LGBTQIA+ Resource
Viking Advocate LGBTQIA+ Literacy Training
The Department of Student Involvement is excited to offer an improved and updated LGBTQIA+ literacy training which is designed to provide our college community with the tools to become strong LGBTQIA+ advocates and support our students and community members who identify this way. One two-hour training session is required to receive the Viking Advocate Certificate. All SUNY WCC faculty, staff, and students are welcome!
To see available dates and times for the training: CLICK HERE
For questions about this training, please contact Dana Hirsch, Coordinator of LGBTQIA+ and International Student Programs for the Department of Student Involvement at Dana.Hirsch@sunywcc.edu.
Glossary of Terms Word Document
The attached document is a condensed list of terms that pertain to the LGBTQIA+ community. Use this list to educate yourself and others. If there is a term missing that you think should be included, please email Tiago Machado at tiago.machado@sunywcc.edu.
Pronoun Guide
You may have noticed that people are sharing their pronouns in introductions, on name tags, and at meetings. This is happening to make spaces more inclusive of people who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Sharing pronouns is a step toward respecting people’s gender identities and creating a more welcoming space for all. Learn more in the Pronoun Guide
Inclusive Restrooms
SUNY Westchester Community College is committed to creating safe spaces for all students. There are inclusive restrooms located in every building on the Valhalla campus and at several of the Extension Centers. For a full detailed list of inclusive restrooms, download the Inclusive Restroom List Word document.
LGBTQIA+ Scholarships
Point Foundation (Point) is the nation’s largest higher education scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students. Point’s multifaceted support of its scholarship recipients (“scholars”) extends far beyond direct financial contribution toward the cost of their education. Each scholar is paired with a mentor and participates in leadership development programs and events.
College Scholarships for LGBTQ Students – https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/lgbtq-scholarships-financial-aid/
Lavender Graduation
Lavender Graduation is a ceremony to honor LGBTQIA+ students and to acknowledge their achievements and contributions to SUNY Westchester Community College. The celebration occurs at the end of each Spring semester. Students are encouraged to invite their friends and families to attend. Check back here for more information in April.
To learn more about the history of lavender graduation please visit the Human Rights Campaign’s Lavender Graduation information page
Report a Bias Incident
If you have witnessed or experienced a bias incident that has occurred within the SUNY Westchester Community College community, please report the violation on the Incident Reporting Form anonymously or with your name included.
On-Campus Resources
GLOW
GLOW is the on-campus club that caters to the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. GLOW meets every week of the semester on Thursdays in Student Center, Room 111 from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm. Meetings are free-flowing, so students are encouraged to attend even if they cannot stay for the entire meeting. All are welcome!
The purpose of GLOW is to create a safe environment for those in the LGBTQIA+ community, raise awareness and tolerance of the LGBTQIA+ community on campus, and educate and empower the campus community’s diversity through events.
EMAIL: glowofwcc@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/GLOWofWCC/
Instagram: @glowofwcc
Student Involvement Office
Visit the Student Involvement page for more information.
Tiago Machado
GLOW Advisor – Director of Student Involvement
Student Center, Room 108
(914) 606-6731
tiago.machado@sunywcc.edu
Dana Hirsch
GLOW Advisor – Coordinator of LGBTQIA+ and International Student Programs
Student Center, Room 286A
( 914) 606-6731
dana.hirsch@sunywcc.edu
Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services
Mental Health and Counseling Services Suite
Student Center, 1st Floor (through the Health Office)Contact Information
Phone: (914) 606-7431
Email: MentalHealthServices@sunywcc.edu
Kristy Robinson, LCSW (She/Her)
Acting Director of the Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services
Kristy.robinson@sunywcc.edu
Patrick Sheehan, LMHC (He/Him)
Licensed Mental Health Professional
Patrick.Sheehan@sunywcc.edu
Andrea Bliss, LMHC (She/Her)
Adjunct Licensed Mental Health Professional
Andrea.Bliss@sunywcc.edu
Jemair Lewis, MHC-LP (She/Her)
Adjunct Licensed Mental Health Professional
Jemair.Lewis@sunywcc.edu
Walesca Marmolejos, LMSW (She/Her)
Adjunct Licensed Mental Health Professional
walesca.marmolejos@sunywcc.edu
Health Office
Janice Gilroy
Registered Nurse
Confidential Reporter
Student Center Room 191
914-606-6334 (private voicemail)
Janice.Gilroy@sunywcc.edu
Local LGBTQ Centers
The Loft
252 Bryant Avenue
White Plains NY 10605
914-948-2932
Helpline 914-948-2932 extension 14
info@loftgaycenter.org
Center Lane
Lisa Scott, Center Lane director
914-423-0610
lscott@wjcs.com
Local Health Resources
Callen-Lorde Community Health Center
Callen-Lorde Community Health Center provides sensitive, quality health care and related services targeted to New York’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities — in all their diversity — regardless of ability to pay. To further this mission, Callen-Lorde promotes health education and wellness, and advocates for LGBT health issues.
HIV and STI Testing
Health Vans come to campus to provide counseling and screenings for STIs including HIV. Safe sex kits will also be given out. Visit the Health Office in Student Center 181 for information on scheduled dates and times.
National Resources
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people ages 13-24.
GLAAD
Formerly the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is a U.S. non-governmental media monitoring organization founded by LGBT people in the media.
Lambda Legal
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund is an American civil rights organization that focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities as well as people living with HIV/AIDS (PWAs) through impact litigation, societal education, and public policy work.
Trans Student Educational Resources (TSER)
Trans Student Educational Resources is a youth-led organization dedicated to transforming the educational environment for trans and gender-nonconforming students through advocacy and empowerment. In addition to our focus on creating a more trans-friendly education system, our mission is to educate the public and teach trans activists how to be effective organizers. We believe that justice for trans and gender-nonconforming youth is contingent on an intersectional framework of activism. Ending oppression is a long-term process that can only be achieved through collaborative action.
Resources for Transgender College Students – https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/transgender-student-support/
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
GLSEN strives to ensure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. We believe that such an atmosphere engenders a positive sense of self, which is the basis of educational achievement and personal growth. Since homophobia and heterosexism undermine a healthy school climate, we work to educate teachers, students, and the public at large about the damaging effects these forces have on youth and adults alike.
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Founded in 1972 with the simple act of a mother publicly supporting her gay son, PFLAG is the nation’s largest family and ally organization.
Support Lines
Trevor Line
Trevor Lifeline now at 866-488-7386
TrevorText Text “Trevor” to 1-202-304-1200.
Crisis Textline
Crisis Textline Website
Text HELLO to 741-741 (24/7)
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Suicide Prevention Lifeline Website
1-800-273 TALK (8255)
