LGBTQIA+ Student Support
The Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion provides a number of resources and networks for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) students.
Through direct support services, community spaces, student groups and course curricula, Davidson is committed to creating a community that welcomes and fosters mutual respect among all campus members.
The LGBTQIA+ Lounge, affectionately known on campus as the Lavender Lounge, is located in Belk Residence Hall. The lounge is open to LGBTQIA+ students and their allies. The Lavender Lounge contains about 300 books, films, documentaries, TV shows and educational materials from advocacy organizations.
Some students feel more comfortable in a living environment where students mutually agree to live in a housing area regardless of their gender identity. Gender Inclusive Housing offers a gender-integrated community to meet those needs. As such, students of different gender identities may share a room.
- Available to sophomores, juniors and seniors participating in the on-campus housing lottery.
- All students interested in this housing option must apply during the spring semester via an application provided by RLO.
- The selection of the residents for the community will be a joint decision between the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion and the Residence Life Office.
Incoming students (first-year and transfer students) should contact the Residence Life Office for gender inclusive housing options at rlo@davidson.edu.
A variety of student-led groups on campus advocate and serve as a resource for gender and sexuality issues on campus. If you are interested in participating in any of these groups, contact the group(s) by email or through the Student Activities Office located in the Alvarez College Union. You also are welcome to form new organizations with adviser and Student Activities approval.
Additional Resources
In the Classroom
The Charles N. Williamson Endowment, created by Dr. Charles Nelson Williamson '64, promotes the learning and understanding of LGBTQ issues through curricular and co-curricular projects and programs. The Williamson Endowment is administered through the Office of the Dean of Faculty.
Abroad
Studying abroad is an opportunity for LGBTQIA+ students to view their sexual identity from a different cultural perspective. The Office of Education Abroad has compiled information and resources for LGBTQIA+ students to consider when participating in a study abroad program.
In the Workplace
The Matthews Center for Career Development has compiled a list of resources on Handshake (login required) about LGBTQIA+ rights in the workplace, gay-friendly job search organizations and websites, industry and geographic resources, and tips for assessing the inclusivity of employers.