Student art created during Coming Out on the Green, an annual celebration hosted by Student Multicultural & Diversity Programs. Students were greeted by 20 campus organizations that represented services or LGBTQ interests.The best college for LGBTQ students in Alabama is the University of Alabama at Birmingham, according to BestColleges and Campus Pride.
Together the two organizations have identified the top school in each state that provides both a quality academic experience and a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ students.
Nationwide, many LGBTQ students attend colleges near their homes, for reasons ranging from family support to financial aid. UAB provides an inclusive and educational environment where they can get their degree without compromising on their location, BestColleges announced.
UAB promotes access, inclusion and equity as pillars of excellence and believes that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. In keeping with its mission, UAB strives to create a safer campus that promotes understanding, acceptance, learning, empowerment and visibility of people with marginalized genders and sexualities.
A core value at UAB is advocacy for its diverse student population, says Paulette Patterson Dilworth, Ph.D., vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
“We are honored to be recognized as a safe space for LGBTQ+ students to learn, live and grow as they pursue their hopes and dreams,” Dilworth said. “We want all students to know that UAB supports them and will continue to work to make the university an inclusive living and learning environment.”
The recognition cited UAB’s efforts, including:
- LGBTQ+ students at UAB have access to the institution’s resource center and student affairs office, which provide numerous resources for undergraduate and graduate students.
- Student counseling services welcome learners of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and UAB runs an LGBTQ+ mental health and wellness clinic that offers outpatient psychopharmacology and therapy.
- Safe zone peer educators provide education and training on gender and sexuality, welcoming LGBTQ+ students and allies.
| A core value at UAB is advocacy for its diverse student population, says Paulette Patterson Dilworth, Ph.D., vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “We are honored to be recognized as a safe space for LGBTQ+ students to learn, live and grow as they pursue their hopes and dreams,” Dilworth said. “We want all students to know that UAB supports them and will continue to work to make the university an inclusive living and learning environment.” |
The university also boasts multiple support and affinity organizations for LGBTQ+ students, gender-inclusive restrooms in campus housing, and a simple process for students to change their name on university records and documents.
Every spring, UAB’s Student Multicultural & Diversity Programs in Student Affairs hosts a Lavender Celebration to honor LGBTQ+ students for their contributions to campus. Awards include the Glenda Elliott LGBTQ+ Advocacy Award, recognizing a UAB student, faculty or staff member who advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, and the Lavender Leadership award for leadership on campus.
The Alliance for LGBTQ Equality at UAB is an employee-resource group of the university, the UAB Health System, the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation and the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital. It exists to provide advocacy, support and networking for faculty and staff members of UAB’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Allies community. Membership is open to all such employees and retirees.