Being LGBTQIA+ at Stockton

CPI seal that says 4.5/5 starsWelcome to Stockton University, where diversity and inclusivity are highly valued. We recognize and celebrate the uniqueness of every individual, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersexual, asexual and more (LGBTQIA+). 

Our campus community is committed to promoting equality, respect, and understanding for everyone. We offer a range of resources and services that bring LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, staff and allies together in community, including student clubs, support groups, and allied organizations. We believe that every student deserves to feel accepted and appreciated for who they are and we work hard to ensure that our campus reflects this belief.

Being LGBTQIA+ at Stockton means you are a part of a growing community here at Stockton and we strive to create a safe and supportive environment for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Join us at Stockton and discover a community that embraces diversity and celebrates individuality.

Get Involved: Stockton's LGBTQ+ and Allied Student Organizations 


The Women's Gender & Sexuality Center 

WGSC Logo

Are you on the hunt for the ultimate rainbow retreat on campus? Look no further than the WGSC!

Imagine a place where the colors of pride burst from every corner, where acceptance and love are the norm, and where you can be your most authentic self. That's exactly what the WGSC at Stockton University is all about!

🏠 A Safe Haven: Step into a cozy and welcoming space that feels like a home away from home. From the moment you walk in, you'll be enveloped in warmth, smiles, and open arms.

📚 Resource Wonderland: Need information on LGBTQ+ history, health, or support? The WGSC is a treasure trove of resources, books, and knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you navigate it all.

🌈 Events Galore: Get ready for a calendar packed with exciting events! From educational workshops to Pride celebrations, there's always something happening at the WGSC. Plus, you can even suggest and organize events yourself!

🤝 Community Connections: Forge bonds with other amazing students who share your experiences and passions. The WGSC is all about building a strong and supportive community where you can be your authentic self.

Students hanging in WGSC lounge

Pictures of famous women

🎨 Creative Corner: Express yourself through art, writing, or any other medium you fancy! The WGSC provides a creative space where you can let your talents shine.

 

📣 Advocacy and Awareness: If you're passionate about making a difference, the WGSC is the place to be. We are all about raising awareness, promoting LGBTQ+ rights, and advocating for a more inclusive world.

💬 Open Conversations: Looking for a place to discuss LGBTQ+ issues or just chat with friendly faces? The WGSC is your go-to spot. We encourage open dialogue and are advocates and student workers are always ready to lend a listening ear.

🌞 A Beacon of Inclusion: The WGSC is more than just a center; it's a beacon of inclusion, acceptance, and love on campus. It's a place where you can proudly be yourself, no matter your identity or orientation.

So, if you're searching for an LGBTQ+ center on campus that's not just a space but a vibrant, supportive, and fun community, check out the WGSC at Stockton University!  Your journey towards friendship and self-discoverystarts here. Visit our website (https://stockton.edu/wgsc/) and dive into a world of colorful possibilities this year!

WGSC staff members
(L-R): Teresa Barone, Van Nhi Ho, Laurie Dutton and Tessa Siccardi of the WGSC during 2023's Lavender Graduation. Photo by Loukaia Taylor.

Additional Resources 

We encourage you to learn more about more about the thriving LGBTQIA+ community on our campus!

The Title IX of the Education amendments of 1972 protects people from sex discrimination in educational programs and activities at institutions that receive federal financial assistance.

Stockton University is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex. Stockton provides many resources to students, faculty, and staff to address concerns relating to discrimination on the basis of sex, which includes sexual misconduct. For more information, please visit the Title IX Office webpage.

CAPS runs multiple LGBT+ friendly support groups such as, The ACE Space, Transcendence: a group for transitioning or questioning students and also hosts the Transcendence Clothing Swap 2x's a year. Contact wellctr@stockton.edu for more information or visit the CAPS webpage.

Gender Inclusive Housing is an optional program through which students of any gender can choose to live with one another in the same residence hall room or apartment. Along with being a housing preference it also provides a safe space for students who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Non-Binary or questioning. This preference would appeal to many students, especially students of varying gender identities and sexual orientations. Residential Life also hosts the LGBTQIA+ friendly Live Lavender Community where LGBT students and allies can live together in a safe and caring housing community. For more information, please visit the Residential Life webpage.

Stockton University recognizes that some of its students use a name other than their legal name to identify themselves. To encourage a more open and inclusive campus environment, Stockton allows students to use a first name different than their legal first name on certain university records. The goal of this service is a consistent preferred name experience across University systems and use of a preferred name wherever a legal name is not absolutely necessary. For more information, please visit the Preferred Name webpage.

Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) engages feminist practice and theory to further the understanding and analysis of gender and sexuality from a range of disciplinary perspectives. The Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies’ curriculum facilitates critical thinking, student and faculty engagement, and an awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures and experiences by developing competency in feminist activism, theory, and methods. For more information, please visit the WGSS webpage.

Report a hate crime here. If it's an emergency, dial 9-1-1 or 609-652-4390 (on campus).

Institutions of higher education are not immune from bias related incidents or hate crimes, and neither is Stockton University.  The 2020 Anti-Bias Vision for the Next Generations Report noted, among other things, that “bias incidents target people because of what they look like, where they come from, how they worship, and who they love.” [1] 

The University does not condone such incidents or behavior and will respond to such reports utilizing our codes of conduct and our non-discrimination policies, as appropriate.

  • Policy I-55 Campus Code of Conduct
  • Policy VI-28 Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace
  • Policy I-120 Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Academic / Educational Environment

If you witness what you believe to be a possible bias-related incident or hate crime, contact the University Police at 609-652-4390.  For emergencies, dial 911 immediately!

We all need to work together to help keep Stockton a place where everyone feels welcome, safe, and supported.

 

Stockton University has many all-gender restrooms located on all campuses. 

 

Upcoming Events

(Be sure to tag your club's event in Osprey Hub so it shows up here!)

 Up: Queer Movie Night

Up: Queer Movie Night

Thursday, April 25th, 2024
PrideFest

PrideFest

Friday, April 26th, 2024
Real Talk Tuesday

Real Talk Tuesday

Tuesday, April 30th, 2024
Natural Dyes Club: Natural Rainbow

Natural Dyes Club: Natural Rainbow

Thursday, June 27th, 2024

 


Pride in Stockton News & Celebrate Diversity

LGBTQ+ Flag Raising Reaffirms Stockton’s Commitment to Inclusivity

Galloway, N.J. – The annual flag raising for LGBTQ+ History Month on Oct. 3 was one full of emotion, joy and support for the LGBTQ+ individuals both part of and beyond the Stockton University community.

President Joe Bertolino reminded attendees that their presence on campus is not only valued but mirrors his own experience as a gay undergraduate student.

“I started my career in higher education 33 years ago, and at that time, I was advised as a residence hall director that there was a gay glass ceiling: if you were out, then you could forget ever becoming a dean or a vice president, let alone a president,” Bertolino said. “To the naysayers in 1990: I want to share that this is actually my third presidency. My husband, Bil, is the vice chancellor of the Rutgers University system, and together, we smashed that ceiling.

“I share that with you because I want you to know that no one can tell you that being who you are will hold you back. Be authentic. Be honest. Be you and celebrate that.  We take pride in our diverse identities and are committed to creating a space where students can authentically be themselves and explore their identities. As long as I am the president of this institution, I will make sure that every student is seen and that they feel that they belong here in our community.”

Read more!

Mo Love, Less Hate: A Celebration of PRIDE at Stockton

Among those who spoke at the event was Mo Keane, '23, the co-founder and public relations representative of QTPOCS, an affinity space that seeks to elevate, empower and honor the experiences of queer people of color through increasing diverse representation within the pride community at Stockton. Mo uses their voice to help amplify other voices that have been silenced for too long. 

"I have recognized that my existence is resistance to the status quo,” they shared. “I am not afraid to make waves if it means liberation for my community."

Read more!

The Legacy of Laurel Hester

Women’s History Month, which runs March 1- 31, 2023, is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of often overlooked women in society, like Stockton alumna Laurel Hester.

Hester graduated from Stockton State College in 1978 and began a long and productive criminal justice career as a police detective in Ocean County. While a Stockton student, Hester co-founded the Gay People’s Union, which was the predecessor to our current student club, Pride Alliance.

Read more!

Lavender Graduation Encourages Community, Mentorship

Galloway, N.J. – The Michael Jacobson Board of Trustees Room was transformed into a bright and colorful display of LGBTQ+ pride for May 8’s Lavender Graduation Ceremony. 

The annual ceremony that honors the achievements of LGBTQ+ students has reached its sixth year on Stockton University’s campus. According to Laurie Dutton, director of the Women’s Gender & Sexuality Center, the ceremony is a nationwide initiative with roots in the University of Michigan. She shared some background on the ceremony with the audience during her welcome remarks.

Read more!


Featured #StocktonVoices