LGBT Studies Major/Minor
San Diego State University is only the second college or university in North America to have a major in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Studies, beginning in January 2012. SDSU has also had a minor in LGBT Studies since fall 2009. There is also an Advanced Certificate for graduate-level students.
LGBT Studies is an interdisciplinary program, not affiliated with any one department. Courses offered include LGBT literature, history of sexuality, media and sexuality, psychology of human sexual behavior, sexuality in modern society, valuing human diversity, lesbian lives and cultures, among many others. Ther are also over a dozen internships in LGBT organizations.
Recently Added Advanced Certificate
The Advanced Certificate in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Studies advances knowledge in sexual and gender identity, and increases understanding of the diverse cultural, historical, ethnic/racial, and contemporary experiences of people across sexualities. The focus is on the changing nature of same-sex desire, sexual behavior, and same-sex relationships from antiquity to the present. Courses focus on emerging LGBT subcultures and identities from a global perspective. Throughout the program of study, students will carefully consider the full range of genders, sexualities, races, ethnicities, classes, physical abilities, religions, and political persuasions that characterize current LGBT movements and communities. Courses are designed to provide students with a comprehensive, integrated, and scholarly education. The certificate also exposes students to community service and activism via a large selection of internships.
The Advanced Certificate was created because of the large number of SDSU graduate students conducting thesis research on LGBT topics, graduate students who have enrolled in LGBT internships, graduate students attending Lavender Graduation, and undergraduates graduating with majors or minors in LGBT studies. The Advanced Certificate is intended for post-baccalaureate students who are interested in LGBT topics, graduate students conducting research on LGBT issues within their academic discipline, and/or those seeking future employment in LGBT organizations. SDSU is the first CSU with a graduate-level certificate in LGBT Studies and the first in California to have such a certificate program.
Contact the LGBT Studies advisor Esther Rothblum, Ph.D. at [email protected] and check out the LGBT Studies website.
Read a recent Los Angeles Times article about the new LGBT Graduate Certificate
Student Organizations
Delta Lambda Phi® Social Fraternity
President: Sam Dickman
Email: [email protected]
VP of External Relations: Nick Budesa
The mission of the Alpha Delta Chapter of the Delta Lambda Phi Social® Fraternity is to develop friendship, leadership, and association among all men; to promote just and equitable treatment of all individuals; and to enhance the quality of life among gay, bisexual, transgender and progressive men.
We strive to accomplish this by following our three purposes:
- To provide dignified and purpose, social, service, and recreational activities for progressive men, irrespective of sexual orientation
- To lead in determining the rights and privileges of individuals in society
- To promote a strong and positive image, which respects the diversity of all individuals, irrespective of sexual orientation.
These broad purposes make Delta Lambda Phi® unique among organizations geared towards gay, bisexual, transgender and progressive men. Other social options within the queer community may be superficial or, at the opposite end of the spectrum, overtly political. Delta Lambda Phi®, however, emphasizes the creation of strong, long-lasting friendships between its members, as well as between the fraternity and the community-at-large. It is the unique experience of a Greek organization that often makes such friendships possible.
Gamma Rho Lambda
President: Jessica Wright
Gamma Rho Lambda, at San Diego State University, is a queer-based social sorority focused on fostering a progressive environment for its members to excel in social, academic, and community settings. By providing a forum for diversity, expression, and understanding, future leaders will be empowered with the courage to affect social change.
OUTreach (School of Social Work)
President: Dorian Banks
Email: [email protected]
OUTreach is a student organization for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Ally students within SDSU’s School of Social Work. We are currently working on a variety of projects. Most recently we trained Price Charities staff on LGBTQQI youth issues and needs. Our relationship with Price Charities is ongoing and we plan on doing additional trainings, support groups for parents of LGBT youth, and a mentoring program with LGBT youth. Other projects include advocating for LGBTQQI relevant curriculum changes, partnering with San Diego LGBT Pride to start a legal clinic for low income community members, and awareness campaigns like our successful Spirit Day event last semester. Our ultimate goal is to create safer and stronger San Diego and SDSU communities through direct service and by educating future social workers about the unique needs of the LGBTQQIA community.
Queer Student Union
President: Natalie Salemme
Email: [email protected]
The mission of the Queer Student Union of San Diego State University is to enrich student life through outreach, education, and events. Through these activities it is our goal to provide a safe environment for the students and community members of all sexual orientations, identities, gender, gender expressions, ethnicities, ages, abilities, faiths, belief systems, and cultures. By these efforts we strive to facilitate a better understanding of the diversity within the Queer community and Queer communities abroad.
Womyn’s Outreach Association
President: Jessica Valencia
Event Coordinator: Jen Cain
Email: [email protected]
The Womyn’s Outreach Association is an explicitly anti-racist/anit-classist/anti-homophobic/anti-siziest/anti-ablist/multi-racial feminist group that focuses on issues of inequality and oppression that effect marginalized communities such as womyn, people of color, and LGBTQ people. Our primary focus is to eradicate sexism, gendersim, homophobia, racism, violence, the control and abuse of the female body and mind, and other local and global issues that impact the lives of womyn. The Womyn’s Outreach Association contributes to the overall feminist goal of an equitable and socially just society for everyone through activism, education, advocacy, and the provision of resources to womyn and men. We are committed to the total economic, social, political, spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional liberation and healing of ALL womyn, no exceptions. We welcome feminists from all walks of life.
Local and National Scholarships
Please check out the new LGBT scholarship resource listings under the Go Grad website
The Association of LGBT Journalists (NLGJA)
Kay Longcope Scholarship Award
Application Opens: Unknown for 2015
Application Deadline: May 23, 2014
Description:
The Kay Longcope Scholarship Award is designed for those students that intend to pursue careers in journalism and recognize the importance of accurate representation of the LGBT community.
Qualifications:
Applicants must be an LGBT individual of color that plans to pursue a journalism career. Applicants must demonstrate awareness of the issues facing the LGBT community and the significance of having fair and accurate news coverage. Undergraduates do not have to have a journalism and communications major, although it is preferable, dedication can be demonstrated through internships and working on the school newspaper et cetera. Graduate students must be studying journalism.
Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Award
Application Opens: Unknown for 2015-2016
Application Deadline: May 2015
Description:
The scholarship will provide up to $3,000.00 in tuition funding to an LGBT individual that plans to pursue a career in journalism and is further committed to NLGJA’s mission of fair and accurate coverage of the LGBT community.
Qualifications:
Applicants must be an LGBT individual of color that plans to pursue a journalism career. Applicants must demonstrate awareness of the issues facing the LGBT community and the significance of having fair and accurate news coverage. Undergraduates do not have to have a journalism and communications major, although it is preferable, dedication can be demonstrated through internships and working on the school newspaper et cetera. Graduate students must be studying journalism.
Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Website
Association for Queer Anthropology (AQA)
The Kenneth W. Payne Student Prize
Application Opens: Unknown for 2015
Application Closes: June 2, 2014
Description:
The prize includes a cash award in the amount of $400.00. It is intended for students in any of the four fields of anthropology that have made an outstanding contribution to the field of anthropology.
Qualifications:
For a graduate or undergraduate student in acknowledgement of outstanding work in the field of anthropology o a LGBT topic or a critical interrogation of sexualities and genders that is more broadly defined. Work should have been completed since June 2012.
Association for Queer Anthropology Scholarships Website
More Scholarship Opportunities
The Cotton Metzger Scholarship in Honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Students
Application Opens: Varies
Application Deadline: Varies
Description:
Provides support to students who are members of, or are actively involved in, the LGBT community, and is open to any students involved in an SDSU or local LGBT organization. Three scholarships up to $2,200 each.
Qualifications:
A minimum GPA of 3.0 and a 500 word essay.
Website: Please check SDSU Scholarship website for periodic updates.
Friends of Project 10, Inc.: Models of Excellence Scholarship
Application Opens: Unknown for 2015
Application Deadline: Unknown for 2015
Description:
This scholarship awards $1,000.00, $2,000.00, and $3,000.00 scholarships to high school seniors who plan to pursue a post-secondary education and who have advanced the civil rights of the LGBT population.
Qualifications:
Student must be currently attending high school in Southern California and the student must plan to attend a post-secondary institution after graduation. The student must have further promoted the civil rights of the LGBT population.
Project 10 Scholarship Website
GALAS Scholarship
Application Opens: September 1st 2013
Application Deadline: February 28, 2014
Description:
Funds $1,000.00 scholarships for students of Armenian descent that are involved in an organization that benefits the LGBT.
Qualifications:
Students must attend a California college or university as an undergraduate or graduate student. Must be 1st/2nd/3rd generation Armenian. Must be actively involved in LGBT community. Minimum of a 3.0 GPA (special circumstances will be taken into consideration).
GALAS Website
Gamma Mu Foundation: Gamma Mu Foundation Scholarship Fund
Application Opens: Unknown for 2015
Application Deadline: Mar. 31, 2015
Description:
This scholarship is for gay men who want to continue their education beyond high school (undergraduate, graduate, associate, and vocational and technical training).
Qualifications:
Applicant must be a gay male under the age of 35 attending an accredited college or university. Applicant must also be a citizen of the U.S.A.
Gamma Mu Foundation Scholarship Website
Gay Asian Pacific Alliance Foundation (GAPA): GAPA Foundation Scholarship
Application Opens: Unknown for 2015
Application Deadline: July 15, 2014
Description:
To provide financial aid to Asian and Pacific Islander (API) students “in high school; undergraduate, graduate or professional school; or trade or vocational school” that are interested in activism in the API community or the LGBT community.
Qualifications:
Be in the process of applying to or currently attending a postsecondary undergraduate institute or graduate institute. Have at least a 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Applicants should also have a strong history of activism in the API or LGBT communities. Although the applicant need not identify as either API or LGBT, preference will be given to those that identify as both.
GAPA Foundation Scholarship Website
Greater San Diego Business Association (GSDBA) Foundation
Application Opens: Unknown for 2013
Application Deadline: Unknown for 2013 (postmarked by Oct. 31st in 2012)
Description:
GSDBA intends to promote LGBT businesses, professionals, and supportive members of the community. Each year, the foundation hopes to offer two scholarships of $2,000.00 each to qualified candidates.
Qualifications:
Scholarships granted to LGBT identified individuals and those that show knowledge of the LGBT community. Must be a permanent resident of San Diego County. Applicant must have clear and purposeful educational goals. Applicant must show sensitivity and acceptance to the dignity and human rights of all individuals. Must have demonstrated financial need. Applicant cannot be the family member or relative of existing GSDBA or Charitable Foundation board member or staff.
GSDBA Foundation Scholarship Application
Horizons Foundation: Joseph Towner Fund for Gay and Lesbian Families
Application Opens: Unknown for 2015
Application Deadline: Unknown for 2015
Description:
The Joseph Towner Fund intends to assist students that are impacted by LGBT parents and guardians. There are two $1,000.00 scholarships awarded annually.
Qualifications:
Applicants must have one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender parent(s) or guardian(s) and be enrolled in an accredited postsecondary institution. No graduate students or higher. Applicants must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA.
Joseph Towner Fund Website
LEAGUE Foundation
Application Opens: January (Usually)
Application Deadline: April (Usually)
Description:
This application makes students eligible to receive one of seven awards: The Laurel Hester Memorial Scholarship (1), The Matthew Shepard Memorial Scholarship (1), or the LEAGUE Foundation Scholarship (5).
Qualifications:
Open to LGBT identified high school seniors planning to go to an accredited college, university, or vocational school in the U.S.A. or Canada. Applicant must have a 3.0 GPA or above.
LEAGUE Foundation Scholarships Website
Live Out Loud Educational Scholarship
Application Opens: Unknown for 2015
Application Deadline: Unknown for 2015
Description:
The LIVE OUT LOUD Educational Scholarship was created to provide financial support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) youth who are pursuing a college degree. This year Live Out Loud is awarding 5 scholarships for $5,000.00 each.
Qualifications:
Unknown for 2015
Live Out Loud Scholarship Website
National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP): Out to Innovate Scholarships
Application Opens: Unknown for 2015
Application Deadline: June 6, 2015
Description:
These scholarships are intended for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) programs who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer or who are an active ally of the LGBTQ community. The scholarships are designed to promote academic excellence and increased visibility of talented LGBTQ students in STEM careers.
Qualifications:
Successful completion of a minimum of two years of post-high school education at an accredited college or university; GPA of 3.0; A declared major in an accredited STEM program or STEM-related teaching field; Be an active supporter of and participant in programs or organizations that promote LGBTQ inclusion and visibility
NOGLSTP Scholarships Website
National Women’s Studies Association (NWSA): Lesbian Caucus Award
Application Opens: Unknown for 2015
Application Deadline: May 15, 2015
Description:
The purpose is to provide a $500.00 research award in recognition of a Master’s Thesis or Doctoral Dissertation research project in the area of Lesbian, Queer, and LGBT Studies that is in line with NWSA’s mission.
Qualifications:
A related master’s Thesis or Doctoral Dissertation. Letters of recommendation must be mailed to NWSA for consideration.
NWSA Website
New Faces of Engineering, College Edition
Application Opens: September 30, 2014
Application Deadline: Unknown for 2015
Description:
New Faces of Engineering-College Edition is a program of DiscoverE and its partners. Funding is provided by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. Every fall, College Edition recognizes the accomplishments of 3rd, 4th and 5th year engineering students by highlighting their academic successes and student contributions to the industry and participating engineering society.
Qualifications:
Coming Soon.
New Faces of Engineering, College Edition, on Facebook
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG); San Diego County Chapter: PFLAG SD General Scholarship and Richard Geyser Memorial Ethics Scholarship
Application Opens: Unknown for 2015
Application Deadline: March 15, 2014
Description:
PFLAG San Diego has collaborated with PFLAG members, non-profits that support LGBT youth, and other sponsors to offer scholarships to San Diego County residents. The purpose is to recognize outstanding LGBT undergraduate and graduate students and to encourage them to continue post-secondary education and further promote a positive image of LGBT youth.
Qualifications:
Must be an LGBT high school senior planning to pursue post-secondary education, a full-time undergraduate student, or a full-time graduate student. Student must have a 3.0 GPA or above. Student must also be a resident of San Diego County at the time of application.
PFLAG Scholarships Website
Point Foundation: Point Scholarship
Application Opens: Unknown for 2015
Application Deadline: January 2015
Description:
Point Foundation hopes to promote a higher level of respect and acceptance of the LGBTQ community in future generations by supporting LGBTQ student scholars. Point Foundation intends to be a “last provider”. Applicants are responsible for attempting to secure as much outside funding as possible.
Qualifications:
Students at all levels of higher education with involvement in the LGBTQ community. Applicants are expected to openly identify within the LGBTQ community. (Point Scholarship eligibility questions.)
Point Foundation Online Application Info
Queer Foundation
Application Opens: Unknown for 2015
Application Deadline: February 14
Description:
The Queer Foundation Scholarship Fund promotes effective writing by, about, and/or for queer youth. The Queer Foundation offers to the winners of each year's essay contest $1,000 scholarships to the U.S. college or university of their choice to study queer theory or related fields. Examples of related fields are queer medical, legal, or social issues.
Qualifications:
High school senior, an essay written in response to a prompt.
Queer Foundation Scholarship Website
Transgender Scholarship and Education Legacy Fund (TSELF)
Application Opens: Unknown
Application Deadline: January 10, 2014
Description:
TSELF is dedicated to enhancing the visibility of the transgender communities. The organization seeks to reflect a wide range of student interests that include social services, HIV/AIDS education, law, education, all denominations of religious instruction, medical and health care as well as the sciences.
Qualifications:
Applicants must be full or part-time students at an accredited college or university in the USA and be “out” as transgender to their academic communities. The applicant must also demonstrate a commitment or contribution to the transgender community.
TSELF Website
