Student Outreach and Support Services is dedicated to fostering a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for all students and to positively impact and improve the LGBTQ+ student experience at BC.
Through individual support, programming and outreach, we strive to support gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning students and their allies by creating safe and affirming spaces for self-discovery and acceptance around gender and sexuality, building community and providing education and resources.
LGBTQ Programming and Resources
Welcome!
We hope that this page helps you learn about the support, programs and events offered for LGBTQ+ students and their allies from our Student Outreach and Support Services and connects you to resources on and off campus. We are excited to get to know you and to support the LGBTQ+ community on campus to flourish with PRIDE!
Please feel free to email any member of our team or our general email, spectrum@bc.edu.
COVID-19 Update:
During this time of social distance Student Outreach and Support Services wants to do all that we can for students, on and off campus, to create connection and community among LGBTQ+ and questioning students.
If you are familiar with our programming you might see some changes. These are to make sure that we can focus on the person-to-person support that we most need in this time, while also crafting spaces to learn and celebrate that keep us all safe.
For incoming and first-year students
Check out Pride Peers where you can connect with a LGBTQ+ mentor one-on-one and be part of the Pride Peers community, we also have drop-in weekly discussion groups, and be sure to save the date for the Spectrum retreat 2/12-2/14. Registration opens November 1st!
For returning and upperclass students
As always, we invite you to join our discussion groups and events, and become a Pride Peers mentor, but this year we have a new program to offer - Pride Plus! This is a space where you will have the opportunity to shape the events and programs our office offers while having a chance to develop your leadership skills as part of the LGBTQ community.
Allied staff, faculty, and BC community members, thank you for checking out the work we do! If interested go ahead and request a Resource Guide training for your department or office, and be sure to check out the work of LGBTQ@BC for LGBTQ and allied faculty and staff.
For Graduate students
We didn’t forget about you, we have a tab to connect you with school-specific information about LGBTQ+ happenings as well!
If you can’t find what you are looking for on this site or just want to reach out, please do!
Part of being human and in community is sometimes needing support from others. We are here for you!
If you are in crisis:
If you think you are at risk of harming yourself or others please immediately call University Counseling Services at 617–552–3310, during regular working hours. If after hours please contact University Health Services 617-552-3225 and ask to speak with the PEC. More information can be found at the UCS website.
Other LGBTQ-specifc crisis hotlines are:
- The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
- The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: (888) 843-4564
- Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
If you are not in crisis:
The professional and graduate student staff in Student Outreach and Support Services are here to help. You do not have to be sure that you are part of the LGBTQ+ community to reach out for support and we support students with more than just aspects of their sexuality or gender identity. We routinely work with students who are exploring or questioning their identities and also with LGBTQ+ students who need support in other areas of their lives. You can call us at 617-552-3470, email: student.support@bc.edu, or email any of our staff directly. >>Link to welcome page with staff info.
You can also join us at our weekly discussion group, Prism. >> link to Discussion Groups or join any of our other programs or events.
If you feel that you have been subject to a violation of the University’s “bias-motivated conduct policy,” please also see information from the Office of Student Conduct regarding reporting any allegations of misconduct.
Pride Peers
Pride Peers is a mentoring program that pairs LGBTQ+ first year students and new transfer students (or any student interested) with upper-class LGBTQ+ peers and creates spaces to bond and reflect on sexuality and gender identity.
If you are interested in having a mentor, fill out this online form. Mentor/Mentee pairs are matched on a rolling basis so it’s never too early or late to join!
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, fill out this online form.
The first round of interviews and training will take place for mentors who apply by 9/4, but applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Discussion Groups
Student Outreach and Support Services offers private, reflective, and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ students to meet and engage in meaningful discussion around identity development.
Groups meet weekly for an hour and are open to anyone who wants a private and comfortable space to interact with peers exploring similar issues around what it means to identify as LGBTQ+ at BC and in the world. No appointments, formal arrangements, or commitments necessary--drop in whenever the support group is meeting and we'll be there waiting to welcome you with open arms, hearts, and minds!
Spring 2021 Schedule:
Prism -a group for all LGBTQ+ and questioning students. Facilitated by queer and trans graduate students.
Thursdays at 5:00pm via Zoom. Email jackson.ardery@bc.edu for login information.
Transcend - a group for trans, nonbinary, agender, and genderfluid students as well as students who want a space to talk about exploring their gender identity. Facilitated by nonbinary and trans graduate students.
Mondays at 6pm via Zoom. Email jackson.ardery@bc.edu for login information.
Pride Plus Leadership Development
As a new initiative for the 2020-2021 school year, we are excited to introduce a leadership program for LGBTQ+ upperclass students.
In the spirit of our Pride Peer Mentors and Spectrum leads, we wanted to offer another space for our sophomore, junior, and senior undergraduate students to grow in community and leadership as part of their LGBTQ+ identity.
Hallmarks of a Jesuit education include striving for excellence and sharing our gifts to help make a more just world. We wanted to create a program for leadership and service that specifically addresses the goals and needs of LGBTQ+ students. We hope to become a leadership program that offers the space for students to dig deeper into their gender and sexuality while exploring how those aspects of their identity inform their leadership style. Ultimately, we believe that by creating this space, as future Boston College graduates, Pride Plus participants will have a better sense of themselves and the ways in which they can serve and impact their community and the world.
Spectrum Weekend Retreat
Spectrum is a confidential, free weekend away for LGBTQ students. In this welcoming environment, participants will be encouraged to engage in conversation and reflection about their personal identities and to discern who they are and who they are called to be at Boston College and beyond.
The weekend also builds community among gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning students, staff, and faculty at Boston College. Every year, participants say that the retreat was transformational, with many claiming it was their best experience at BC thus far.
Space is limited, so we encourage you to register ASAP, as we reserve on a first come, first served basis with preference toward those who have never attended Spectrum.
Spectrum Weekend has left an indelible mark on the lives of many LGTBQ+ students here at BC. Watch this video of anonymous testimonials from past participants to see what so many had to say about their experiences on this confidential and free weekend away.
How much does the retreat cost?
The weekend is free!
When is the retreat?
Spectrum 2021 will be February 19-21 2021!
When does registration open?
Registration for Spectrum 2021 will open November 1, 2020! An email announcement will be sent to the campus community announcing the opening of registration
How will the coronavirus pandemic affect Spectrum? What are your plans for ensuring student safety?
As of now we don’t know what the situation will look like come February. We do have the location booked and are planning to have the retreat in person. Nevertheless, we are already making changes to decrease student density in sleeping areas, rotate meal times, and spread out large groups. If the situation changes and an in-person retreat is not possible we have a plan to make the necessary adjustments to offer a distance-retreat online.
Who is encouraged to attend?
Any Boston College undergraduate student who identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and those who may be questioning. *This weekend is not intended for allies.*
If I have attended Spectrum before, can I participate again?
Priority registration is given to those individuals who have never participated in the past. However, individuals who have previously attended Spectrum may register and attend if space permits.
What should I expect from this weekend?
You will be invited to engage in reflection and conversation about your personal identity and to explore who you are at Boston College and beyond. The weekend will also build community amongst LGBTQ+ students as well as provide faculty/staff who may be resources for students.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
Questions and comments may be directed to:
- Caroline Davis, Assistant Dean of Students, at caroline.davis.2@bc.edu or 617-552-3470.
- Angelique Bradford, Graduate Assistant for LGBTQ+ Outreach & Support, at bradfoaa@bc.edu or 617-552-3470.
- Lastly, you can email the Spectrum Weekend Leadership Team at spectrum@bc.edu.
After participating in the Spectrum Weekend, students will be able to...
- Demonstrate a greater understanding about their own personal identities by engaging in conversation and reflection in a safe and tranquil space.
- Display a deeper understanding of the significant relationships in their lives, such as family, friends, partners, etc.
- Articulate with greater clarity and specificity the role of faith or spirituality in their lives as a GLBTQ student.
- Identify supportive resources and role models in the Boston College community, including faculty and staff.
- Name new peers with whom they share common experiences, thus building a greater sense of community amongst GLBTQ students.
Save the Date!
Spectrum 2021 | February 19–21
Applications open November 1.
Save the Date!
Spectrum 2021
April 9-11
Registration now open
Lavender Graduation
Lavender Graduation is a celebration that recognizes LGBTQ+ students of all backgrounds and acknowledges their contributions to the University. Graduating LGBTQ+ seniors and graduate students are recognized for their leadership, successes, and overall commitment and contributions to the LGTBQ+ community. Through such recognition, LGBTQ+ students may leave Boston College with a positive final experience, filling them with pride both in themselves, and in their college experiences.
Save the Date for Lav Grad 2021!
Friday, May 7th 12:00pm
RSVP or Register to be recognized here!
Community Events
Even when we can’t meet as a large group in person, there are lots of great events coming up for the 2020-2021 school year!
To stay up to date, join our email listserv or keep an eye out on the Division of Student Affairs Division News emails!
Clubs and Organizations
For Undergraduate Students:
GLBTQ Leadership Council (GLC)
GLC is a governing body of UGBC focused on GLBTQ and Allied Issues. GLC is committed to advocating for the betterment of the quality of life for all students at Boston College, especially those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, through community outreach, policy work and educational, social, and initiative programming.
Contact: glc@bc.edu
Allies of Boston College
Allies of Boston College is a group of GLBTQ and straight students working to foster a more inclusive community for everyone.
Contact: Colin Marsh, Co-President.
For Graduate Students:
Graduate Pride Alliance
Graduate Pride Alliance (GPA) is an organization sponsored by the Graduate Student Association (GSA), for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender graduate students and allies.
Contact: bcgradpride@gmail.com
Website: GPA
Gaudete
Gaudete is a Theology and Ministry group that recognizes the dignity of each person and seeks to enrich the STM community with openness, acceptance, and fellowship by providing a space to dialogue and witness.
Contact: Molly Minnerath [[link to minnerat@bc.edu]], Co-Chair
Website: Gaudete
Lambda Law Association
Lambda Law Students Association is an activist and social group that is dedicated to increasing awareness and support for the GLBTQ community at BC Law School.
Contact: lambdabclaw@gmail.com
SSW Spectrum
Spectrum is a student group in the Graduate School of Social Work to inform the larger social work community about diversity, homophobia, heterosexism, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Contact: spectrumbcssw@gmail.com
Off Campus LGBTQ+ Resources
Resources we might want to add in a resource page:
- BAGLY- Boston Alliance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Youth - 28 Court Square Boston, MA 02108, phone: 617- 227-4313, www.bagly.org
- Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) - 989 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA
- 24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-841-8371, www.barcc.org
- Bisexual Resource Center, 617-424 -9595 | www.biresource.org
- Fenway Community Health Center, 1340 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 617-26 -0900, www.fenwayhealth.org
- Sidney Borum Jr. Health Center, 75 Kneeland Street, Boston, MA 617-457-8140, www.sidneyborum.org
- South End Community Health Center, 1601 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 617-425 -2000, www.sechc.org
- The Trevor Project 24-Hour Hotline: 1-866-438-7386, www.thetrevorproject.org
- Trans Lifeline, 24-Hour Crisis Hotline, 1-877-565-8860
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 24-hour hotline, 1-800-273-8255
LGBTQ+ Resource Guide and Training
The LGBTQ+ Resource Guide:
This brochure lists resources for Boston College students who may be questioning or have needs pertaining to their sexual or gender identity, have general questions about the LGBTQ+ community, or just need someone with whom to talk. While a contact is listed for each office, by no means is that individual the only person in that office who can be a resource.
Download a PDF Copy of the Guide
Resource Guide Training:
Student Outreach and Support Services (SOSS) is proud to offer training to any department or office that would like us to work with their faculty and/or staff to ensure competence and confidence when working with our LGBTQ+ students! Our sessions can be tailored to your needs in terms of length and content, and will cover many topics affecting LGBTQ+ identity construction so that you can be the best possible resource for LGBTQ+ students at BC.
Contact Caroline Davis or Angelique Bradford for more information.