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About Us
LGBTQ+ Western works to advance the holistic thriving of diverse LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff at Western Washington University by collaboratively engaging the university community with transformational knowledge, resources, advocacy and celebration. We welcome all to engage with us!
Upcoming Events
Trans Day of Visibility 2025
In The News
Intergenerational drag show to celebrate solidarity and ‘mutual learning’
LGBTQ+ Western's Generations of Pride was highlighted by Cascadia Daily News. Includes quotes from JoeHahn, LGBTQ+ Director; Ayanna Phillips, Program Manager for LGBTQ+ Western and The Centers for Student Access, Community, and Intercultural Engagement; Sage Valentine, a Western alum (and former LGBTQ+ Western Drag Show Coordinator!), and Betty Desire, local legend and editor of The Betty Pages.
“It’s really important, especially as a younger queer person, to stay connected to queer elders and to celebrate them … especially in this current political climate,” said Sage Valentine, a local drag queen and one of the event’s co-hosts.
Generations of Pride Coming Out Day Video
LGBTQ+ Student Experience Survey
The LGBTQ+ Student Experience Survey helps LGBTQ+ Western assess the needs and interests of the student body and graduating students.
The survey is anonymous. Results are aggregated. Majority of questions are optional, the mandatory ones are set up to ensure survey logic works and takes students to the appropriate questions.
Our Services
LGBTQ+ Western provides support for all students, faculty, and staff at Western Washington University and its satellite campuses. We are engaged with various Whatcom County area programs, services, and non-profits. Each year we are seeing more LGBTQ+ students sharing their proud identities and navigating their college experiences. Explore our website to learn more. Here are some of our primary services:
- Peer Support & Mentorship
- Affinity Centered Programs
- Gender Affirming Care & Legal Name Change Support
- Consultation
- Generations of Pride
- Prospective Students and their Communities Support
- Alumni support
- LGBTQ+ Clubs Advising (Queer Guild Council)
- Lavender Graduation
- Trainings & Workshops
- Events like the Annual Drag Show, Queerientation, etc.
- Bias Incident Reporting & Support
- Referrals to other resources
- Engagement with local Pride and other events
While our services center current students, we are a lifelong resource. If you graduate from Western and still need support such as discussing coming out to your supervisor, transitioning later in life, moving to a less LGBTQ+ friendly community, etc. we are here for you!
Please send any questions to lgbtq@wwu.edu. We try to respond within 48 business hours. We may have slower responses during our busy seasons such as Gaypril and the Lavender Graduation.
Stay informed by registering for our newsletter. See our most recent newsletters in the Newsletter Archive.
Affinity Centered Programs
These spaces center certain populations. And, like all Western Washington University and LGBTQ+ Western events, all are welcome. Everyone is asked to come open-minded and attentive to the purpose of the space. If you are interested in starting another Affinity Centered Space, please email lgbtq@wwu.edu.
All of these spaces listed below are open to the public community unless otherwise stated. We are committed to providing community spaces inclusive of community members, prospective students, alumni, faculty, and staff. We center the current students needs and cater the activities to that population, but all are welcome!
You welcome and encouraged to bring a friend, come and go as needed, whatever you wish!
Learn more about all of our affinity centered programs here.
New Affinity Programs
We are always exploring new affinity spaces for people within the LGBTQ+ community. Some ideas for affinity spaces may work better as an AS Club like the Lavender Menaces, T.A.G. Team, etc. We are always open for suggestions, email lgbtq@wwu.edu if you would like to see another affinity program.