LGBTQIA2+ Resources

Oakton values and advances behaviors, structures, policies, procedures, practices and services that support acceptance, inclusion, and respect for all community members.

The Office of Student Affairs recognizes that coming out for many people is a privilege and should not be the expected norm for all LGBTQIA2+ people. We believe that each person has the right to live freely, openly and without fear.

Coming out is a deeply personal decision from the first time to the repeated instances of coming out in your daily life; it is a journey.

Coming out and living openly is an act of bravery for those in the LGBTQIA2+ community. Every time you meet a new person, you weigh the risks and benefits of being open about your identity.

Coming out should be done in your own way and in your own time. There may be times when choosing not to come out may be necessary for you, and this is also okay.

No matter where you are in your process, you are not alone. The Office of Student Affairs and other college allies can provide help and resources to students in this area. Additionally, resources on this page have many tools for support to start you on a path to finding peace, pride, growth, courage and honesty.


GLAAD (The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)
 
GLAAD amplifies the voice of the LGBT community, promoting understanding, increasing acceptance, and advancing equality.

GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network)
GLSEN is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community.

Lambda Legal
Lambda Legal’s expert staff works for equality in five offices around the country—New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles—maintaining a national network of volunteer cooperating attorneys in addition to a legal help desk to respond directly to queries regarding discrimination related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression.

The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.

Suicide Prevention

  • The Trevor Lifeline: 866.488.7386
  • Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988

Domestic and Sexual Assault

  • Apna Ghar (Asian-American) 773.334.4663
  • Between Friends 800.603.HELP (4357)
  • Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline 888.293.2080
  • Life Span 847.532.9540
  • Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault 888.802.8890
  • SHALVA (Jewish) 773.583.HOPE (4673)
  • Wings 847.221.5680
  • YWCA Evanston/North Shore 877.718.1868

HIV and AIDS

  • Illinois AIDS Hotline 800.243.2437
    TTY/TDD: 800.782.0423