Sexual and Gender Diverse Student Life
At Penn State, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive environment where sexual and gender diverse students can feel affirmed, connected, and empowered. Through Student Affairs, you’ll find support systems, leadership opportunities, and meaningful experiences that help you navigate college life while celebrating who you are. Whether you’re looking to build community, get involved, or access support—there’s a place here for you.
Nationally Recognized Support
The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity is a nationally recognized leader in LGBTQ+ campus inclusion, earning top marks on the Campus Pride Index for its commitment to creating a welcoming environment. Located in the HUB-Robeson Center, it offers an affirming lounge space, dedicated resources, and year-round programs that foster community and connection. Whether you are exploring your identity, attending an event, or celebrating Pride Week, the center provides a space where students feel seen, supported, and valued.
Penn State Resources
Find a Student Org for You
LGBTQ+ focused student organizations provide places to connect, advocate, and lead. Whether you're passionate about activism, education, or just want to build community with other students, there’s a group for you.
Make Campus Yours
The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity hosts programs and events year-round—everything from queer career nights to identity-based celebrations like Lavender Recognition. These experiences are designed to help you find your place at Penn State, connect with others, and celebrate who you are.
Maximize your Campus Community
Penn State offers countless ways for LGBTQ+ students and allies to get involved, build connections, and shape their student experience. Through student organizations, mentorship, cultural trips, and programs hosted by the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, you'll find the spaces and support to grow as a leader and as yourself.
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The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity offers fully funded trips that immerse students in LGBTQ+ culture, community, and civic engagement. These trips promote self-exploration, deepen cultural understanding, and help students expand their view of LGBTQ+ life beyond campus.
- Programs are application-based and spots are limited.
- All travel, lodging, meals, and event costs are covered.
- Participants must fully engage in all scheduled activities.
Students may apply to multiple trips but may only attend one per semester. If selected for more than one, participants will be asked to confirm a single experience. Applications should ONLY be made if there is a firm commitment on attendance.
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The LGBTQ+ Mentorship Program connects Penn State students with peer mentors to foster belonging, confidence, and success—both inside and outside the classroom. Through one-on-one relationships, students gain guidance, support, and community as they navigate identity development and their Penn State journey.
Mentorship pairings are made with each student’s background, interests, and goals in mind. Whether you're looking for a fellow student who shares your lived experience, a professional role model, or someone to help you feel more grounded on campus, there's a match for you.
Become a Mentee
Mentees are Penn State students who join the LGBTQ+ mentor program to talk one-on-one to someone about their sexual orientation and gender identity as well as discuss issues related to academics, career, family, coming out, dating, and relationships, other marginalized identities, and campus involvement. Mentees can be undergraduate or graduate students.
Become a Mentor
Mentors are Penn State students, undergraduate or graduate, in the LGBTQ+ community who are looking to assist other LGBTQ+ students with their journey through Penn State with special considerations to the student's sexual orientation and gender identity. Mentors also have an opportunity to make strong connections with other students in the community.
Become a Pod Director
Pod Directors are Penn State faculty or staff members in the LGBTQ+ community who supervise several mentor and mentee pairs. Pod Directors help create strong campus-wide connections within the community between students and staff. Pod Directors must have completed both workshops of Safer People Safer Places, including the Foundations Workshop and the Transgender & Gender Inclusion 101 Workshop.
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LGBTQ+ Discussion Spaces offer Penn State students a welcoming environment to share experiences, explore identity, and deepen their understanding of issues within the LGBTQ+ community. Each group fosters open dialogue on personal perspectives, current trends, and social topics—encouraging identity development and meaningful peer connection.
These spaces are open to all—join virtually or in person at LL011 HUB-Robeson Center. Attendance is flexible, and students are welcome to drop in anytime during the semester.
Student Affairs may update groups or times throughout the semester.
- Want to start a new space? Reach out to lgbtq@psu.edu to share your idea. A staff member will be in touch with further information.
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Queer Peers is a welcoming program designed to support first-year, transfer, and change-of-campus LGBTQ+ students as they navigate to life at Penn State University Park. Through social events, educational programming, and peer connection, students can grow their networks, find community, and better understand LGBTQ+ resources on campus.
Open to all students, Queer Peers uses a passport system to guide participation—track attendance and earn prizes for engaging with unique events throughout the year. Queer Peers is a fun, supportive way to get connected and feel at home.