Middle School & High School Students
The LGBTQ+ Center strives to support LGBTQ+ students of all ages. If you are an LGBTQ-identifying middle or high school student, or the parent of an LGBTQ-identifying student, please explore the resources below. Please contact us at lgbtqsc@kent.edu with any questions.
Why Kent State?
Kent State University has earned 5 out of 5 stars from the Campus Pride Index, a national benchmark tool that rates colleges/universities on their LGBTQ+ inclusive policies, programs, and practices (or lack thereof). Here's why Kent State earned 5 stars:
- Multiple LGBTQ+ scholarships and an LGBTQ+ Emergency Fund
- Health coverage for transgender students, faculty, and staff
- Protected by a non-discrimination policy
- Safe Space and Trans 101 trainings offered regularly
- LGBTQ+ courses and LGBTQ+ minor
- Graduate course options and research opportunities
- Preferred name policy and universal restrooms
- 13 residence halls with gender-inclusive housing, including an LGBTQ+ Living Learning Community
- Multiple LGBTQ+ student organizations
- PRIDE! Kent is the longest continuously running LGBTQ+ organization in the country!
- A welcoming LGBTQ+ Center
- Lounge space
- On-Site tutoring and computer lab
- QUEST Mentorship program
- Programming/events
Crisis Hotlines
National Suicide Hotline: 988 (Previously 800-273-8255)
National LGBT Youth Hotline: 800-246-7743
The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
School Support
GLSEN The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) offers support and resources for LGBTQ+ students (high school and below), and works to ensure safe school for all students.
Ohio GSA Network The Kaleidoscope Youth Center provides information on GSAs, how to create a GSA, and what schools in Ohio have GSAs. Please click the link to learn more. (Please note the list is not exhaustive and some schools that have a GSA may not be included).
Connect with the Community
Trans Resources
Margie's Hope, Margie's Closet, and Margie's Kids
Receiving Hormones through Planned Parenthood
Resources for Parents & Families
Save the date: Virtual event “So your kid came out as LGBTQ+…What now?” April 4th, 5:30-7pm.
Come listen to a panel of parents, students, and professionals discuss their experiences surrounding topics of coming out.
Featuring:
- Emmett Drugan, MEd, LPC, CDCA, NCC, Navigate Counseling, KSU Alumni 2020
- Sandy Varndell, LSW, Founder and President, OutSupport, Inc, KSU Alumni 1984.
Registration is required. Please contact lgbtqsc@kent.edu for more information.
Organizations/Websites to Explore
- PFLAG Has chapters in Kent, Cleveland, Akron, and Youngstown
- ChildWelfare.gov
- Human Rights Campaign
Open and Affirming Religious Organizations
- Christ Episcopal Church 118 South Mantua St. Kent, OH 44240. Phone: 330-673-4604
- Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent 228 Gougler Ave. Kent, OH 44240. Phone: 330-673-4247
- United Church of Christ 1400 E Main St. Kent, OH 44240. Phone: 330-673-9534
- Hillel Kent State (Cohn Jewish Student Center) 613 E Summit St. Kent, OH 44240. Phone: 330-678-0397
- Kent Friends Meeting (Quaker) UCM Lounge at the United Methodist Church. 1435 E. Main St. Kent, OH 44240. Phone: 330-928-3041
- Islamic Society of Akron and Kent 152 East Steels Corner Road, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44244. Phone: 330-922-9991
Good Reads
- "This Is a Book for Parents of Gay Kids: A Question & Answer Guide to Everyday Life" By Dannielle Owens-Reid & Kristin Russo
- "Beyond Acceptance: Parents of Lesbians & Gays Talk About Their Experiences" By Carolyn Griffin, Marian & Arthur Wirth
- "Coming Around: Parenting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Kids" By Anne Dohrenwend
- "Helping Your Transgender Teen: A Guide for Parents" By Irwin Krieger
- "Mom, I’m Gay: Loving Your LGBTQ Child Without Sacrificing Your Faith" By Susan Cottrell
- PFLAG NYC Suggested Reading List