LGBTQ+ History Month: UTHealth Houston offers community resources

October is LGBTQ+ History Month, providing an opportunity for the campus community to learn more about and celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQ+) communities.

Throughout October, UTHealth Houston will highlight ongoing efforts to support students, staff, and faculty and promote a sense of belonging and inclusion on campus and beyond.

The university celebrates the diversity of the Many Faces of UTHealth Houston, but recognizes that it’s not always easy to be “out.” There are many resources available to the LGBTQ+ community.

• The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion maintains a list of LGBTQ+ allies across campus. All allies have completed cultural competency training through LinkedIn Learning courses on being out and proud, succeeding as an LGBTQ+ professional, and becoming an ally to all.
• The university also offers counseling services to students, faculty, staff, and their families. These resources are robust, safe, and confidential mental health resources.
  • Students can call Student Health and Counseling Servicesat 713-500-5171 during regular business hours. After-hours resources are also available.
  • UTHealth Houston staff members can contact Employee Assistance and Well-being Programs at 713-500-3327, or through a contact form. Services are also available to faculty as well as residents and fellows.
  • The Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston created a phone line to fast-track appointments for faculty, staff, residents, and fellows. Call 713-486-2683 to schedule an appointment or consultation.

LGBTQ+ History Month was created in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher in Missouri. In 1995, a resolution passed by the General Assembly of the National Education Association included LGBTQ+ History Month within a list of commemorative months.

October was selected to coincide with National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11, which was already established, and the anniversary of the first march on Washington D.C. for gay and lesbian rights in 1979.

Look around campus on Tuesday, Oct. 11, to see stories from the UTHealth Houston community on what it’s like to be out and proud at the university.

To get involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts on campus, email [email protected].