Welcome to the LGBTQ+ Center
On this page:
Welcome
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo welcomes and strives for advancement in our support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and others community. The university wants to maintain an inclusive and safe campus for all students and embraces their gender, gender identity and/or gender expression, and sexual orientation. These concepts are intertwined, but not the same thing.
If you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally who supports the community and are considering attending UH Hilo, know that the University strives to provide a welcoming and safe environment for you. 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 LGBTQIA+ students, UH Hilo attempts to honor this tradition.
This welcoming environment is demonstrated from the time you first come to UH Hilo. For example, during Fall Orientation, PRIDE HILO hosts a social gathering for LGBTQIA+ students and their allies. LGBTQIA+ students will find existing programs, services, and organizations offered on campus that can assist them when needed.
The University of Hawaiʻi President’s Office also sponsors a Commission on the Status of LGBTQI Equality. The Commission promotes a safe and inclusive environment by creating a culture of equality, acceptance, and respect throughout the UH system.
Our Mission
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo LGBTQ+ Center is committed to promoting a stronger, healthier and equitable environment for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. The LGBTQ+ Center is an inclusive, safe space dedicated to empowering and fostering greater opportunities for people to thrive by providing activities and services that create connections between students and community members; provide essential LGBTQ+ resources; advocate for civil and human rights; and embrace, promote and support our cultural diversity regardless of identity or sexual orientation.
Safe Zone Ally Program
Many University staff members have been trained in providing a "Safe Zone" for students, faculty, and staff. Safe Zone Ally Training educates people about the bullying, harassment, and discrimination that LGBTQIA+ people experience and need your support to overcome ignorance and discrimination. If you see a Safe Zone symbol on an office door on campus, it identifies a person you can trust: someone who has been trained through our UH Hilo Program and should be understanding, supportive, and helpful. We are working on improving the campus climate for everyone. We have QR codes across campus, allowing you to schedule training with our official Safe Zone Certified Trainers.
In addition, Pride Hilo is a Registered Independent Student Organization (RISO). Pride Hilo (first called the Gay & Lesbian ‘Ohana-GLO) was formed in 1991. The mission of Pride Hilo is to nurture, educate, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ issues on-campus and in the community. They have bi-weekly meetings every semester and you can go to the Pride Hilo Instagram Page to get more information.
LGBTQIA+ Rights
Knowing your rights as an LGBTIQA student on campus and being aware of available resources is important personally and academically. Through the University's policy on non-discrimination, we are committed to prohibiting discrimination against individuals based on their gender, gender identity, and/or gender expression and sexual orientation. 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 Director of Student Conduct.
Announcements
New Location!
The LGBTQ+ Center has now moved into Campus Center Room 308! The goal for this space is for it to be a safe place for everyone and anyone to talk, hangout, or study.
Contact Us!
Please contact uhhlgbtq@hawaii.edu or call (808) 932-7381 for any and all inquiries and if you wish to be added to our email list for future events.
The LGBTQ+ Center is open Monday-Friday from 9:00am - 4:00pm. The center is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | Open 9:00am-4:00pm |
Open 9:00am-3:00pm |
Open 9:00am-4:00pm |
Open 9:00am-3:00pm |
Open 9:00am-4:00pm |
Closed |