Learn About the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity

Our Mission

The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity provides a comprehensive range of education, information, and advocacy services to students, faculty, staff, and alumni. We work to create and maintain an open, safer, and inclusive environment honoring gender and sexual diversity. Through educational, social, and supportive programming, along with conducting workshops and offering consultation, the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity strives to serve the entire campus community.

Our Vision

Through a framework centered in social justice, the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity seeks to explore systems of oppression as they relate to those navigating diverse genders and sexualities. Using a holistic approach to student development, exploring the intersections of identities, and honoring the experiences of historically marginalized communities, we strive to provide resources, advocacy, and outreach; a global education; and engagement across the campuses. We also aspire to serve in solidarity with all those we support in visible and impactful ways.

Our History

1990

Gay and Lesbian Task Force was appointed by President Joab Thomas to address the addition of sexual orientation into Penn State’s non-discrimination policy.

1991

The task force released a report citing multiple recommendations for improving campus climate and the creation of an LGBT student center

1994

Student Issues subcommittee of the Commission on LGB Equity presents a proposal to create a full-time position to address the specific needs of the LGB students on campus.

The LGBTA Resource Room first opened its doors on January 31st, 1994.

1996

The proposal was reviewed for the establishment of an LGBT Student Center.

2001

First full-time director was hired to provide even further resources for students and campus communities in the areas of programming, advising, outreach and education.

2015

The "Q" (Queer) was added to the official name of the office.

2019

Name change to Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity to better serve the growing diversity within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and related identities (LGBTQ+) community and to maximize inclusivity. 

2020

In January of 2020 the Center was opened in its new location on the lower level of the HUB Robeson Center, occupying the space once known as the Paul Robeson Gallery. Included in the build out was an internal staircase connecting the Center to the Paul Robeson Center to celebrate and honor the intersections of race, ethnicity, and sexual and gender diverse identities.