College Admissions Resources for LGBTQ+ Students and Families

LGBTQ+ students often face unique challenges when researching and applying to colleges. They must weigh not only academic fit and affordability but also whether a campus environment will be safe and affirming. Some schools lack inclusive policies around housing, healthcare, or name and gender identity recognition, while others may not provide strong LGBTQ+ student organizations or support services. In less welcoming regions, students may worry about discrimination from peers, faculty, or the surrounding community. Even when colleges advertise inclusivity, it can be difficult to discern how genuinely supportive the culture is beyond the marketing materials. As a result, LGBTQ+ students often must invest additional time and energy into finding institutions that will not only respect their identities but also help them thrive personally and academically.

Fortunately, there are many resources LGBTQ+ students can use in their search for a “right fit” college or university. The following resources, compiled by IECA’s LGBTQ+ & Allies Affinity Group leaders, offer a starting point.

General Resources

The Trevor Project
This is a great collection of resources for those interested in learning more about different identities in the LGBTQ+ community, how to be a better ally, and creating safer spaces in schools.

PFLAG
Designed for parents and friends, this website includes resources for those who might be struggling with LGBTQ+ acceptance in conjunction with their faith traditions.

Mama Bears
This network is about supporting, educating, and empowering families with LGBTQ+ members and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.

ACLU – Legislative Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in 2024
This is a great resource if you are interested in politics. You will notice how many bills were introduced by each state and how many of them were defeated.

Resources to Assist in Your College Search and Application Process

Trans-Supportive Campus Policies
Genny Beemyn is an LGBTQ+ educator, author, speaker, and consultant. Their website has lists of:

• Colleges and Universities with Nondiscrimination Policies that Include Gender Identity/Expression
• Colleges and Universities that Cover Transition-Related Medical Expenses Under Student Health Insurance
• Colleges and Universities that List Campus Gender-Inclusive Restrooms on Their Website
• Colleges and Universities that Provide Gender-Inclusive Housing
• Colleges and Universities that Allow Students to Have the Name and Pronouns They Use for Themselves on Campus Records
• Colleges and Universities that Have Trans-Inclusive Athletic Policies
• Trans Admissions Policies at Historically Women’s Colleges and Men’s Colleges

Navigating College Admissions as a Transgender Student
This is a great resource by IECA member Carolyn Caplan.

Trans Student College Admissions in 2025
These resources, provided by IECA member Carolyn Caplan and social worker Lisa Dube, include two-minute college visits for transgender and gender-queer students.

Protect Trans Students
This website organized by IECA member Shannon Bergeron has:

• General Resources
• Resources for Students
• Resources for Applying to College
• Resources for School Counselors
• Resources for Parents/Caregivers
• Texas-Specific Resources (Shannon is in TX)

Erin in the Morning
Erin Reed is a transgender journalist reporting on LGBTQ+ legislation, news, and life every day. The website includes an Anti-Trans Legislative Risk Assessment Maps for both adults and youth.

Supporting LGBTQ+ Students’ College Search
This resource was created by the Human Rights Campaign and NACAC. Caveat: This resource mentions the Campus Pride Index, which is updated only sporadically due to a lack of funding. See the above website from Genny Beemyn for the most updated and comprehensive information.

Colleges with Lavender Graduations
This resource was created by the HRC Foundation. Lavender Graduation is an annual ceremony conducted on numerous campuses to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, intersex, queer, asexual/aromantic, and ally students to acknowledge their achievements and contributions to the University.

Scholarships for LGBTQ+ Students:

• Stonewall Community Foundation
• Point Foundation
• Human Rights Campaign Scholarship Database
• TSER: Trans Student Educational Resources (restarting scholarships in 2025)
• Best Colleges Scholarship List
• FastWeb Scholarships and Internships for LGBTQ+ Students

Assistance for Students Who Have Lost Their Home

Resources Specifically re: BIPOC/LGBTQ+

These are resources for those who want to understand more about intersectionality and how anti-racism work is aligned with anti-homophobia work.

Dr. Bettina L. Love is the William F. Russell Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. Author of several books about Education Reform including her latest book, Punished for Dreaming, available at bookstores everywhere.

Two clips: One from Bettina Love and one from Brittany Packnett, each with a slightly different take on what it means to be an Ally, Accomplice, Co-Conspirator. Equally applicable to fighting homophobia:
User Clip: Bettina Love Abolinist | C-SPAN.org
Ally, Accomplice, Co-conspirator

Redefining Realness, By Janet Mock
In her profound and courageous New York Times bestseller, Janet Mock establishes herself as a resounding and inspirational voice for the transgender community–and anyone fighting to define themselves on their own terms.

United Shades of America: W. Kamau Bell
This whole series is worth watching, but check out Season 6, Episode 7, “Trans in Texas” (plus bonus videos on medical discrimination and trans athletes).

The Risk It Takes to Bloom, by Raquel Willis
A passionate, powerful memoir by a trailblazing Black transgender activist, tracing her life of transformation and her work towards collective liberation.

“Years ago, a therapist said in our very first session that there are only two things that we can truly control in our lives–our own perception and our own behavior. That’s it. Nothing more than that. Each week, The Laverne Cox Show will feature intimate conversations with folks who help me to see and think differently so that maybe I can act differently. It is my hope that this becomes a place that fosters perspectives that might inspire new behavior in each of us, which in turn gets us closer to becoming the very best versions of ourselves. Let’s have a spiritual makeover together.”

Lamba Legal: 25 Black Queer Books to Honor Protests and Pride Month

Surpassing Certainty: What My Twenties Taught Me, by Janet Mock
“A defining chronicle of strength and spirit” (Kirkus Reviews), Surpassing Certainty is a portrait of a young woman searching for her purpose and place in the world–without a road map to guide her. This memoir ‘should be required reading for your 20s.'” –Cosmopolitan

Podcast episode: Transgender Career Issues
Dr. Natasha Barnes, co-chair of NCDA’s Diversity Initiatives and Cultural Inclusion Committee, interviews Sterling Cruz-Herr, founder of TransClue, a trans-owned coaching, training, and consulting company. Sterling shares recent data related to gender identity and addresses the compounding effect of intersectionality on work and careers often experienced by transgender students and clients. The discussion includes mental health considerations, and the potential impact of support initiatives such as affinity groups and mentoring programs.

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This Padlet also created by the IECA LGBTQ+ & Allies Affinity Group includes additional resources for LGBTQ+ students and their families.

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