LGBTQ+ Information for Parents and Families

We want the parents and family members of our LGBTQ+ and ally community to know that the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity is working to make Penn State one of the best campuses for LGBTQ+ students in the country.

As parents, guardians or family members of a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, or ally student you may have questions and concerns about how your student will experience Penn State. All students are welcome to visit the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity to learn more about our resource and program offerings. If you are visiting campus, please do stop by to say hello!

You may also need support as your LGBTQ+ student goes off to college. You are welcome to contact the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity if you have specific questions. Another great resource is Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). Their website has wonderful resources and you can also locate a chapter near you. For further resources regarding issues of gender and/or sexuality, please check out our Resources section.

If you would like to stay current with news and events happening within the Penn State LGBTQ+ community, please check out our upcoming events (select Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity from the drop-down).

Below are a few other resources that may be helpful as a parent, family member, and/or friend of LGBTQ+ individuals.

• HRC guide for coming out to your family and friends
• Want to Know Common Questions Parents Ask?
• Tips for those who are friends or family members of LGBTQ people!
• HRC Coming Out as a Supporter of LGBT people

Resources for LGBTQ+ Parents

If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a parent, we also want to provide you with resources as you navigate Penn State and our community. Below are some resources that you might find helpful as a LGBTQ+ parent in our community.

National Resources

• PFLAG (Parents, Friends, and Family of Lesbians and Gays)
• COLAGE (Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere)
• Family Equality Council
• Straight Spouse Network (for spouses of LGBTQ people)
• Families Like Mine