Welcome to the LGBT Center
For information about Penn’s Fall 2020 semester, please visit this site.
The Center’s building is closed until further notice. That said, we are operating virtually, so do not hesitate to reach out for support via email (Erin and/or Malik). Please take care of yourselves.
Our virtual office hours (EDT) are by appointment:
Erin <ecross[at]upenn.edu>
Malik <malikmuh[at]upenn.edu>
Please stay tuned for more updates here, in our weekly newsletter (‘join our mailing list’ button on the right), and on our social media. We are working on creating asynchronous events and activities for those in different time zones as well.
UPCOMING EVENTS (EDT):
LGBT Center Open House
–> Thursday, September 17 from 4-5p via Zoom
Join us to learn meet our team, learn more about what the (virtual) Center has to offer, hear from some of our LGBTQ+ groups, meet new people, and welcome/hear from our new Vice Provost for University Life, Dr. Mamta Accapadi.
Alumni OUT Loud: Joan Lau ENG’93, W’08
–> Tuesday, September 22 from 7-8p via Zoom
Kick off fall with an interactive conversation where you choose the foci, with double Penn alum, Dr. Joan Lau. Lau is CEO and cofounder of Spirovant Sciences, a gene therapy company focused on lung disease treatments and cures. Previously, she cofounded and served as Managing Partner of Militia Hill Ventures, focused on building and growing high quality life sciences companies, and was President and CEO of Azelon Pharmaceuticals and Locus Pharmaceuticals. Lau is a Penn instructor and has significant non-profit fiduciary board experience in entrepreneurship, STEM/biotech, and social justice organizations. She serves on several boards including Penn’s SP2; the Vagelos Program in Life Sciences Management; and the Temple University Masters in Biotechnology Program Advisory Board. Previously, she served as President of The Alliance for Women Entrepreneurs (PA); the National Board Chair of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation; and co-founded the nonprofit PhillyBio, fostering relationships across Philadelphia-based biopharma.
LGBTQ+ Student Kiki
–> Every Wednesday @ 3p via Zoom
Hop on with other LGBTQ+ Penn grad/professional students and undergrads to chat and connect with hosts Malik and Erin. Share random info, get support, and/or just have community where you can be your full self. You never know what may arise!
Thank Grad It’s Friday!
–> Final Fridays of each month @ 3p via Zoom
(Sept 25, Oct 30, Nov 20 [Nov 27 is TDay break], and Dec 18 [final Friday of the semester!])
Connect with fellow LGBTQ+ Penn grad/professional students and hosts Malik and Erin. Find support, random conversations, and more while having community and being your full self.
Penn LGBTQ+ Staff/Faculty Tea Time
–> Every other Friday @ 1p via BlueJeans
(Sept 11& 25, Oct 9 & 23, Nov 6 & 20, and Dec 4 & 18)
Connect with Penn LGBTQ+ staff and faculty to check-in, share resiliency strategies, and more. During these times, it is important to know you are not alone. We’re here for you and hope you all can be here for each other as well! Grab your beverage of choice and join us.
LGBTQ+ TIPS VIDEO SERIES
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at Penn are excited to debut “LGBTQ+ Tips” a video series addressing timely issues affecting our LGBTQ+ communities. Topics include supporting yourself through quarantine, self-care during turbulent times, embracing your identity amid COVID-19, and so much more. Although not a replacement for counseling, the videos provide general tips to manage LGBTQ+ life in these unprecedented times. Tune in and be sure be on the lookout for more episodes!
Introduction
Supporting Yourself and Others through Quarantine
Maintaining Inner Peace during Civil Unrest
In, Out, and In Between – Navigating Personal Identity Through Quarantine
Welcome to the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center, one of the oldest and most active LGBTQ+ campus centers in the country. The Center is a home away from home for the University of Pennsylvania’s queer and transgender communities for over 35 years. Whether you are questioning your gender identity or sexuality, in the process of coming out, proudly identify as LGBTQ+, or an ally, the Center welcomes you. We serve as a social and political hub for the LGBTQ+ campus community by hosting almost 30 undergraduate and graduate student organizations, as well as offering peer mentorships, tons of space to study and socialize, and a calendar full of events.
At the LGBT Center you’ll find: a colorful lounge furnished with plush couches and a wide-screen TV; a multi-purpose room complete with a kitchen; a library and study space stocked with hundreds of queer books; and a CyberCenter where, yes, you can print for free – as long as you bring your own paper/purchase paper/use recycled paper and limit yourself to 25 pages per day.
In addition an offering a community social space, our staff also advocate on behalf of Penn’s LGBTQ+ community for sensitive and inclusive University policies and practices. If you or someone you know feels they have been harassed or discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, we are here to help. Staff members are available to provide confidential assistance regarding these matters as well as sexual assault or harassment as we are one of nine confidential campus reporting centers. We are all committed to serving the students, faculty, and staff of the University of Pennsylvania.
Follow the LGBT Center on socia media!
Penn Student Resources
Penn’s Nondiscrimination Policy
LGBT Center | 3907 Spruce Street | Philadelphia, PA 19104 | 215-898-5044
The LGBT Center humbly and respectfully acknowledges we are on Lenapehoking, the ancestral home of the Unami Lenape.