LGBTIQ Resources

Welcome

Welcome to the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo website for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and questioning students and their allies! Respecting the rights and dignity of all people, the University strives to maintain an inclusive and safe campus for all students regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Traditional Hawaiian culture prior to colonization and the introduction of Christianity was characterized by an openness and acceptance of relationship diversity, including same-gender relationships; in the spirit of honoring the indigenous culture and LGBTIQ students, UH Hilo attempts to honor this tradition.

If you're an LGBTIQ student considering attending UH Hilo, know that the University strives to provide a welcoming and safe environment for you. This welcoming environment is demonstrated from the time you first come to UH Hilo. For example, during the week of orientation the New Student Programs office organizes a special social gathering for LGBITQ students and their allies.

LGBTIQ students will find that many of their needs can be met through existing programs, services, and organizations offered on campus. The University of Hawai‘i President's Office also sponsors a Commission on the Status of LGBTI Equality. The Commission promotes a safe and inclusive environment by creating a culture of equality, acceptance, and respect throughout the UH system, and advocates for the creation, implementation, and adherence to Hawai‘i State and University policies that serve the needs of LGBTIQ students, staff, and faculty. UH Hilo is represented by at least two commissioners.

Many University staff members have been trained in providing a Safe Zone for students. Safe zone training raises awareness of LGBITQ concerns, enables University faculty and staff to better understand the concerns and experiences of LGBITQ students, and encourages them to provide a comfortable place for the LGBITQ population on campus. They are your allies. If you see a Safe Zone symbol on an office door on campus, it identifies a person you can trust: someone who will be understanding, supportive, and helpful. Click here for a map of gender neutral restrooms on campus.

In addition, the University has had an active LGBTIQ student organization for many years, called Pride Hilo. Pride Hilo is comprised of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning/queer (LGBTIQ) student, staff, and faculty members and their friends and allies. The organization (first called the Gay & Lesbian ‘Ohana) was formed in 1991 as the first organized campus-based support network for the LGBTIQ people on the island of Hawai‘i. The mission of Pride Hilo is to nurture, educate and advocate for LGBTIQ issues across UH campuses and the greater Hawai‘i community. It helps coordinate outreach activities that increase awareness, understanding, and tolerance of LGBTIQ issues.

Rights

Knowing your rights as an LGBITQ student on campus and being aware of available resources can help you develop, grow, and protect yourself. Through the University's policy on non-discrimination, we are committed to prohibiting discrimination against individuals based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This covers admission, access, participation, treatment, and employment in all University programs and activities. The UH Hilo Student Conduct Code also promotes the value of respect that all students should demonstrate toward each other, and prohibits harassment. In the event of harassment or discrimination, students should contact the Dean of Students office at (808) 933-0859.

Campus Resources

For more information or concerns you might have, some places at UH Hilo to start include:

Pride Hilo
UH Hilo Representatives on the UH Commission on the Status of LGBTI Equality
Dean of Students Office (933-0859, Student Services Building 210)
Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Office (933-0824, eeoaa@hawaii.edu, Trailer E behind the Business Office)
UH Commission on the Status of LGBTI Equality: (lgbtq@hawaii.edu)
Counseling Services (974-7399, Student Services Building 2nd floor)
Women’s Center (974-7306, uhhwomen@hawaii.edu, Campus Center 312)
University Housing (933-0665, uhhhouse@hawaii.edu, PB 11)
Map of Gender Neutral Restrooms on Campus

Below you will find links to additional resources, both in the community and online, on a wide range of topics, such as coming out, health and wellness, LGBTIQ studies, sports and athletics, straight allies, spirituality and religion, and national LGBTIQ organizations.

Community Resources
General
National Orgs.
Lesbian

Transgender
Intersex
Straight Allies
Health
Bisexual
Coming Out

Religion & Spirituality
LGBTIQ Studies/Theory/History
Careers
Students & Youth
Sports & Athletics

Community Resources

Hawaii Island Pride: Hawaii Island Pride is a group of volunteers dedicated to creating unity, honoring diversity, and achieving equal human rights throughout the Big Island

Hawaii & the LGBT Community

Pride At Work Hawaii: PAWH’s mission is to mobilize LGBITQ workers and their supporters for full equality in their workplaces and their unions, and to build mutual support between the labor movement and the LGBITQ community

GayHawaii.com: Gay and gay-friendly businesses, community resources, and beaches on the Big Island, Oahu, Maui, and Kauai

OutInHawaii.com: Resources and information for the Big Island and other islands in the state

PFLAG Big Island - Hilo Chapter: Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays promotes the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights

Kulia Na Mamo: Strives to improve the quality of life for mahuwahine and other transgender people living in the Hawaiian island, with a special emphasis on those who are disadvantaged people of color, by providing services in the areas of health, education, cultural, and other assistance

Hawaii Island HIV/AIDS Foundation: Free HIV testing, information & referral, support, education/prevention, food pantry, housing, free condoms, youth programs, emergency financial support. Two offices plus community outreach workers to help support you.

LGBTIQ Resources

Welcome

Rights

Campus Resources

Contents

Community Resources

General Resources

National Organizations

Lesbian

Bisexual

Transgender

Intersex

Straight Allies

Health

General Health Resources

Mental Health & Counseling

Substance Abuse

HIV/AIDS

Coming Out

Religion & Spirituality

General Resources

Specific Faiths & Denominations

LGBTIQ Studies/Theory/History

Career Planning & Job Search

Students & Youth

Sports & Athletics