LGBTQIA+ Resources
The American College Health Association (ACHA) constructed the National College Health Assessment III (NCHA III) to gain a current profile of health trends within the UCSD campus community. The Spring 2023 found the following trends:
This survey reveals that, compared to cisgender women and cisgender men, transgender and gender nonconforming people experience:
- Less belongingness to community
- Higher rates of loneliness
- Higher levels of serious distress
- Similar rates of psychological well-being
- More engagement with mental health services
Here is the ACHA-NCHA III full report.
The 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey (USTS) examined the experiences of binary and nonbinary transgender people above the age of 16 in the United States to help the public better understand the lives and experiences of transgender people in the U.S. This survey found the following trends:
This survey reveals that individuals who are able to live as their authentic selves and access/receive gender affirming care experience higher levels of life satisfaction.
Here is the 2022 USTS full report.
LGBTQIA+ Terminology
Terms and definitions for the LGBTQIA+ community are always evolving and changing, and can mean different things to different people. For a comprehensive list of terminology related to the LGBTQIA+ community as well as general social justice terms, please refer to UC Davis's LGBTQIA+ glossary.
- Meaning of the Pride Flag (PDF)
- Pride Flag History Link (PDF)
- Trans-Related Infographic Series: Trans Student Educational Resources (TSER)
- History of the Queer Acronym (PDF)
Counseling and Psychological Services
Students who would like to explore their sexual or gender identities may access Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) as a first point of contact. We welcome students to explore a range of intersecting identities related to gender and sexuality. Topics for discussion may include, but are not limited to, neurodiversity, BDSM and kink culture, polyamory, and consensual or ethical non-monogamy.
Students who would benefit from more regular or longer-term care may be referred to an off-campus provider that is knowledgeable about transgender care. For more information regarding mental health services, please call (858) 534-3755.
Community Connections
CAPS Community Connections are identity and experience-based spaces in which students can meet with other students who share similar identities and experiences. These are spaces where students can focus on building connections, sharing and exchanging ideas, and learning from each other. Check out our offering schedule for LGBTQIA+ students, including the Queer Community Connections, Trans and Gender Diverse Group, and the Support Forum for Queer-identified Graduate and Professional Students.
CAPS Calendar
Check out the calendar of workshops and other programs being offered at CAPS. You can search for community specific programs by using #LGBTQ.
Headspace
Headspace for Tritons is here! The popular mindfulness app and all its upgraded “Plus” features, is now FREE for registered UC San Diego students! This resource includes guided meditations and content that is specifically designed for the LGBTQIA+ community. Within Headspace, “Pride From the Inside Out” has programs that are kind to LGBTQIA+ minds through affirmation, community, and support. Topics include:
- Coming out at any age
- Loving without limits
- Speak your truth
- The power of words
- Find your tribe
Telus Health Student Support
Telus Health provides University California, San Diego students living or residing internationally or Outside California with immediate and/or ongoing confidential, 24-hour support for any school, well-being, or general life concern at no cost to students. If you are currently living out of the country, Telus Health is a mental health resource for you.
STRIDE
The STRIDE Program is Services for Trans, Intersex, and gender Diverse Experiences. STRIDE is staffed with two gender affirming care coordinators who bring a clinical scope and intentionally center our most marginalized of students to ensure our services are capturing everyone in the community.
STRIDE coordinators provide an array of services including:
- Care coordination for students who are seeking primary care and/or specialty care
- Access to gender affirming gear and prosthetics
- Fittings for binding and tucking as well as education and safety
STRIDE Coordinators can also assist in navigating legal name change if the state in which you were born allows for a name change application.
STRIDE has an annual cohort of peer educators. The peer educators are students and members of the community who bring intentional programming on various topics related to community needs and holistic wellness. One of the student led projects is the Pronoun Project, which was founded in 2022 by trans and nonbinary students. The Pronoun Project aims to improve gender inclusivity on campus by surveying students in efforts to gain insight on ways to better empower students and educate UCSD staff on gender inclusion. The goal is to envision and co-create an accepting environment. For more information and to take the Pronoun Project survey, please visit The Pronouns Project Report Form.
GROUPS: Please see our website regarding groups for the respective quarter.
Themes: transfemme, international trans, medically transitioning folx, neuro-affirming
On Campus Resources
Student Health Services
For transgender and nonbinary students who are interested in medical and/or surgical interventions, there are specific physicians and nurse practitioners at Student Health Services to assist. Please see the Transgender Care website for more information on hormones and other gender affirming interventions.
LGBT Resource Center
Students who are seeking affinity among community members may access the LGBT Resource Center. This campus community center is a place of belonging, where open dialogue and expressions are welcomed and encouraged. The LGBT Resource Center offers opportunities for leadership programs, community events, and educational trainings throughout the year. Additionally, LGBT Resource Center hosts the Gender Euphoria Closet, providing the opportunity and space to embrace your fullest self. You can follow their instagram @ucsd_lgbtrc and subscribe to the Rainbow Newsletter to get involved.
Community-Specific Student Groups and Organizations
Undergraduate
- oSTEM @ UCSD: Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) is a national LGBTQ-affirming organization that aims to provide services and support for undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and to create a dynamic network between undergraduates and professionals in industry and academia.
- QTPOC: Queer/Trans People of Color is a student org that creates a safe space to dialogue, educate, and socialize around LGBTQ+ identified people of color. For more information, please contact: qtpocucsd@gmail.com.
- Multi-Identity Art Collective: this intersectional art group is geared toward no one in particular because they take everyone! Humans of all artistic skill levels, specialties, and identities are welcome to join. They hold art workshops and other social events. For more information, please contact: miacucsd@gmail.com
Graduate and Professional Students
- Queer Graduate Student Association: Created to build community for graduate students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and other marginalized identities (LGBTQIA+). For more information, please contact: qgsa@ucsd.edu.
- Grad oSTEM @ UCSD: A community where LGBTQIA+ graduate and professional students can gather and support each other personally and professionally, fostering an inclusive environment on campus. They host monthly events for members, such as the Reading Rainbow book club and trivia nights, as well as events open to the public like our monthly Scientific Queers United in Academic Discourse (SQUAD) seminar where we celebrate the work of LGBTQIA+ individuals in STEM.
- LGBTQ-PhaM at UCSD (School of Medicine and School of Pharmacy (hence the "Pha" and "M" in "PhaM"): The mission of LGBTQ-PhaM is to forge community among LGBTQ individuals, foster professional relationships for LGBTQ students and allies, and confront LGBTQ health disparities through education and advocacy.
- QuIPS – School of Global Policy and Strategy: The mission of QuIPS is to foster community among queer and non-queer members of the School and raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people around the world, as well as professional development for queer students and allies.
- Queer@Scripps - Scripps Institution of Oceanography: Group for queer-identifying students, staff, postdocs, researchers, faculty, and alumni at Scripps to connect, share resources, and be in community with each other. We host monthly informal meet-ups and plan events throughout the year.
- The Network-RadyQ at Rady School of Management: The Network-RadyQ provides a supportive community, social networking resources and professional mentorship for LGBTQ+ students and allies at Rady School of Management.
- Queer Science Society- Queer Researchers in STEM: Primarily graduate students, post-doc scholars and other queer scholars in San Diego County, the QSS was founded at UC San Diego and still has much of its membership from our grad community.
- Queer Graduate Students in Computer Science and Engineering (QICSE): QICSE is a graduate student organization in the Computer Science and Engineering department at UCSD. They aim to foster a community within the department that supports gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, questioning, or queer grad students and their allies through networking and social events, and by working with other DEI efforts on campus. For access to their mailing list, please contact: qicse-g@ucsd.edu.
On Campus Gender Inclusive Spaces
RIMAC Gender Inclusive Locker Room: Transgender and nonbinary individuals may have increased fear and safety concerns when entering locker room spaces. RIMAC now has a gender-inclusive locker room that creates accessibility, comfort, and safety for students to feel affirmed in their identity without having to sacrifice aspects of themselves. This locker room includes a mural by UCSD alum Gabriella Escobar that represents and celebrates LGBTQ+ and underrepresented populations. One figure in the mural, featured on the left, is a para-cyclist with the lesbian flag and the intersex flag forming the bicycle wheel. In the center, a trans-masculine swimmer with surgery scars across their chest is depicted with the colors of the trans flag on their swimming shorts and body. The climber with a hearing aid, on the right, displays the colors of the pansexual flag. The locker room is single-stall rooms with floor-to-ceiling doors and a sink, toilet, and shower inside. This locker room is on the first floor of the Main Gym and accessible through the West lobby.
Gender-inclusive restrooms are located throughout the UC San Diego Main Campus.
UC San Diego Health Resources
Gender Health Program
At UC San Diego Health, you'll find providers who understand that gender-affirming care can help you live a healthier, more authentic life. We know that getting high-quality health services can be challenging for those who are transgender or nonbinary. We are the only hospital system in San Diego to offer the full spectrum of gender-affirming services to individuals 18 years of age and older. We want to help you feel comfortable through your gender journey. That's why we offer coordinated care with a licensed clinical social worker to help you navigate our services in a way that meets your individual needs.
The Owen Clinic
The Owen Clinic was established in 1982 and serves as the most comprehensive primary care clinic in San Diego for individuals living with HIV. Providers are competent and incorporate an inclusive approach to treatment. Providers are well versed in LGBTQIA+ sexual health and wellness including prevention and interventions.
San Diego (Local) Resources
- Phone: (619) 497-2920
- The Youth Center is a safe and appealing place for youth including transitional aged youth (18-24 y/o)! They offer an in-person social meet up on Fridays from 3-7pm, at their location in Hillcrest. This is a space to gather and socialize, as well as a place to access social-service resources within the community.
- Phone: (619) 260-6380, x109
- Project TRANS stands for Transgender Referrals, Assistance, Networking and Services and offers a variety of identity-based support groups including the Gender Voice Studio. Groups are offered in English and in Spanish.
PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
- Phone: (619) 579-7640
- PFLAG offers support, education, and advocacy to LGBTQ+ persons, their families, friends, and allies. PFLAG envisions a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
- San Diego Black Pride is a non profit organization and formerly known as the San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition. Their mission is to build a united front of diverse Black LGBTQ community members for our social, political, and economic advancement by forming a central hub for San Diego Black LGBTQ life.
San Diego LGBT Community Center
- Phone: (619) 692-2077
- The San Diego LGBT Community Center enhances and sustains the health & wellbeing of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, nonbinary, immigrant, and HIV communities to the betterment of the entire San Diego region. The Center provides a wide variety of LGBTQIA+ programs and services including crisis counseling, individual and couple counseling, facilitated coming-out groups, and over a dozen LGBTQIA+ peer support groups each week. Additional social, educational and cultural events, and information regarding community resources, as well HIV testing, counseling, and substance abuse information and referral are available.
- San Diego Pride offers a variety of services from training, to programs, and advocacy around San Diego. If you are interested in getting involved and connect with community in greater San Diego, this is a great place to start.
- Latine Group
- Queer APIMEDA
- Trans Day of Empowerment Scholarship
- The scholarship fund is one of the first scholarships of its kind focused on transgender student success in San Diego. The fund organizers believe that strong community support can give our local transgender students the confidence to beat the odds. Apply to the scholarship in early March to be selected for the award at the end of March, during the Trans Day of Empowerment event hosted in Hillcrest, San Diego.
- Phone: (858) 304-0085
- TransFamily Support Services guide transgender/non-binary youth and their families through the gender transitioning process to help make it the most positive experience possible. They provide family coaching, assistance with healthcare and navigating insurance, help navigating the legal system, and support with making sure schools are following legal policy in the inclusion of trans students. All services are provided at no fee.
Transgender Health and Wellness Center (THWC)
- Contact: 858-352-6438 or 858-352-6015
- THWC offers a variety of services. These services include mental health support, hair removal, support navigating insurance, name and gender marker change support, as well as letters of support for medically necessary procedures.
National/International Resources
- Phone: (844) 359-0114
- The Addiction Center works with nationally recognized treatment facilities to provide treatment, counseling, rehab placement, and insurance/financial consultations for those seeking help.
- Phone: (617) 424-9595
- The Bisexual Resource Center works to connect the bi+ community and help its members thrive through resources, support, and celebration. Through this work, we envision an empowered, visible, and inclusive global community for bi+ people.
- BLKOUT UK is a not-for-profit social enterprise, and media/arts collective, run and owned by a collective of Black bi, gay and/or trans men based in the UK.
- The Brown Boi Project is a community of people working across race and gender to eradicate sexism, homophobia and transphobia and create healthy frameworks of masculinity and change. If you are interested in learning about ways to create liberatory masculinities, we invite you to check out the Brown Boi project!
- Phone: (704) 277-6710
- Campus Pride serves LGBTQ and allied student leaders and campus organizations in the areas of leadership development, support programs and services to create safer, more inclusive LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities. It exists to develop, support and give “voice and action” in building future LGBTQ and ally student leaders.
- Phone: (202) 641-8527
- The Center for Black Equity promotes a multinational LGBTQ+ network dedicated to improving health and wellness opportunities, economic empowerment, and equal rights while promoting individual and collective work, responsibility, and self-determination.
Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals
- The Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals is a member-based organization working towards the liberation of LGBTQ people in higher education. They support individuals who work on campuses to educate and support people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as advocate for more inclusive policies and practices through an intersectional and racial justice framework.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for LGBTQIA+ Students
- The burden of paying for college and adjusting to college life can be tough enough– but it may only get harder for LGBTQIA+ students, who may be ostracized for being different. This guide aims to reduce the stress of college for LGBTQIA+ students by assisting with one key element: financial aid.
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
- Phone: (212) 727-135
- The GLSEN's mission is to create safe and affirming schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression
- Gendered Intelligence is a trans-led and trans-involving charity that works to increase understanding of gender diversity and improve the lives of trans people. They deliver a range of direct services, projects and activities to trans, non-binary, and gender questioning people, as well as a range of education, training and consultancy to organizations and individuals who are working to better their inclusive practices.
- Phone: (202) 628-4160
- The Human Rights Campaign strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. HRC envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people plus community members who use different language to describe identity are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
- It Gets Better is a nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe.
LGBTQIA+ College Student Guidebook
- This guide takes a look at colleges and universities leading the way in providing curricula and resources to support LGBTQIA+ students throughout their college experience. Information on resources, curricula, and student organizations is provided, as well as candid interviews with LGBTQ community leaders to help alleviate some of the worries that LGBTQIA+ students may have when it comes to postsecondary education.
LGBTQIA+ Comprehensive Health and Well-Being Guide
- A guide on LGBTQIA+ health and well-being.
National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC)
- Phone: (202) 319-1552
- The National Black Justice Coalition is a civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black LGBTQIA+ people, including those living with HIV/AIDS. NBJC’s mission it to end racism, homophobia, and LGBTQ+ bias and stigma
National Center for Lesbian Rights
- Phone: (415) 392-6257
- National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, legislation, policy, and public education.
- Phone: (202) 393-5177
- The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. They are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives. Today, despite all the progress we’ve made to end discrimination, millions of LGBTQ people face barriers in every aspect of their lives: in housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights. These barriers must go. That’s why the Task Force is training and mobilizing millions of activists across our nation to deliver a world where you can be you.
National Native American AIDS Prevention Center (NNAAPC)
- Phone: (720) 382-2244
- NNAAPC was formed to be the champion for Native communities against discrimination in the development of national HIV/AIDS policy, funding allocations, and testing and counseling services. NNAAPC continues to evolve with the addition of HCV and STI programs and addressing other health and mental health needs of the Native community.
National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA)
- The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance empowers LGBTQ+ Asians and Pacific Islanders through movement capacity building, policy advocacy, and representation.
National Queer and Trans Therapist of Color Network
- This is a search engine to help you find a gender affirming mental health provider in all states. Reach out to the providers directly to inquire about fee for service and insurance coverage.
Tashra: The Alternative Sexulaties Health Research Alliance
- TASHRA is a leader in replacing societal stigma with scientific grounding in our understanding of kink and health. Their focus is on health disparities, injuries and medical complications from engaging in fetish, kink and BDSM activities, and the discrimination experienced in healthcare settings. By conducting ground-breaking research and providing cutting edge clinical training, they enhance the physical and mental health of people who engage in BDSM, kink and fetish practices.
- Phone: (866) 488-7386
- The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA+ young people under 25.
- A queer-led learning platform, community network, and DEI consultancy. We bring people together to learn more about themselves, and each other.
LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Apps
Covert AlertHands Free Voice Activated Safety App.
- Everywhere is QueerPublic resources created for the queer and ally community to find welcoming, queer-owned spaces to shop, connect, eat, learn, and grow all over the world.
Evolve
- Evolve is the world’s most inclusive mental health platform, with 1,000,000+ users worldwide! We are committed to making therapy and wellness tools accessible to everyone through our innovative digital interventions.
PeePal Refuge
- Seeks to provide safe restroom access for transgender, intersex, and gender nonconforming individuals.
- Users can search for restrooms by proximity to a search location, add new restroom listings, as well as comment and rate existing listings.
TR△CE
- Created to foster a brighter and more gender-affirming future for transgender and non-binary individuals.
Voda: LGBTQIA+ Mental Wellness
- Learn self-care, cultivate gratitude, manage stress & anxiety, and learn to manage queer-specific issues like coming out, internalized shame and gender dysphoria.
- Built by and for the queer community.
Wisdo: Mental Health & Support
- Wisdo provides an evidence-based peer support community that empowers health plans, employers, and government agencies to eliminate the devastating consequences of loneliness and social isolation on health outcomes, costs, and engagement rates.