LGBTQIA+ Resources
Our LGBTQIA+ community can find policies, services, and resources both at Columbia Mailman School and in the wider University environment.
Columbia's Preferred Name Policy
Columbia University has a "preferred name" policy that will allow students to change their first and/or middle name in the SSOL. The "preferred name" will appear on University ID Cards, Class rosters, SSOL, Courseworks/Canvas, CourseWorks discussion groups, and the Public Directory (unless a FERPA information block has been requested). For more information, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions for Columbia's "Preferred Name" Policy. If you encounter any issues with this policy, please contact our office at msph-odci@cumc.columbia.edu.
Faculty in LGBT Health
Please click here for information on faculty doing work reagarding the health of lesbian, gay, and transgender populations in the U.S. and around the world.
LGBTQIA+CUMC
LGBTQIA+CUMC is a weekly group and supportive space for students to discuss issues and experiences related to gender identity, sexuality, and sexual orientation as members of the CUMC community. Contact CUMC Mental Health Services' Dr. Sam Klugman at sk4144@cumc.columbia.edu or 212-305-6830.
LGBTQ+ at Columbia
The Office of Diversity, Culture, and Inclusion partners with the Office of Multicultural Affairs (Morningside Heights) to create campus environments that are inclusive and supportive of student diversity in the area of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. LGBTQ @ Columbia provides students with LGBTQ student group advising, events, education, advocacy, and other services and resources to help all students explore and better understand diverse queer and trans identities, experiences, and communities at Columbia and beyond.
For more information on student groups, events, education, advocacy, and more, please view the LGBTQ @ Columbia brochure.
Pronoun Resources
This resource sheet was created to provide education about pronouns and how to address being misgendered.
Pronouns in Use Program
The Pronouns in Use program, piloted in the Spring 2020 and Fall 2020, will be rolled out to the entire Columbia University in Fall 2021. Through this program, students can register their pronoun in use on CourseWorks via the NameCoach option. All students in the Mailman School of Public Health, the Business School and the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) are welcome to register their pronouns.
Safe Zone Training
In partnership with the Office of Multicultural Affairs, this campus wide program seeks to educate and visibly identify students, faculty, and staff who support the LGBTQ+ community, better understand LGBTQ+ communities and some of the issues these communities face, and are aware of the various LGBTQ resources available to folks on campus. CU Safe Zone sessions will be offered exclusively to the Mailman community in Fall 2021. Please check back for more information.
Student Health Services
The Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) Student Health Services (SHS) serves as a primary resource for CUMC students' health care needs. They are conveniently located at:
60 Haven Avenue, Tower 1 (Medical, Mental Health, Insurance and Administrative Services)
50 Haven Avenue (Center for Student Wellness and AIMS)
Please click here for Student Health Service resources for:
The OutList
The Mailman School of Public Health’s OutList is an online platform for LGBTQ+ faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The OutList aims to foster inclusion by providing a virtual space for LGBTQ+ members of the Columbia Mailman School community to connect with each other. We encourage all LGBTQ+ members of our community to use this list as both a social network and to seek mentorship and opportunities for collaboration. Not only does this OutList represent Columbia Mailman School’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the OutList serves as a testament to our belief that Health is a Human Right.
These names represent only a subset of the diverse gender and sexual identities represented at Mailman. We recognize that being Out is itself a privilege and that many members of our global community continue to face tremendous barriers to living full and authentic lives. While this list will, in no way, rectify the systemic oppression faced by LGBTQ+ members of our community – past and present – coming out serves as the first step, of many, into a more equitable, just, and healthy world for LGBTQ+ persons.
If you are willing and able to serve as a mentor and/or resource for LGBTQ+ members of our community, please consider joining the OutList. To do so, complete this form.
The Lavender Graduation Celebration is a special ceremony for LGBTQIA+ students to acknowledge their achievements, contributions, and unique experiences at the School. In collaboration with Student Health Services and Queer Health Task Force (QHTF), the Lavender Celebration holds space to highlight community members annually and congratulate them on the completion of their degrees.