CUNY is committed to providing educational excellence to its students while creating a diverse, inclusive atmosphere for learning. CUNY is wholeheartedly committed to supporting the LGBTQI+ student, staff and faculty population. This online hub is updated and maintained by the CUNY LGBTQI+ Council.
What’s New
Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes
Join documentary filmmaker Mike Syers for a screening of his short film “There are Things to Do”
about Indian-born American LGBTQ+ activist.
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
4:30pm – 7pm EDT
CUNY LGBTQI+ Council
The CUNY LGBTQI+ Council is a CUNY-wide committee of faculty and staff dedicated to supporting the intersectional LGBTQI+ communities across the university system. Our mission is to ensure the visibility and inclusion of the entire spectrum of LGBTQI+ students, faculty and staff. We aim to be a collaborative resource to create connection and community, identify and troubleshoot gaps, increase representation, awareness, and equity. We are committed to leading with a social justice lens, offering support services and developing programs, events and opportunities for those who identify as LGBTQ+ or questioning. Read More
Gary Dillon
College: Baruch College
Job Title: Supervising Psychologist, Counseling Center
Pronouns: He/Him/His
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Mental Health, Wellness & Security
Phone: 646-312-2158
Email: gary.dillon@baruch.cuny.edu
Richard Suarez
College: Baruch College
Job Title: Associate Director of Operations, Division of Student Affairs
Pronouns: He/Him/His
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: SafeZone Trainings/LGBTQI+ Centers
Phone: 646-312-4552
Email: richard.suarez@baruch.cuny.edu
Michael Hutmaker
College: Borough of Manhattan Community College
Job Title: Dean for Student Affairs
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Phone: 212-220-8130
Email: mhutmaker@bmcc.cuny.edu
Brian Kelley
College: Borough of Manhattan Community College
Job Title: Assistant Professor of Academic Literacy & Linguistics
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Phone: 212-220-1420
Email: bkelley@bmcc.cuny.edu
Yuliya Shneyderman
College: Borough of Manhattan Community College
Job Title: Associate Professor of Health Education
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: SafeZone Trainings/LGBTQI+ Centers
Phone: 212-776-6673
Email: yshneyderman@bmcc.cuny.edu
Emalinda (Emily) McSpadden
College: Bronx Community College
Job Title: Assistant Professor of Psychology, Department of Social Sciences & Director of the LGBTQI+ Resource Room, Office of Student Life
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Co-Chair of Council
Pronouns: All (no preference)
Email: emalinda.mcspadden@bcc.cuny.edu
Office: 718-289-5100 x3028
Resource Room: 718-289-5300
Edwin Roman
College: Bronx Community College
Job Title: Academic and Transfer Resources Coordinator, Office of Transfer Services
Pronouns: He/Him/They
Phone: 917-574-5425
Email: edwin.roman@bcc.cuny.edu
Sami Binder
College: Brooklyn College
Job Title: Senior Assistant to the Director, LGBTQ Resource Center
Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: SafeZone Trainings/LGBTQI+ Centers
Phone: 718-951-5739
Email: Sami.Binder@brooklyn.cuny.edu
Andy Hale
College: Brooklyn College
Job Title: Student Psychological Counselor, Personal Counseling & Adjunct Lecturer, Mental Health Counseling
Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs
Phone: 646-572-6150
Email: Andy.Hale@brooklyn.cuny.edu
Kelly Spivey
College: Brooklyn College
Job Title: Director, LGBTQ+ Resource Center
Pronouns: She/Her/They
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: SafeZone Trainings/LGBTQI+ Centers
Phone: 718-951-5739
Email: kelly.spivey10@brooklyn.cuny.edu
Jasmin Salcedo
College: The City College of New York
Job Title: Gender Resources Social Worker
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Gender/Name Policies
Phone: 212-650-8222
Email: jsalcedo@ccny.cuny.edu
Yaari Felber-Seligman
College: The City College of New York
Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs
Email: yfelberseligman@ccny.cuny.edu
Jake Nill
College: The City College of New York
Job Title: Program Manager, CCNY LGBTQ+ Student Center
Pronouns: He/Him
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Outreach & Online Presence
Phone: 212-650-6937
Email: jnill@ccny.cuny.edu
Matt Brim
College: CLAGS: Center for LGBTQ Studies
Job Title: Executive Director, CLAGS & Professor of Queer Studies, CSI & CUNY Graduate Center
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Phone: 718-982-3645
Email: Matt.Brim@csi.cuny.edu
Jeremiah Jurkiewicz
College: College of Staten Island
Job Title: LGBTQ Resource Center/Pluralism & Diversity Coordinator
Pronouns: He/Him/His
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: SafeZone Trainings/LGBTQI+ Centers
Phone (LGBTQ Center): 718-982-3091
Email: Jeremiah.Jurkiewicz@csi.cuny.edu Read More
Sohomjit Ray
College: College of Staten Island
Job Title: Associate Professor of English
Pronouns: He/Him/His
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: CUNY LGBTQI+ Student Conference
Phone: 718-982-3689
Email: sohomjit.ray@csi.cuny.edu
Carrie Shockley
College: Central Office
Job Title: Student Inclusion Initiatives
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Phone: 646-664-8233
Email: carrie.shockley@cuny.edu
Sarah Morgano
College: Central Office
Job Title: Social Media Manager, Communications and Marketing
Pronouns: She/Her, They/Them
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Outreach & Online Presence
Phone: 646-664-9301
Email: sarah.morgano@cuny.edu
Elvis Bakaitis
College: CUNY Graduate Center
Job Title: Interim Head of Reference, Mina Rees Library
Pronouns: They/Them
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Gender/Name Policies & Information Systems
Email: Ebakaitis@gc.cuny.edu
Anick Rolland
College: CUNY Graduate Center
Job Title: Associate Registrar, Student Services
Pronouns: She/Her/Elle
Phone: 212-817-7507
Email: arolland@gc.cuny.edu
Sherry Adams
College: CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy
Job Title: Student Wellness Counselor, Office of Student Affairs
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Mental Health, Wellness & Security
Phone: 646-364-9526
Email: sherry.adams@sph.cuny.edu
Spring Cooper
College: CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy
Job Title: Associate Professor, Community Health and Social Sciences
Pronouns: She/They
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Mental Health, Wellness & Security
Email: spring.cooper@sph.cuny.edu
Jan Oosting Kaminsky
College: CUNY School of Professional Studies
Job Title: Assistant Professor of Nursing
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Phone: 973-865-9131
Email: jan.kaminsky@cuny.edu
Reshma Jaigobin
College: CUNY School of Professional Studies
Job Title: Student Development and Leadership Coordinator, Office of Student Life
Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs
Phone: 646-664-8627
Email: reshma.jaigobin@cuny.edu
Kevin Simmons
College: CUNY School of Labor & Urban Studies
Job Title: Academic Program Specialist
Pronouns: He/Him/His
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Gender/Name Policies & Information Systems
Email: kevin.simmons@slu.cuny.edu
Anna Zak
College: CUNY School of Labor & Urban Studies
Job Title: Head of Internships and Experiential Learning, Academic Affairs
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Mental Health, Wellness & Security
Phone: 646-313-8359
Email: anna.zak@slu.cuny.edu
Lisa Davis
College: CUNY School of Law
Job Title: Associate Professor of Law & Special Advisor on Gender Persecution to the International Criminal Court Prosecutor
Pronouns: They/Them
Phone: 718-340-4148
Email: lisa.davis@law.cuny.edu
Bibi N. Amin
College: CUNY School of Law
Job Title: Admissions Counselor & Pipeline to Justice Liaison
Pronouns: She/Her
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Gender/Name Policies & Information Systems
Phone: 718-340-4631
Email: bibi.amin@law.cuny.edu
Christopher Roth
College: Guttman Community College
Job Tilte: Associate Director of Academic Technology, Office of Academic Affairs
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Phone: 646-313-8189
Email: christopher.roth@guttman.cuny.edu
Dana LePage
College: Guttman Community College
Job Tilte: Associate Director of the Connect Center, Student Affairs
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Phone: 646-313-8064
Email: dana.lepage@guttman.cuny.edu
Charles Rice-Gonzalez
College: Hostos Community College
Job Title: Assistant Professor of English
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Phone: 718-518-6865
Email: crice-gonzalez@hostos.cuny.edu
Jewel Jones
College: Hostos Community College
Job Title: Associate Director of Compliance and Diversity
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Phone: 718-518-4328
Email: jjones@hostos.cuny.edu
Anika Seidman-Gati
College: Hunter College
Job Title: Student Psychological Counselor and Health Educator, Counseling and Wellness Services
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Outreach & Online Presence
Phone: 212-772-4925, 212-650-3397
Email: anika.seidman-gati@hunter.cuny.edu
Miesha Smith
College: Hunter College
Job Title: Director of Student Life
Pronouns:
Phone: 212-772-4916
Email: ms177@hunter.cuny.edu
Dominique Mendez-Rose
College: John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Job Title: Administrative Events Specialist, Theater & Events Support Services
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: SafeZone Trainings/LGBTQI+Centers
Phone: 212-237-8739
Email: domendez@jjay.cuny.edu
Michelle Garcia
College: John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Job Title: Assistant Director of LGBTQ+ Resource Center, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Gender/Name Policies & Information Systems
Phone: 212-484-1305
Email: Micgarcia@jjay.cuny.edu
Raquel Torres
College: Kingsborough Community College
Job Title: Assistant Director of Student Life
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Email: Raquel.Torres@kbcc.cuny.edu
Phone: 718-368-5597
Gordon Alley-Young
College: Kingsborough Community College
Job Title: Dean of Faculty & Professor of Speech Communication
Pronouns: He/Him (Eng) Il/Lui (Fr)
Phone: 718-368-6634
Email: Gordon.Young@kbcc.cuny.edu
Deema Bayrakdar
College: LaGuardia Community College
Job Title: Director, Women’s Center and LGBTQIA Safe Zone Hub
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Mental Health, Wellness & Security
Phone: 718-482-5179
Email: dbayrakdar@lagcc.cuny.edu
Nathan Tosh
College: LaGuardia Community College
Job Title: Program Coordinator, Women’s Center and LGBTQIA Safe Zone Hub
Pronouns: He/Him/His, They/Them/Theirs
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Gender/Name Policies & Information Systems
Email: ntosh@lagcc.cuny.edu
Matthew Frye Castillo
College: Lehman College
Job Title: Lecturer
Pronouns: He/Him
Phone: 908-948-8055
Email: matthewfryecastillo@gmail.com
Ashmini Hiralall
College: Lehman College
Job Title: Director, Health and Wellness Services
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Phone: 718-960-2415
Email: ashmini.hiralall@lehman.cuny.edu
Erin Mayo-Adam
College: LGBTQ+ Policy Center at Roosevelt House
Job Title: Director of LGBTQ Policy Center, Roosevelt House & Assistant Professor of Political Science, Hunter College
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Email: erin.mayo-adam@hunter.cuny.edu
Phone: 212-772-5505 (email preferred)
Chris Daversa
College: Macaulay Honors College
Job Title: Director of Student Development
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Cell: 212-729-2937
Email: chris.daversa@mhc.cuny.edu
Eileen Makak
College: Macaulay Honors College
Job Title: Assistant Director, Student Development
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Phone: 212-729-2946
Email: Eileen.Makak@mhc.cuny.edu
Christina Chala
College: Medgar Evers College
Job Title: Career Specialist, Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP)
Pronouns: She/Her, They/Them
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Outreach & Online Presence
Phone: 718-804-8239
Email: CChala@mec.cuny.edu
Lisa Evelyn
College: Medgar Evers College
Job Title: Assistant Director, Women’s Center
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Phone: 718-270-6940
Email: levelyn@MEC.CUNY.EDU
Dorie Clay
College: New York City College of Technology
Job Title: Director of Strategic Initiatives and Planning, Enrollment Management & Student Affairs
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Phone: 718-260-5000
Email: dorie.clay85@citytech.cuny.edu
Eric Rodriguez-Chan
College: New York City College of Technology
Job Title: Chairperson, Department of Social Science & Associate Professor of Psychology
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Phone: 718-260-5080
Email: erodriguez@citytech.cuny.edu
David Rivera
College: Queens College
Job Title: Associate Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Educational and Community Programs & Founding Director of the CUNY LGBTQI+ Student Leadership Program
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Co-Chair of Council
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Email: David.Rivera@qc.cuny.edu
JC Carlson
College: Queens College
Job Title: Student Life Events Manager, LGBTQIAA+ Programs Coordinator & Associate Director, CUNY LGBTQI+ Consortium
Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: SafeZone Trainings/LGBTQI+ Centers
Phone: 917-659-2646
Email: JC.Carlson@qc.cuny.edu
Sonal Soni
College: Queens College
Job Title: Counselor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Mental Health, Wellness & Security
Email: Sonal.Soni@qc.cuny.edu
Aliza Atik
College: Queensborough Community College
Job Title: Assistant Professor, English
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Phone: 718-631-5367
Email: aatik@qcc.cuny.edu
Robin Ford
College: Queensborough Community College
Job Title: Assistant Professor, English
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Mental Health, Wellness & Security
Email: rford@qcc.cuny.edu
Clarence Jefferson Hall Jr.
College: Queensborough Community College
Job Title: Assistant Professor, History
Pronouns: He, Him, His
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Gender/Name Policies & Information Systems
Phone: 718-631-6645
Email: chall@qcc.cuny.edu
Ebonie Jackson
College: York College
Job Title: Director
Department: Women’s Center for Gender Justice
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
LGBTQI+ Council Subcommittee: Gender/Name Policies & Information Systems
Phone: 718-262-2008
Email: ejackson@york.cuny.edu
Charmaine Townsell
College: York College
Job Title: Director of Student Disability Services
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Phone: 718-262-2274
Email: ctownsell@york.cuny.edu
LGBTQI+ Related Policies
The City University of New York is committed to providing educational excellence to its students while creating a diverse, inclusive atmosphere for learning. In Student Affairs, we are dedicated to assuring this inclusive atmosphere for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and intersex communities and others whose identification extends beyond these borders.
Victory for LGBTQI + Workers!
In a landmark ruling, the United States Supreme Court has ruled that existing federal law, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, forbids job discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
New York Times: Civil Rights Law Protects Gay and Transgender Workers, Supreme Court Rules
CUNY Policies
- Policy on Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination (“EO Policy”)
- Policy on Sexual Misconduct
- Policy on Reporting of Alleged Misconduct
- Statement on Protecting the Rights of Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Students
- Memorandum on State and Local Laws Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Gender Identity and Gender Expression (2019)
- Memorandum on Student and Employee Requests for Name and/or Gender Changes (2021)
- Memorandum on Student and Employee Requests for Name and/or Gender Changes (2018)
- Memorandum on Expansion of the New York State Gender Recognition Act (2022)
New York City Resources
National Resources
LGBTQI+ Student Leadership & Internship Programs
CUNY offers programs specifically tailored to support its LGBTQI+ students and allies by providing them with career engagement opportunities and leadership skill development. These programs benefit from both the CUNY LGBTQI+ Council and the University’s LGBTQI+ Advisory Council.
The CUNY LGBTQI+ Council is made up of staff and faculty representatives from all 25 CUNY colleges. Programs connected through the CUNY LGBTQI+ Council engages the next generation of LGBTQI+ leaders through a variety of social justice training, personal development, community engagement, experiential, mentoring, and social networking activities.
The LGBTQI+ Advisory Council is an external group of leaders connecting CUNY’s LGBTQI+ and allied students to New York City’s various resources and opportunities by leading and supporting various programs. The group is led by philanthropist Mitch Draizin, founder and president of the Concordia Philanthropic Fund and a long-time champion of CUNY’s LGBTQI+ community.
If you are in need of emotional support, please visit our Counseling page.
If you are in need of health and wellness resources, please visit the Health Services page.
If you or anyone you know is in a crisis situation:
please call 911, visit your local emergency room, text “HOME” to 741741
or reach out to The Trevor Project or The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
LGBTQI+ Student Initiatives
Throughout CUNY, there are plenty of LGBTQI+ clubs, organizations, and chapters to be a part of! These student LGBTQI+ groups bring together LGBTQI+, questioning, and allied peers through community-based activities, actions, campaigns, social advocacy, education, friendships, and fun. As with many CUNY student groups, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused several LGBTQI+ student groups to cease operations. While there are still active LGBTQI+ student groups across CUNY, many are in the process of revival or are in need of revival. Check out what student LGBTQI+ groups are on your campus below.
If your college is not listed below, it either has not yet established an LGBTQI+ Student Group or has one that needs help reviving. Please reach out to your college’s CUNY LGBTQI+ Council representatives to see how you can get started on your campus!
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Gender Love and Sexuality Spectrum (GLASS)
Email: TBA
Social Media: Instagram @baruchglass_
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Jan Martinez – jan.martinez@baruch.cuny.edu
Meeting Details: Every Thursday 12:40-2:20 p.m. in NVC Room 8-150
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Rainbow Alliance, QueerLit Book Club, The Agenda (Queer Art Club), and Black & Queer
Email: lgbtqi@bcc.cuny.edu
Social Media: TBA
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Edwin Roman – edwin.roman@bcc.cuny.edu
Meeting Details: LGBTQI+ Resource Room (Roscoe Brown Student Center Room 312)
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Alliance (LGBTA)
Email: TBA
Social Media: Instagram @brooklyn.lgbta
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Kelly Spivey – lgbtqcenter@brooklyn.cuny.edu
Meeting Details: Student Center Room 221
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: LGBTQ+ Open Alliance Club
Email: saga@gtest.ccny.cuny.edu
Social Media: Instagram @ccny_open_alliance_club
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Jake Nill – jnill@ccny.cuny.edu
Meeting Details: Every other Thursday 12:30-2 PM in the LGBTQ+ Student Center (NAC 1/101B)
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Pride Club
Email: TBA
Social Media: Instagram @sps_prideclub
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Jan Oosting – jan.oosting@cuny.edu
Meeting Details: TBA
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: OUTLaws
Email: TBA
Social Media: Instagram @cunyoutlaws
Staff/Faculty Advisor: TBA
Meeting Details: TBA – Join Listserv
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Stonewall Club
Email: TBA
Social Media: TBA
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Christopher Roth – ChristopherRoth@guttman.cuny.edu
Meeting Details: TBA
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: JJ Spectra
Email: jjspectra@jjay.cuny.edu
Social Media: Instagram @jjspectra
Staff/Faculty Advisor: TBA
Meeting Details: TBA
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Queer and Fierce (Queer AF)
Email: TBA
Social Media: TBA
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Nathan Tosh – ntosh@lagcc.cuny.edu
Meeting Details: Thursdays 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM in MB-68
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Crystal Queer
Email: TBA
Social Media: Instagram @lehmancrystalqueer
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Matthew Frye-Castillo – matt.caprioli@lehman.cuny.edu and Benjamin Holtzman – benjamin.holtzman@lehman.cuny.edu
Meeting Details: Every first and third Monday of the month
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Macaulay Queer Alliance
Email: TBA
Social Media: Instagram @macaulaylgbt
Staff/Faculty Advisor: TBA
Meeting Details: TBA
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: PRIDE Club
Email: TBA
Social Media: Instagram @citytechpride
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Laura Westengard – laura.westengard25@login.cuny.edu
Meeting Details: Thursdays 12:45-2 p.m. in Namm 1017
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Gender, Love, and Sexuality Alliance (GLASA)
Email: TBA
Social Media: Instagram @qcglasa
Staff/Faculty Advisor: TBA
Meeting Details: TBA
Supporting Your Preferred Name & Gender
A chosen name (referred to in CUNY policy as a preferred name and sometimes known as a name-in-use) is a name that a person uses which is different from the one on the person’s legal records. There are many reasons a person may use a chosen name, including to reflect their gender identity or to go by a more familiar nickname.
CUNY policy allows you to update your chosen first and middle name as well as your gender at your discretion, without documentation. Unless noted, your chosen name will be displayed (with your legal last name) on CUNYfirst, Blackboard and course rosters. You can also update your student ID card, email address and Zoom display name.
Colleges may use a chosen name on all documents and records except for certain official documents (e.g. diplomas and transcripts), where a legal name change is required to update.
Update Your Preferred Name
- Log in to CUNYfirst
- Go to Student Center
- Under Personal Information, click “Names”
- Click “Add a New Name” and choose the Preferred option
You may also submit the CUNY Preferred Name Request Form to your college registrar’s office.
Note: To update your legal name (including corrections to a typographical or spelling error), request a Personal Data Change Request Form from your college’s registrar’s office.
Update Your Gender
- Log in to CUNYfirst
- Go to Self Service (might also say Employee Self Service)
- Under Personal Details, click “Gender Identity”
- Choose your gender identity. Options include: male (M), female (F), transgender (T), gender nonconforming (G), non-binary (X), a gender not listed (L) and not specified (U)
- Choose the date you want your gender identity to be shown
You may also complete the CUNY Gender Change Form and submit it to your college registrar’s office.
Note for Students: Updating your gender may create data mismatches if you have applied for federal financial aid using a different gender. If you update your gender, contact your college’s financial aid office to inform them of the update.
Use Someone’s Chosen Name
In short, use someone’s chosen name whenever possible. This includes:
- in casual conversation and email communication
- in formal settings
- on registration and sign-up forms
If you have access to a student or colleague’s legal name, treat this as confidential data and limit usage to specific circumstances where a legal name is required (e.g. for a background check or when dealing with financial records.)
Note: In certain circumstances, it may be unclear whether a person would prefer you use their chosen name versus their legal name (e.g. when contacting a family member or writing a letter of recommendation). If you are not sure, privately ask the person what they would prefer.
Update Your Student ID Card
CUNY students are entitled to a free updated ID card to reflect their preferred name, without a legal name change! Your preferred name must be updated in CUNYfirst.
Contact your college’s Public Safety department or photo ID card services office to request a new card.
Update Your Student Email
Your preferred name must be updated in CUNYfirst. Once done, you can contact your college’s IT department and request your student email address reflect the update.
Update Zoom
During a meeting, you can click the three dots next to your screen and choose “Rename”. Update the display name to reflect your chosen name and pronouns.
Need Help?
If you have any issues with making these changes or if you do not see them reflected after a week, please contact your college’s CUNY LGBTQI+ Council representative and registrar’s office.
CUNY LGBTQI+ Centers
LGBTQI+ Centers are places where LGBTQI+, questioning, and allied students, staff, and faculty are able to connect with LGBTQI+ affirming resources and build strong community. Throughout CUNY, there are various LGBTQI+ Centers, these include resource centers, academic/policy centers, student centers, hubs, and much more! Not every CUNY college has an LGBTQI+ Center but those that are open welcome folks from all CUNY schools. With that said, more LGBTQI+ Centers are opening up throughout CUNY! Please see the current list of CUNY LGBTQI+ Centers below.
BMCC Pride Center (est. 2022)
The BMCC Pride Center (PC) is a new area under the pilot program called the Social Justice & Equity Centers at BMCC. We foster a supportive environment for all students, faculty, and staff focusing on the experiences and identities withing the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQIA+) community. The Pride Center offers events, programs and services focused on supporting and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community, and the role of allies. Our goal is to educate the BMCC community on inclusion, allyship, and intersectionality. All students are welcome to participate regardless of orientation, sex, gender, or expression.
Bronx Community College LGBTQI+ Resource Room (est. 2018)
The LGBTQI+ Resource Room at Bronx Community College works to foster an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. The Resource Room aims to sustain visibility and a sense of community by providing LGBTQI+ education, programming, and support services on campus.
Brooklyn College LGBTQ Resource Center (est. 2014)
The LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning) Resource Center is both a welcoming space and supportive network for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual and/or ally (LGBTQIA) students, staff and faculty at Brooklyn College.
The City College of New York LGBTQ+ Student Center (est. 2021)
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Student Center is a collaborative resource dedicated to celebrating, empowering, and supporting LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and faculty at The City College of New York.
Learn more about The City College of New York LGBTQ+ Student Center
College of Staten Island LGBTQ Resource Center (est. 2012)
The LGBTQ Center embraces the diversity of the CSI community and provides resources and programs for campus members who want to learn more about and advocate for LGBTQ issues.
The Center for LGBTQ Studies (CLAGS) (est. 1991)
The Center for LGBTQ Studies (CLAGS), located at the City University of New York, Graduate Center, was founded in 1991 and is the first university-based research center in the United States dedicated to the study of historical, cultural, and political issues of vital concern to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals and communities.
CUNY LGBTQIA+ Consortium (est. 2017)
We are the CUNY LGBTQIA+ Consortium, housed under the LaGuardia & Wagner Archives, and we are changing the face of CUNY and NYC. Our mission is not only to preserve LGBTQIA+ history, but to make it! We facilitate the archiving of LGBTQIA+ history across New York, and we support LGBTQIA+ training, education, and programming. The CUNY LGBTQIA+ Consortium began in the borough of Queens in 2017, and since that time we have expanded across all 5 boroughs. Currently there are 14 participating campuses, but we are still growing!
The LGBTQ Policy Center at the Roosevelt House (est. 2008)
The LGBTQ Policy Center at Roosevelt House provides educational and enrichment opportunities for students interested in LGBTQ studies, develops public programs on LGBTQ politics and policy for the broader community, and creates bridges between researchers and policymakers who are invested in advancing LGBTQ rights. The mission of the center is to support research on LGBTQ issues to inform policy decisions; to disseminate findings to inform public opinion and promote LGBTQ social, health, and political equity; and to provide academic training and practicum opportunities for Hunter College students in LGBTQ studies.
Learn more about the LGBTQ Policy Center at the Roosevelt House
John Jay College of Criminal Justice LGBTQ+ Resource Center (est. 2021)
The LGBTQ+ Resource Center is a student-centered campus resource that provides an open, safe and inclusive space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students as well as students whose identities fall in-between or expand beyond these categories. The Center builds community, awareness, and knowledge; provides leadership development, educational and social programs; and advocates for students, promotes research and offers resources.
Learn more about the John Jay College of Criminal Justice LGBTQ+ Resource Center
LaGuardia Community College LGBTQIA Safe Zone Hub (est. 2015)
The LGBTQIA Safe Zone Hub is a collaborative resource for celebrating the experiences, identities and expressions of LGBTQIA students, faculty and staff as well as increasing awareness about LGBTQIA issues, gender and sexuality at LaGuardia. We are committed to leading with a social justice lens, offering support services and developing programs, events and opportunities for those who identify as LGBTQ+ or questioning. Whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, questioning or an ally, you are welcome here.The LGBTQIA Safe Zone Hub is a collaborative resource for celebrating the experiences, identities and expressions of LGBTQIA students, faculty and staff as well as increasing awareness about LGBTQIA issues, gender and sexuality at LaGuardia. We are committed to leading with a social justice lens, offering support services and developing programs, events and opportunities for those who identify as LGBTQ+ or questioning. Whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, questioning or an ally, you are welcome here.
Learn more about the LaGuardia Community College LGBTQIA Safe Zone Hub
Safe Zone Training
It’s an opportunity for faculty, staff, and students to learn about the LGBTQI+ community through terminology, self-examination, discussion, and best practices. It teaches about some of the many struggles faced by the LGBTQI+ community and how we might better foster inclusion.
If you are interested in learning more about Safe Zone Trainings or setting up a training for your department or student organization please reach out to your campus contact.
If you would like more information on the CUNY LGBTQI+ Safezone Subcommittee, please contact Tammie Velasquez at tavelasquez@bmcc.cuny.edu.
FAQs
Yes, CUNY students can request to join groups on other CUNY campuses. However, it is up to the discretion of that campus whether to permit.
Yes, CUNY students with their CUNY ID can visit another campus’ LGBTQI+ physical space.
If you have a question, concern, issue, or would like to request co-sponsorship on an event, see the contact section to find your CUNY campus staff/faculty representative on the CUNY LGBTQI+ Council. The Council plans to host a variety of events throughout the year – these will be featured on this website and in CUNY Communications.
In 2019, the Human Rights Law was amended through the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) to explicitly add gender identity or expression as a protected category. Discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression is prohibited in all areas covered by the Human Rights Law. Sexual orientation was amended through the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) in 2002.
The NYS Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination based on specific protected classes in employment, housing, credit, places of public accommodations, and non-sectarian educational institutions, including CUNY.
In observance of New York State Human Rights Law, listed below are the memorandums provided by CUNY that explicitly states CUNY’s policies on these matters:
- Memorandum on Student and Employee Requests for Name and/or Gender Changes (2018)
- New York State requires the use of student’s legal names on official records.
- For non-official records, students may select a preferred first and middle name. No documentation is required to change this.
- For non-official records, students may select their gender. No documentation is required to change this.
- Memorandum on State and Local Laws Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Gender Identity and Gender Expression (2019)
- Explicitly states that everyone at CUNY deserves safe and equal access to restrooms.
- CUNY policy provides that single-occupancy and single-sex restrooms, locker rooms and other facilities be available to all individuals consistent with their gender identity.
- Memorandum on Student and Employee Requests for Name and/or Gender Changes (2021)
- Individuals at CUNY have the right to be addressed by the pronouns of their choice, regardless of how their sex was assigned at birth.
- An individual’s use of a preferred pronoun will not require documentation or a court order.
- The failure to address a student by their preferred pronouns can be investigated as an act of sex discrimination and sexual harassment.
- Memorandum on Expansion of the New York State Gender Recognition Act (2022)
- As of January 1, 2023, CUNY must provide an option for members of the public to mark “X” when identifying their gender during any interaction with CUNY.
- To accomplish this requirement, the law requires agencies to “update any applicable forms or data systems by January 1, 2023…”
Students are able to use CUNYfirst self-service to select a preferred first and middle name. Follow the following steps:
- Go onto the CUNYfirst Webpage
- Log into your account
- Go to Student Center
- Scroll down to Personal Information and Click “Names” on the left hand side
- On that page you should be able to add a name and indicate that it is your preferred name.
Please note that this will only change your name on CUNYfirst, it is not a legal name change. After making this update, your preferred name will also be shown on class rosters and Blackboard.
CUNY students, staff, and faculty can update their gender identity information on CUNYfirst or through their campus’ Registrar’s Office (students only).
Find instructions on updating your gender identity information in the Update Your Gender section of this page.
For Students: Please be aware that changing your gender in CUNYfirst may cause a mismatch if you are a recipient of federal financial aid. You are advised to contact the financial aid office to discuss further. In addition, you are advised to contact the Social Security Administration, to prevent any problems with data mismatches between that agency’s records and the information on file with the U.S. Department of Education, which administers federal student aid programs. While CUNY does not require documentation of gender identity, there may be documentation requirements at these agencies. In addition, because gender is a shared field for students and employees in CUNYfirst, a change in gender for students who are also employees will automatically change their gender in their employee record.
CUNY policy states colleges must replace student identification cards to reflect a preferred name without cost to the student.
Here are on- and off-campus options on reporting discrimination:
On-campus Reporting Options:
- Please reach out to your Campus Chief Diversity Officer to report any acts of discrimination. [Not confidential]*
- CUNY has launched a University-Wide discrimination and retaliation reporting portal. This form is used to file a complaint of discrimination faced at CUNY, including against sexual orientation and gender identity as prohibited by and defined in CUNY’s Policy on Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination (“EO Policy”). [Not confidential]*
- For reports of sexual harassment or sexual violence, including sexual assault, stalking, domestic and intimate violence, please follow the process outlined in CUNY’s Policy on Sexual Misconduct. To file a complaint, contact your Campus Title IX Coordinator to file a complaint. [Not confidential]*
- If you are a student at a college of CUNY and you wish to speak to someone who will keep your communications confidential, you may speak to the following employees [Confidential]**:
- Counselor or other staff member(s) at your college counseling center
- Nurse, nurse practitioner or other staff member(s) in the college health office
- Pastoral counselor (e., counselor who is also a religious leader), if one is available at your college
- Staff member(s) in a women’s or men’s center, if one exists at your college
*Reports of violations will be kept private to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation, to comply with all applicable laws, and to cooperate with law enforcement authorities. A report may be made anonymously. An anonymous report will be taken seriously and reviewed thoroughly; however, the ability to investigate an anonymous report and pursue further action may be limited.
**These professionals are available to provide you with support. They will not report any information about an incident to the college’s Title IX Coordinator or other college employees without your permission, except if the information shared demonstrates that there is an immediate danger to the community. They may also have to report information that does not identify you by name for statistical reports required under federal law. Personal concerns shared are not integrated with a student’s academic record. However, there are a few exceptions to confidentiality guidelines, and these apply to any health or mental health treatment center in New York State.
Off-Campus Reporting Options:
CUNY is committed to conducting its affairs in compliance with federal, state and local laws and University policy. CUNY encourages all persons to report conduct or suspected conduct that they in good faith believe may violate the law or CUNY policy so that CUNY may investigate and take appropriate action. CUNY will not retaliate against anyone who makes such a report.
Persons with knowledge of conduct or conditions that pose an imminent threat to the health or safety of any member of the CUNY community or the public should immediately call 911 or Public Safety.
For more information, please follow process outlined in CUNY’s Policy on Reporting of Alleged Misconduct.
- If you believe you have been the victim of discrimination in the City of New York, you may file a complaint with the Law Enforcement Bureau of the NYC Commission on Human Rights.
- For more information on how to report discrimination, how to file a complaint, or about the complaint process, call 311 or (212) 416-0197.
- The NYC Human Rights Law requires that the complaint be filed within one year of the last alleged act of discrimination (or three years for gender-based harassment).
- If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your gender identity, you can file a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights.
- You can contact the NYS Division of Human Rights at 1-888-392- 3644 to discuss your situation.
- A complaint must be filed with the Division within one year of the alleged discriminatory act.
There are many ways to connect with LGBTQI+ students on your home campus and across CUNY! Visit your campus’ Student Life website or platform to search for LGBTQ+ student clubs or resource centers. If you have any questions about what your particular campus offers, you can reach out to your campus LGBTQI+ Council representative (see the Contact Us section). Sometimes, LGBTQI+ events offered on one CUNY campus may designate that they’re open to attendees from all CUNY campuses.
See the CUNY LGBTQI+ Event Calendar.
Through the CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies (CUNY BA), students can receive an individualized degree specifically in LGBTQ Studies. Working closely with a mentor and drawing on the wide areas of faculty expertise in LGBTQ Studies across CUNY campuses, students can now develop an academic path that prepares them to contribute to LGBTQ progress in the world. Click here for more information.
The LGBTQ courses page lists a sampling of some of the LGBTQ-inflected courses available across the CUNY campuses. Some are offered on a rotational basis. Please go to CUNY Class Search for current offerings and schedules.
Current Events
Join us on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 4:30pm for the opening of an exhibit, “Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes,” by the Stonewall Museum at CCNY and for a viewing and discussion of “There are Things to Do,” the short documentary about Urvashi Vaid. We will be joined by Mike Syers, the producer and director of the documentary, and he will lead a discussion after we view it together. We will also be joined by Shantal Rodriguez and Blaze Levario, the inaugural winners of the Urvashi Vaid Award for LGBTQ+ Advocacy at The City College of New York. The event will be followed by a reception.
Previous Events
Invites you to attend
a new public program presented in-person and on Zoom
The New Generation of Lesbian Bars:
A Stonewall Legacy
Featuring a Screening of a Documentary Short from NBC OUT
Wednesday, November 8
5:30 PM (ET)
Click here to RSVP
For the past three decades, the number of lesbian bars in the United States has seen a steady decline—from an estimated 200 at their peak in the 1980s to a low point in 2020 of less than 20 across the country, according to an NBC News report. Since then, according to a more recent NBC News review from August 2023, a dozen new bars have opened, bringing the total number of venues geared toward queer women to 35—signaling “a measured revitalization” and bringing legitimate hope for an ongoing resurgence. Read More