Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender Student Services

Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender Student Services
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5372 USA
(269) 387-2133

Advocate Program

The LBGT community continues to grow and evolve to include a wide array of identities and intersectional social justice issues. The WMU LBGT Advocate Program allows students, faculty, and staff to learn and discuss specific LBGT intersectional identities, subjects, and concerns. 

Advocate workshops will meet the following learning outcomes:

  • Participants will be able to discuss addressing specific LBGT intersectional identities.
  • Participants will learn about the historic systems that have created barriers for intersectional LBGT identities.
  • Participants will be able to demonstrate ways to be better allies or advocates for marginalized identities.

All workshops will be hosted in the Adrian Trimpe Building, room 1110 (Multi-Cultural Center) unless otherwise noted.

Register for an upcoming workshop

Spring 2024 dates coming soon
Learn to be a better advocate and ally to lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgender people. Participants receive information on practical strategies for addressing homophobia, learn ways to support students who are "coming out," and gain an understanding of respectful language use. 

Thursday, November 16, 2023 from 2:30-4pm 
With a growing number of people who do not identify within the gender binary, what does it mean to be transgender and/or gender non-conforming and how can we be supportive? This workshop will look at the gender binary, resources, and the systemic barriers that directly impact the transgender community. 

Coming Soon
This workshop is a continuation of Trans 101 that explores the processes, barriers, and ways that individuals can be supportive of transgender and/or gender non-conforming people.

Agreements

  1. This program is designed for students, faculty, and staff to provide continuous learning opportunities, support, and professional development for the LBGT community.
  2. Workshop participants must abide by Respectful Space guidelines including: respect, confidentiality, and speaking from personal experiences.
  3. The Advocate Program workshops may also fulfill some pathway requirements of the WMU Signature Program including (but not limited to):

Civic Engagement                                         Global Engagement                                Social Justice
Diversity and Inclusion                               Health and Wellness                              Sustainability
Entrepreneurship                                          Leadership                                                 Teaching and Learning