Southern Oregon University
IN-22: Campus Pride Index

At Southern Oregon University (SOU), we offer a great deal of options for our LGBTQIA+ and Ally students. From courses in academia to residential living opportunities to co-curricular activities and groups, we have something for everyone. University Housing at Southern Oregon University has created an environment where people do not have to identify with a gender in order to find housing. Our gender inclusive living environment exists so that students may decide whether or not they want gender to be a determining factor in their living arrangement on campus. Students are able to provide their chosen/preferred name to be utilized while at SOU, which affirms our students in transition as part of the transgender and gender nonconforming populations. Many of our majors and minors offer courses related to queer studies. In particular, our Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies program offers specific LGBTQIA+ related studies on a regular basis. We also have a Queer Resource Center on campus that facilitates social, cultural, and educational programs and events throughout the year. At SOU, we are committed to providing a well-rounded experience in all aspects of academic and student life. We have a diverse, caring, and active LGBTQIA+ and Allied community. At SOU we offer a breadth of resources and options for our LGBTQIA+ and Ally students. The beginning of each fall term starts with the Rogue Valley Pride celebration complete with a parade through picturesque downtown Ashland, Oregon and a festival in the equally beautiful Lithia Park. SOU consistently has the largest contingencies marching in the parade! It is a fabulous way to start the academic year. For students who want to explore their identities and be in community with others, our Queer Resource Center offers three support groups; SOU Trans Talk is a peer-led support group for our transgender and gender nonconforming student populations; Queer and Questioning support group is facilitated by two SOU staff members; and Adding Color to the Rainbow group is a peer-led group for Queer & Trans People of Color and Indigenous People. Throughout the year LGBTQIA+ and Ally students have a plethora of activities, programs, and events to get involved. Here are some examples of our impressive outreach: - Class panels (for those students who wish to share their identities and knowledge with their peers inside the classroom) - Pride Week events and celebrations of LGBTQIA+ identities - Transgender Day of Remembrance - Ally Trainings - Winter's a Drag (student-led drag ball) - Rogue Valley Pride - GAYme Con (provides a safe, LGBTQ-friendly gaming environment) - Films and discussions.

https://inside.sou.edu/top-stories/sou-remains-one-of-the-nation-s-top-lgbtq-friendly-campuses.html https://www.campuspride.org/campuspride2016top30/ https://www.campusprideindex.org/campuses/details/195?campus=southern-oregon-university