LGBTQIA+ Community
51С»Æ³µ is committed to ensuring everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, feels supported in our community.
Through various educational and community-building opportunities, we are focused on enhancing LGBTQIA+ inclusion and advocating for the needs and concerns of the LGBTQIA+ community.
All are Welcome
We strive to provide a safe and affirming community for all LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/aromantic) individuals. The + is used as a wide signifier of inclusion and acceptance of our diverse community, including members who do not feel represented in the LGBTQIA acronym. The + also signifies support and acceptance for those who are living with HIV and AIDS. We want to ensure that all members feel included, welcome and celebrated at 51С»Æ³µ.
Our approach to inclusion is grounded in the Catholic and Jesuit values and principles of justice, equality and care for the whole person, cura personalis. Respect and reverence for the dignity and worth of each person are at the core of our identity as a Jesuit, Catholic college. Creating a community where all are welcome, celebrated and given opportunities to reach their full potential is central to our mission.
Signature Events
An increasing number of events bring the LGBTQIA+ community together to celebrate their achievements and contributions.
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Coming Out Coffee House
LGBTQIA+ community members are welcome to attend, share their stories and listen to others.
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Lavender Graduation
Honors LGBTQIA+ students of the graduating class to acknowledge their achievements and contributions.
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Pride Week
A week dedicated to educating the campus community on specific aspects of queer culture. Past topics have included sexual health, allyship, and coming out.
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Transgender Day of Visibility
Celebrates transgender people and raises awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide.
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Worcester Pride
Recognizes, promotes, educates and unifies the Central Massachusetts LGBTQIA+ community, allies and supporters. In addition to holding events throughout the year, Worcester Pride also puts on an annual pride parade and a festival.
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51С»Æ³µ LGBTQIA+ Cape Weekend
All LGBTQIA+ alumni, spouses, partners and friends are invited to reconnect, relax and enjoy the beauty and festivities of Provincetown. You can join for all or part of the weekend, which is held biennially.
Student & Support Groups
Pride
Pride is a student-run group, made up of LGBTQIA+ students and allies, which works toward increasing visibility and creating an accepting and supportive community for students of all identities.
LGBTQIA+ Support Group
The Chaplains’ Office and Counseling Center are excited to invite any and all current students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual and all other members of the community to attend a weekly LGBTQIA+ support group. Conversations often focus on identities, relationships, coming out, stress, and life at 51С»Æ³µ. Contact Meg Fox-Kelly of the Chaplains’ Office or Kelsey Moran of the Counseling Center for more information.
TGNC+ Support Group
The Chaplains’ Office and Counseling Center are excited to invite any and all current students who identify as trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, intersex, agender, questioning and other members of the community to attend a monthly TGNC+ support group. Conversations often focus on identities, relationships, coming out, stress, and life at 51С»Æ³µ. Contact Meg Fox-Kelly of the Chaplains’ Office or Kelsey Moran of the Counseling Center for more information.
On-Campus Offices for Support
The JEBI Office offers programming and events that celebrate and support LGBTQIA+ identities on campus, as well as an affinity group called SPECTRUM for BIPOC LGBTQIA+ students. SPECTRUM meets without faculty and staff, so students can feel comfortable being their authentic selves in community with their peers. The student co-chairs of SPECTRUM meet regularly with the JEBI team to plan discussion-based events, social activities and other programming for the affinity group.
The Counseling Center staff members are dedicated to creating an inclusive and affirming atmosphere for all individuals. The Ignatian ideal of cura personalis — care of the whole person — guides the work done in the Counseling Center. They provide confidential assistance to students who have a wide range of concerns, such as stress, adjustment difficulties, relationship problems, anxiety, depression and identity questions. All staff members have specialized training and experience in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
In a spirit of affirmation and hospitality, the Office of College Chaplains offers individual pastoral counseling as well as an LGBTQIA+ Support Group for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community and a TGNC+ Support Group for trans and gender non-conforming members of the community.
The Office of Title IX Initiatives supports the College’s dedication to an inclusive and safe community that is free from harassment and discrimination. The director of Title IX Initiatives responds to concerns involving discrimination based on gender, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Alumni Groups
LGBTQ+ Alumni Network
The LGBTQ+ Alumni Network comprises 51С»Æ³µ gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer alumni and their allies. Their goal is to foster a vibrant social community of LGBTQ+ alumni and their allies through events such as annual Homecoming activities, regional social programs and social media. They also aim to provide social, professional and educational support for current LGBTQ+ students and allies.
Faculty & Staff Groups
Outfront
Outfront is an affinity group that fosters 51С»Æ³µ LGBTQIA+ faculty and staff alliances. Outfront seeks to cultivate a vibrant social and academic community of LGBTQIA+ faculty and staff. Please note: Outfront is not a confidential group. If anyone would like information without attending a meeting, please email us.
Resources for LGBTQIA+ Community
Please use to report distressing behavior that may cause concern but does not constitute an emergency. It is important to report an incident or concern about a student so we can seek to provide assistance.
For a map of public single-occupancy restrooms on campus, visit the Campus Maps page.
If you are seeking more information about other matters, including gender-inclusive housing, processes for a name change or gender marker change to your 51С»Æ³µ identification, please contact jebi@holycross.edu.
Worcester LGBTQIA+ Agencies
- 508-755-0333
- (Supporters of Worcester Area Gay and Lesbian Youth) 508-755-3773, ext. 42
- 508-631-2699
- 1-800-243-5111/ 508-756-1545
Health Resources
- 508-755-3773
- 617-267-0900
- 857-399-1920
- (Survivor-led Organizing to End Partner Abuse in LGBTQIA+ Communities)
Hotline: 617-742-4911 (Voice) / 617-227-4911 (TTY) Office: 617-695-0877
College Scholarships
offers numerous college scholarship opportunities for LGBTQIA+ students.
Legal Resources
- 800-649-3718
- 617-426-1350
- 508-853-8853
- 508-453-9630
24-Hour Hotlines
- Peer Listening Hotline: 1-800-399-7337 / Listening Hotline of Any Age: 1-888-340-4528
- 1-888-843-4564
- 1-800-246-7743
- (Survivor-led Organizing to End Partner Abuse in LGBTQ Communities)
Hotline: 617-742-4911 (Voice) / 617-227-4911 (TTY) - 1-866-488-7386
Open and Affirming Faith Communities
- 508-752-3766
- 508-756-6204
- 508-755-6143
- 508-757-2708
- 508-752-7489
- (Worcester Pride Sponsor) 508-756-5857
- 508-791-1530
- 508 755-1257
- 508-753-2989
- 508-752-3785
- 508-853-1942
- 508-799-4191
Justice, Equity, Belonging & Identity
Smith Hall, Room 224 and the Carey Lounge