, where there is also a resource library of books and reading materials on LGBT issues available to all. Please stop by and visit!

LGBT Community and The Counseling Center

The Counseling Center staff is here for you. We promise to provide a safe space for anyone who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, or anyone who is questioning their own sexual orientation or gender identity. Feel free to come in to talk with any of our counselors just for fun, to hang out, read through some of our resources on LGBT interest, or to connect with openly LGBT student groups or individuals. And of course if you need to talk through any more serious personal struggles related to sexual orientation or gender identity you are always welcome to schedule a private appointment free of charge with one of our counselors.

Each semester, the Counseling Center will offer a support group for LGBT students focused on the life-long journey of “coming out.”

Rainbow Alliance Club

The Rainbow Alliance is a student organized and led social club that has its own meeting space in the student center at Campus Life – Room 215. Please contact club President Genesis Gonzales for more information: [insert g’s email address] (???).

The “Safe Zone” Initiative

In January of 2009 the Counseling Center and the Rainbow Alliance began instituting a campus-wide Safe Zone project to increase the visibility of LGBT allies throughout the Lehman campus. People who are themselves LGBT-identified, or who are active allies of the LGBT community were asked to participate by attending an initial training workshop, and then agreeing to wear or post the Safe Zone graphic, to visibly identify themselves on campus as people who are educated about sexual orientation and gender identity and who oppose bigotry and hatred directed at LGBT people. You’ll see Safe Zone stickers, posters and buttons displayed by people throughout the campus, just so you know where to find a friendly listener and a safe place to be out.

You can also go to the Safe Zone webpage (???) to see the growing list of people participating in the Lehman College Safe Zone Ally Community. [insert link] (???)

Training Services Available

The LGBT Outreach Coordinator is available to provide training and workshops on a variety of issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity and the LGBT community. If you are looking for a speaker for a class or a club, or professional development training, please contact Bridget Hughes at bridget.hughes@lehman.cuny.edu.

CUNY Non-Discrimination Policy

The City University of New York Non-Discrimination Policy includes protection for harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity. See below:

[Insert the language from the CUNY policy and link to PDF] (???)

The City University of New York

Non-Discrimination Policy

Statement of Principles

The City University of New York, located in a historically diverse municipality, is committed to engendering values and implementing policies that will enhance respect for individuals and their cultures. The University believes that, in order truly to benefit from this diversity, the University must foster tolerance, sensitivity and mutual respect among all members of its community. Efforts to promote diversity and to combat bigotry are an inextricable part of the educational mission of the University. Diversity among the University's many members strengthens the institution, promotes the exchange of new ideas, and enriches campus life.

The University does not condone and will not tolerate discrimination in employment or in its educational programs and activities.

The City University of New York continues to recognize the important need to maintain at each campus equal access and opportunity for qualified students, faculty and staff from all ethnic and racial groups and from both sexes.

Policy Statement

It is the policy of The City University of New York and the constituent colleges and units of The University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and provide benefits to employees and to admit and provide services for students without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, legally registered domestic partnership status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, alienage, citizenship, military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic violence.

Sexual harassment, a form of sex discrimination, is prohibited under the University's Policy Against Sexual Harassment.

The City University of New York, as a public university system, adheres to federal, state, and city laws and regulations regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action including. among others, Executive Order 11246, as amended, the Civil Rights Law of 1866, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the New York State Human Rights Law. the New York State Civil Rights Law, and the New York City Human Rights Law. The protected classes, as delineated in Executive Order 11246 (Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaskan Native and Women), were expanded on December 9, 1976 by the Chancellor of The City University of New York to include Italian-Americans.

Should any federal, state, or city law or regulation be adopted that prohibits discrimination based on grounds or characteristics not included in this policy, this policy shall be read to prohibit discrimination based on those grounds or characteristics, as well.

Responsibility for Compliance

The President of each constituent college of the University, the Senior Vice Chancellor at the Central Office, and the Dean of the Law School shall have ultimate responsibility for overseeing compliance with this Policy at his or her respective unit of the University.

Discrimination Complaints

The City University of New York is committed to addressing discrimination complaints promptly, consistently and fairly. There shall be an employment discrimination complaint procedure administered by each unit of the University. Students who believe they have been discriminated against in violation of this Policy should bring their complaints to the Chief Student Affairs Officer for investigation by the officer or his or her designee in accordance with this Policy.

Retaliation against any member of the University community who has made a complaint of discrimination is prohibited.

Effective: July 1, 2006

Last Updated: 8/15/06

The Safe Zone Initiative: An Ally Community

Description of the “Safe Zone” Initiative
In January of 2009 the Counseling Center and the Rainbow Alliance began instituting a campus-wide Safe Zone project to increase the visibility of LGBT allies throughout the Lehman campus. People who are themselves LGBT-identified, or who are active allies of the LGBT community, were asked to participate by attending an initial training workshop and then agreeing to wear or post the Safe Zone graphic, to visibly identify themselves on campus as people who are educated about sexual orientation and gender identity and who oppose bigotry and hatred directed at LGBT people. You’ll see Safe Zone stickers, posters and buttons displayed by people throughout the campus, just so you know where to find a friendly listener and a safe place to be out. [insert example of the Safe Zone graphic] (???)

All participants in the Safe Zone initiative go through a training workshop to ensure that all community members have a common level of basic knowledge and the tools needed to be an effective “safe” person for LGBT students and people who are questioning their own sexual orientation or gender identity. The training covers the following topics:

    • Affirming language and vocabulary for talking about sexuality and gender identity
    • The prevalence of homophobic harassment and what you can do to stop it
    • The “Coming-Out” process and how you can help
    • Where to find on-campus help and LGBT community resources

Once training is completed, participants sign the Safe Zone Participant Agreement to reaffirm their commitment to making Lehman College a safe and inclusive community. [insert link to PDF of Safe Zone Agreement Form] (???)

Definition of an Ally

The following section is borrowed from the Ithaca College Center for LGBT Education website, written by Lis Maurer. Adapted from the book Teaching for Diversity and Social Justice edited by Maurianne Adams, Lee Anne Bell and Pat Griffin (Routledge Press, 1997).
What is an ally?

An ally is a member of a dominant group who rejects the dominant ideology and takes action against oppression out of a belief that eliminating oppression benefits everyone. But that is only a small part of the rich and diverse contribution that allies offer. An ally is a person who takes a stand against social injustice directed at target groups.

These include:

    • men who speak out against sexism
    • white people who speak out against racism
    • heterosexual people who speak out against heterosexism and homophobia

An ally works to be an agent of social change rather than an agent of oppression. They are confident in their own social group membership, and comfortable and proud of their own identify. They take responsibility for learning how oppression works in everyday life, and listen to and respect the perspectives of those who are oppressed.

Allies acknowledge unearned privilege and status, and work to eliminate or change privileges into rights that all people enjoy. Allies recognize that unlearning oppressive believes and actions are a lifelong process, not a single event, and they welcome opportunities to learn.

Allies are willing to take risks and try new behaviors. Some allies may experience fears of their own as well as resistance from other people, but they are willing to take risks despite these obstacles. Allies act against social injustice because they believe in righting wrongs and in making the world a better place for all. They are comfortable making a connection between themselves and every other person, and they know that in other circumstances or spheres they might be (and perhaps are) among the oppressed or vilified themselves. They are willing to make mistakes and learn from them; when they are unsure of something, they are willing to ask questions and respect the answers of those whose rights they support. They are willing to be challenged and confronted about their own behavior and attitudes, and they are wholly committed to taking action against social injustice in their own personal spheres of influence, as well as in broader spheres – social, political, or professional — whenever the opportunity arises.

Allies understand the connections among all forms of social injustice, and believe they can make a difference by acting and speaking out against them in their daily lives. Allies also work to cultivate support from other potential allies, and take care of themselves to avoid burnout.

If you think you might be an ally of the LGBT community, let us know!

List of Ally Community Members

The following Lehman Staff members are participants in the Safe Zone initiative. [list names and link to email] (???)

How to Join

It’s easy to become a member of the Safe Zone Community. You simply attend a Safe Zone Training (one hour workshop), and at the end of the workshop you will receive your Safe Zone materials to make yourself visible to the community, along with a resource guide. Safe Zone trainings are held each semester; workshops are offered for staff and students separately.

See the Events page for the upcoming schedule. [Insert link to Events page.] (???)

LGBT Events

Fall Semester 2009

Look for a schedule of our upcoming Safe Zone trainings soon!

Resources & Services

In the Bronx

Bronx Community Pride Center
The Bronx Community Pride Center is committed to nurturing and empowering members of our community to enjoy and realize their full potential. We provide direct social services, cultural sensitivity trainings, community education and a home to promote the health, education, social growth and well-being of the Bronx LGBT community. Programs include support for the transgender community and programs specifically for young people.

448 East 149th Street
Bronx, NY 10455

Main Number: 718-292-4368
Health Hotline: 866-4-GAY-CARE
Fax Number: 718-292-4999

In New York City

A comprehensive and up-to-date directory of LGBT services and organizations in New York City can be accessed on line at the website of the NYC Comptroller’s Office.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
208 West 13th Street
New York, NY 10011
Phone: 212-620-7310
Website: www.gaycenter.org

The LGBT Center, or “The Center” provides over 27 different programs including free and low cost counseling, support groups, youth programming, family supports and cultural, recreational and political events. Over 300 groups meet at the Center each month.

The Audre Lorde Project
85 South Oxford Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: 718-596-0342
Website: www.alp.org

The Audre Lorde Project (ALP) is a Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two-Spirit, and Transgender (LGBTST) People of Color Communities. Call for program information and schedule.

Gay Men’s Health Crisis
119 West 24th Street (btwn. 6th & 7th Ave)
NY, NY 10011
Phone: 212-367-1000
Hotline: 212-807-6655 or (800) 243-7692
Website: www.gmhc.org

GMHC provides HIV/AIDS-related services including education, print and video materials, women’s initiative, peer counseling services, support groups, financial advocacy, recreation and meal programs, legal services, and seminars.

Identity House
39 W. 14th St, Suite 205 (btwn. 5th & 6th Ave.)
NY, NY 10011
Phone: 212-243-8181
Website: www.identityhouse.org

Identity House provides peer counseling and therapy for lesbian, gay, bisexual and all other adults who are struggling with issues of sexuality, alienation, relationships and family. They also sponsor groups, workshops, and other events.

Metropolitan Community Church of New York
446 West 36th Street (btwn. 9th & 10th Avenues)
NY, NY 10018
Phone: 212-629-7440
Website: www.mccny.org

Church of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community; holds worship services and Sunday school, offers counseling, holy unions, a food pantry and other services.

Michael Callen-Audre Lorde Community Health Center
356 West 18th Street (btwn. 8th & 9th Ave.)
NY, NY 10011
212-271-7200
Website: www.callen-lorde.org

General medical, dental, and mental health services; transgender and youth programs; STI and HIV Testing.

NYC Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project
240 West 35th Street, Suite 200
(btwn. 7th & 8th Ave)
NY, NY 10001
Phone: 212-714-1184
HOTLINE (24 hour): 212-714-1141
Fax: (212) 714-2627
Website: www.avp.org

AVP serves lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and HIV-positive victims of violence and others affected by violence, by providing therapeutic counseling and advocacy within the criminal justice system and victim support agencies, information for self-help, referrals to practicing professionals, and other sources of assistance. Services are free and confidential.

Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays (P-FLAG)

www.pflag.org

National organization made up of local chapters offering peer-based support to families when a son or daughter or other family member is coming out as LGBT. For information about meetings specifically for Families of Color, with support offered in Spanish, visit their website.

PFLAG for Families of Color and Allies in New York City meets THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH (except July) from 1-3 PM at the LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th Street, (between 7th and 8th Aves.), New York, NY 10011 (Center: Tel. 212-620-7310). For more information and culturally specific help:

Write to us: info@pflagfamiliesofcolor.org

African/Caribbean:

Anna Maria L. Thomas, Amt413@aol.com, Cell: 917-656-9816
Yla Eason, ylaeason@aol.com, Phone: 917-407-9415

Latino:

Nila Marrone, nilajoe@optonline.net, 914-787-8738
Migdalia Santiago, florlatina123@yahoo.com, 718-749-8562

Outreach:

Carmen Robello, crobello@gmail.com, Cell: 646-637-4210
FIERCE NYC (LGBTQ Youth of Color organization)

FIERCE is a membership-based organization building the leadership and power of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth of color in New York City. We develop politically conscious leaders who are invested in improving ourselves and our communities through youth-led campaigns, leadership development programs, and cultural expression through arts and media. FIERCE is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of social justice movement leaders who are dedicated to ending all forms of oppression. The FIERCE office is open for drop-in hours for LGBTQ youth of color (ages 13-24) Monday through Friday from 4:00 – 8:00pm.

www.fiercenyc.org

147 West 24th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10011

Phone: 646-336-6789
Fax: 646-336-6788

LATINO LGBT ORGANIZATIONS IN NEW YORK CITY

GALDE, The Gay and Lesbian Dominican Empowerment Organization (GALDE) was founded in November 2001. We seek to increase the political visibility of the Dominican LGBT community and to provide HIV/health awareness, educational and cultural activities.

Hispanic Aids Forum (HAF): HAF’s mission is to improve health outcomes for Latinos in New York City who are affected by HIV and other chronic illnesses. HAF fulfills this mission by integrating prevention and education into a set of multi-faceted wellness programs.

LAS BUENAS AMIGAS (LBA): Las Buenas Amigas es una organización Lésbica Latina educacional, social/cultural política, y recreativa, dedicada al ideal de crear una presencia Lésbica visible, positiva en nuestra sociedad y un espacio rico y seguro en el cual abogar, discutir, informar, y tomar acción, educarnos con respecto a los temas que aféctan a nuestra comunidad (tales como la homofóbia y toda otra forma de opresión).

Latino LGBT News: The most comprehensive source of news related to the Latino LGBT community in NY, USA and the world.

Latino Commission on AIDS (La Comision Latina sobre el SIDA): Free confidential HIV testing and referrals: www.latinoaids.org

Latino Gay Men of NY. Latino Gay Men of New York is a non-profit (501c3), incorporated community based organization for gay, bisexual and transgender Latino males in New York City and the surrounding metropolitan areas. The organization was founded in 1991 to promote a positive image of the Latino gay, bisexual and transgender community.

MATEANDO, Comunidad de Materos (argentinos y uruguayos) Amigos en Internet.

Pride NY. PRIDE is Puerto Rican Initiative to Develop Empowerment. Our mission is to promote awareness and pride in our cultural and sexual identities, to advocate for our community on important issues, to increase our community visibility, and to provide a safe space for discussion and expression. Our ultimate goal is to empower our community.

LATINO LGBT ORGANIZATIONS OUTSIDE NEW YORK CITY

HonorPac. Empowering Latino/a LGBT Communities.

Puerto Rico Para Todos. Puerto Rico Para Tod@s es una organización que lucha por la justicia social para todos los seres humanos en nuestras Islas. Nace de nuestro deseo de aportar en la creación de una sociedad para tod@s. Como misión fundamental, luchamos por la inclusión de las comunidades lésbica, gay, bisexual y transgénero (LGBT) en el proyecto social de nuestro pueblo.

Unity Coalition/Coalición Unida is the leading Latino|Hispanic gay civil-rights initiative, offering leadershipon issues that concern LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) Latino|Hispanic and other minority groups across the U.S..

African/Caribbean Americans LGBT Organizations in New York City

Gay Men of African Descent, Inc. (GMAD): Mission is to empower gay men of African descent through education, advocacy, health and wellness promotion and social support.

New York State Black Gay Network, The (BGN) is a coalition of diverse organizations committed to Black gay men in New York State’s primary urban centers. BGN works together to strengthen the ways in which organizations, communities and government respond to the needs of Black gay men.

Important Web Links:
  • LGBT on campus
  • NYAC
Hotlines:

Gay and Lesbian National Hotline

  • Monday through Friday, from 4pm to 12am, and Saturdays, from 12pm to 5pm. Phone numbers: (888) 843-4564 or 212-989-0999

Lifenet (counseling)

  • (800) LIFE-NET

Samaritans Suicide Hotline

  • Phone: 212-673-3000

The Trevor Project Hotline for LGBT Youth

Worthwhile Reading (???)

FAQ

What’s it like for LGBT and allied students at Lehman College?

While there’s no easy way to adequately describe the campus climate at any college or university, we have addressed some questions you may have about what goes on at Lehman College.

Are sexual orientation and gender identity included in the non-discrimination policy?

Sexual orientation, gender identity are included in the college’s non-discrimination policy.

Is there an active LGBT student organization?

Info on Rainbow Alliance and Circle

Is there a campus office for LGBT student services?

No, but there is an LGBT Outreach Coord working out of the Counseling Center.

Where can I find resources on coming out?

Counseling Center, etc. Links to PFLAG, etc

Are LGBT sensitive counseling services available?

The staff in the Counseling Center is very supportive. The Counseling Center also periodically provides specific programs and services for LGBT and questioning students, such as coming out groups and stress-management workshops for LGBT and allied students.

Are other campus offices supportive and inclusive of LGBT students and issues?

Answer- talk about LGBT training done for leadership track, etc.

What activities are sponsored on campus for LGBT students?

answer (???)

Is there a procedure for reporting LGBT-related bias incidents and hate crimes? How does the school respond to such incidents?

The campus takes incidents of LGBT bias or harassment seriously. Concerns or complaints may be brought to ——. (???)

Are supportive faculty and staff easily identifiable?

Adapt this: There is an active Safe Zone project on campus that involves the public display of signs designating LGBT-friendly spaces along with resources available to support LGBT students, faculty, and staff. A directory of some of the out and proud LGBTQI and allied faculty and staff is available on the LGBT Center website.

Does the school offer domestic partner benefits?

Answer (???)

Does the campus and surrounding community feel safe and welcoming?

Answer (???)

Looking for an LGBT speaker or workshop?

Answer – contact Bridget Hughes, etc. (???)

Don’t see your Question answered here?

Email your question to Bridget Hughes, at: bridget.hughes@lehman.cuny.edu and it will be answered soon!

Contact Us

Ethics

All Counseling Center staff abides to professional ethical standards of our profession.