Part of the mission of the LGBTQ Task Force is to ensure that all students at RPI have the right to safety and the expectation of safety in their personal identity and the expression of that identity, whatever it may be, within the bounds of both the law and mutual respect for the differences of other members of the Institute.
Below is a listing of on- and off-campus resources, support services, and programs. Please note this list of resources is not extensive, and can be added to or edited at any time by the LGBTQ Task Force. Should you have question and/or concerns as it relates to the resources below or any other general questions, please contact the LGBTQ Task Force Chair, Tara Schuster from our contact us page (*choose Health Education as the subject line).
Resources
Off-Campus Resources
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings for LGBTQ Individuals
- Alcoholics Anonymous in New York Albany County
AA group meetings in Albany, Altamont, Clarksville, Cohoes, Delmar, Green Island, Guilderland, Latham, Loudonville, Menands, Newtonville, Selkirk, Slingerlands, Voorheesville, Watervliet, Westerlo
- Alcoholic Anonymous in New York - Near Troy
Albany, Clifton Park, Cohoes, Crescent, Defreestville, Delmar, Eagle Mills, East Greenbush, Grafton, Green Island, East Greenbush, Guilderland, Latham, Latham, Loudonville, Loudonville, Mechanicville, Melrose, Menands, Newtonville, Newtonville, Niskayuna, Poestenkill, Rensselaer, West Sand Lake, Slingerlands, Troy, Troy, Valley Falls, Voorheesville, Waterford, Watervliet, West Sand Lake, Wynantskill. - Pride Center of the Capital Region
To promote the well being of all gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer identified people and those affected by discrimination based on gender identity and expression.
Asexuality Resources
- Psychology Today: Asexuals: Who Are They and Why Are They Important?
We have so much more to learn about asexuality. By Bella DePaulo, Ph.D.
- The Atlantic: Life Without Sex: The Third Phase of the Asexuality Movement
Now that he's raised awareness of his lifestyle, David Jay, founder of AVEN, is working to change mainstream beliefs about sex drives. - The Guardian (UK): Among the Asexuals
In a society obsessed with sex, it's hard if you have no sexual desire at all. Rosie Swash meets those searching for a new form of intimacy.
Books
- Asexuality: a brief introduction.
This 125 page book is one of the first books dedicated exclusively to talking about asexuality as a sexual orientation. It’s composed primarily of articles from this site all organized into a handy-dandy block of bound paper for your reading convenience.
Websites
- Apositive
Apositive was developed to break new ground in discourse related to asexuality and sexuality. We welcome people of all orientations into our community and encourage anyone with questions and an open mind to join our conversations.
- Asexual Meetup Groups
Helps groups of people with shared interests plan meetings and form offline clubs in local communities around the world about Asexuality. - Asexual Visibility and Education Network
AVEN hosts the world's largest online asexual community as well as a large archive of resources on asexuality. - Asexuality Archive
Asexuality is a sexual orientation, like heterosexuality or homosexuality, etc., but instead of being sexually attracted to men or women, asexual people are sexually attracted to no one. - Wikipedia: Asexuality
Asexuality (sometimes referred to as nonsexuality), in its broadest sense, is the lack of sexual attraction to others or the lack of interest in sex.
Bisexuality Resources
- American Institute of Bisexuality
The American Institute of Bisexuality encourages, supports and assists research and education about bisexuality, through programs likely to make a material difference and enhance public knowledge, awareness and understanding about bisexuality.
- Bi Magazine: An Artistic Project of the American Institute of Bisexuality
Bimagazine. - BiNet USA
As America's umbrella organization and voice for bisexual, pansexual, fluid, queer-identified and all other of us 'somewhere in between' people as well. - Bisexual Resource Center
The Bisexual Resource Center envisions a world where love is celebrated, regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. - Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays – Bisexuality Resource Page (PFLAG)
This monthly online publication will give you the basic information you need on the issues that PFLAG works on each day through its mission of support, education, and advocacy.
Community Resources
- CommUNITY Newsletter
The Pride Center’s CommUNITY Newsletter has been published for 40 years and is one of the oldest LGBT publications in New York State. With news items, monthly columns and event calenders, CommUNITY is one of the best ways to stay connected with what’s going on with the LGBT community around you. CommUNITY also features local businesses and organizations working in our area for the LGBT community, so advertising here is the best way to reach over 3000 avid readers! The CommUNITY Newsletter is available on-campus in the Rensselaer Union, Student Health Center, and Counseling Center.
- Pride Center of the Capital Region
The Pride Center of the Capital District (Pride Center) is dedicated to serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) in the Capital District. Based in Albany, the Pride Center has been meeting the diverse needs of LGBT people in a seven county region since 1970. Our programs, both at the Center (332 Hudson Ave in Albany) as well as held throughout the region, meet the health and human service needs of the LGBT community as well as educate and advocate for those needs in the broader Capital District. As the oldest continuously-operating gay and lesbian community center in the country, the Pride Center has worked to build a welcoming and empowering community for all people. - The Women’s Building, Inc.
The Women’s Building, Inc. is the women’s community center of the Capital Region providing space for women’s work, programming benefitting women and girls and referral services to the community for over 20 years.
HIV/AIDS Information
- AIDS Council, Project Home
AIDS Council’s Project HOPE (HIV Outreach, Prevention and Education) strives to prevent HIV/STI infection by serving as a trusted resource for men who have sex with men (MSM). Our site is specifically designed to provide the MSM community with information, options and resources to stay healthy and informed when it comes to sex!
- AIDS Council of Northeastern New York
In operation for more than 26 years, the AIDS Council is the preeminent provider of AIDS services in a 15 county region in Upstate New York with offices in Albany, Hudson Falls, Hudson, Plattsburgh, and Schenectady. - Catholic Charities AIDS Services
Catholic Charities AIDS Services in Albany, NY. - Center for Disease Control & Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control's information pertaining to HIV/AIDS - 1-800-342-AIDS - Damien Center of Albany
The Albany Damien Center is a community center for individuals and families living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Programs and activities offered are designed to improve health, reduce stress, and increase quality of life. - New York State Health Department - Anonymous Testing & Counseling
Clinics are available on a walk-in or a scheduled appointment basis; some evening clinics are available. To schedule an appointment or to find out the location and hours of walk-in clinics, call the toll-free hotline available to New York State residents at 1-800-962-5065. - Pride Center of the Capital Region
To promote the well being of all gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer identified people and those affected by discrimination based on gender identity and expression. - Rensselaer County Health Department
Keeping our community healthy by providing essential public health services. - RPI Student Health Center
The Student Health Center is a comprehensive, nationally accredited physician directed program providing outpatient ambulatory health care. Services include medical, gynecology, and allergy clinics, counseling services, and health education and wellness programs. - South Troy Health Center
South Troy Health and OnCall Center welcomes you and every member of your family and wants you to know about our full scope of services. - Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood
Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood. - Unity House AIDS Housing Support Services
Unity House offers several housing options so that adults with mental illness, people with HIV/AIDS, people who are homeless, and victims of domestic violence can live safely and self sufficiently in the community with dignity and independence.
LGBTQ-Friendly Places of Worship in the Capital District Region
- Antioch Fellowship Christian Center (Non Denominational)
518-462-4610.
- B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation
Congregation Looks Inward for 40th Anniversary Event The outstanding talents of B’nai Sholom congregants will inspire participants in a special. - Christ the Light American Catholic Church
Christ The Light American Catholic Church was founded in and incorporated in 1997, as an alternative to the oppressive structures and strictures of the Roman Catholic Church, yet without denying basic catholic beliefs of faith and love, spirituality and community, prayer and sacramentality. It is a newly formed rite, as in the tradition of the Orthodox churches of the Catholic tradition and the Old Catholic Church of Utrecht. It remains a CATHOLIC CHURCH and its priests are considered Catholic priests. - Congregation Berith Sholom
A liberal Reform congregation rooted in a long, proud history. We are, above all, a caring community -- warm, open and diverse. - Congregation Beth Emeth
Our mission is to worship God in accordance with the faith of Reform Judaism; to cultivate love and understanding of the Jewish heritage; to stimulate fellowships in the Jewish Community, to strengthen spiritual enrichment and the bonds of loyalty with the Jewish people everywhere; and to bring near the kingdom of God on earth through an emphasis on fairness, human responsibility and social justice in society at large. - Congregation Gates of Heaven
Gates of Heaven is a Reform Synagogue in Schenectady, NY. Our Gates are open to all. We welcome congregants from all backgrounds, generations, and varying lifestyles. - Congregation Ohav Shalom
Congregation Ohav Shalom is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue affiliated with the United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism. The name "Ohav Shalom" means "Lover of Peace." We are known for being a warm, embracing, and friendly synagogue family. - Easton Mountain Community
Easton Mountain is a retreat and conference center focusing on healing the body, mind, spirit, and soul. - Emmanuel Baptist
Emmanuel is a diverse and growing tapestry of faith, woven together in our common commitment to follow Christ. We are God's many-hued children, gathering to celebrate, to struggle, to serve, and to tell the good news of God's love in the Capital District and around the world. - First Unitarian Society of Schenectady
Unitarian Universalism is a caring, open-minded religion that encourages you to seek your own spiritual path. Our faith draws on many religious sources, welcoming people with different beliefs. We are united by shared values, not by creed or dogma. Our congregations are places where people gather to nurture their spirits and put their faith into action by helping to make our communities - and the world - a better place. - First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
WE are a place of freedom of faith. We are a place of excitement with a social conscience. We are a welcoming community of inquiring free thinkers. We are a non-creedal religious society. - First Congregational United Church of Christ in Gloversville
First Congregational United Church of Christ in Gloversville - First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church. - First United Presbyterian Church
A More Light Church welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Christians into full membership and participation in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), including the opportunity and the responsibility to serve in ordained leadership positions. - First Lutheran Church
We are a metropolitan parish committed to Christ-centered ministry in the city of Albany, New York. We rejoice in the manner in which God has graced us with unity in a glorious diversity. We welcome all to share in the life and ministry of First Lutheran regardless of age, race, socio-economic or marital status, physical or mental capabilities, or sexual orientation. We are a "Reconciling in Christ" congregation and as such we are dedicated to being sanctuary (safe-haven) to all God's people. We are also committed in the name of Jesus to work for justice and peace in our neighborhood, in our community, and throughout the world. - First United Methodist Church of Schenectady
A Progressive and Caring Community where ALL are Welcome! - Grace Lutheran Church
We are an inclusive community grounded in the love of God and committed to welcoming all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, creed, age or physical ability. We encourage all people to share in thoughtful worship, relevant education and service through faith in action. - Holy Trinity National Catholic Church
518-434-8861. - Hindu Temple Society of the Capital District
Hindu Temple Society of Capital District N.Y., Inc. - Karma Thegsum Choling
Welcome to Albany Karma Thegsum Chöling, a practice center of the Karma Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism in Albany, NY. Albany KTC provides authentic teachings and practices of Karma Kagyu Tibetan Buddhism. HH The 17th Karmapa is the current head of the Karma Kagyu school of Buddhism. - Metropolitan Community Church of the Hudson
518-785-7941. - Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church
We promise to share with you our experience of faith and ask that you share yourself with us. We do not presume to tell you what you must believe, for ours is a community of free inquiry and searching. In this way we shall learn from one another, grow stronger, and more often be faithful to God as servants to all people. - Shambhala Meditation Center of Albany
Shambhala Meditation Center of Albany is part of an international community of urban meditation and rural retreat centers under the auspices of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche founded by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. - Slingerlands Community United Methodist Church
Looking for a spirtually-inquisitive, life-affirming church? A church which welcomes all persons, regardless of age, gender, race, orientation or identity? Then give us a try! - St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
We welcome you to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Albany, New York. St. Andrew's has been a loving community in the historic Pine Hills neighborhood for over 100 years. - St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
Our mission is to glorify God by reaching out to others, universally, with hands that serve, hearts and minds that welcome, and voices that carry the good news of God's redeeming love to all. We embrace diversity by celebrating the worth, dignity, and gifts of every person as a child of God. We seek to expand our Christian community and share God's love more widely. - Stephentown Federated Church
We at the Stephentown Federated Church are an open-hearted and open-minded congregation which is committed to serving our local community and the world. We live our love of God and of the Christ each day by being witness to the message of the Gospel in small and large ways. - Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs
Located in the historical district of downtown Saratoga Springs New York, Temple Sinai is a progressive Reform synagogue that began in the early 1960's as a study group of a dozen families. Their love of learning nurtured a growing cadre of interested individuals and, in 1965, Temple Sinai was established as Saratoga's Reform synagogue. - The Park Church of Elmira
As an "Open and Affirming" congregation we, the members of The Park Church, embrace people of every ethnic origin, race, class, age, ability, gender and sexual orientation. We welcome into Christian worship, membership, leadership, friendship, and employment all who covenant with us to seek God's truth and to follow Christ's example. - Zen Mountain Monastery
Zen Mountain Monastery is one of the West's most respected Zen Buddhist monasteries and training centers. Since its inception in 1980, ZMM has offered spiritual practitioners innovative ways to engage the Buddhist teachings through a vast array of retreats that take place within the context of authentic, full-time Zen monastic training.
Legal Assistance
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
The ACLU is our nation's guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country.
- Lambda Legal
Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to safeguard and advance the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and policy work. - The National Center for Lesbian Rights
The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education.
LGBTQ Resources for People of Color
- In Our Own Voices
Serving the needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender People of Color, our Friends and Families.
- Queers of Color Net Resources
Queers of Color Net Resources.
LGBTQ Websites
- Advocates for Youth
Established in 1980 as the Center for Population Options, Advocates for Youth champions efforts that help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health.
- Center Link
CenterLink was founded in 1994 as a member-based coalition to support the development of strong, sustainable LGBT community centers. The organization plays an important role in supporting the growth of LGBT centers across the country and addressing the challenges they face, by helping them to improve their organizational and service delivery capacity and increase access to public resources. Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, CenterLink works with other national organizations to advance the rights of LGBT individuals and to provide LGBT community centers with information and analysis of key issues. - Empire State Pride Agenda
The Empire State Pride Agenda is New York's statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights and advocacy organization. - Family Equality Council
Family Equality Council connects, supports, and represents the one million lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender parents in this country and the two million children they are raising. - Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
For over 25 years, GLAAD has worked with news, entertainment and social media to bring culture-changing stories of LGBT people into millions of homes and workplaces every day. - Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. - GLBT Nation Help Center
The GLBT National Help Center is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that is dedicated to meeting the needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and those questioning their sexual orientation and gender identity. - Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
HRC works to ensure LGBT people of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. - International Foundation for Gender Education
IFGE promotes acceptance for transgender people. - National Center for Lesbian Rights
In 1977, a brave and determined woman—fresh out of law school and eager to make a difference—decided to put her knowledge to good use. - National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
We bolster the strength of local LGBT activism in rural enclaves, small towns and cities nationwide. - National Youth Advocacy Council (NYAC)
Leadership & wellness for all youth. - Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is a national non-profit organization with over 200,000 members and supporters and over 350 affiliates in the United States. - People with a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Queer Parent
COLAGE is a national movement of children, youth, and adults with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ) parent/s. We build community and work toward social justice through youth empowerment, leadership development, education, and advocacy. - Questioning Transphobia
Questioning Transphobia. - The Safe Schools Coalition
Safe Schools Coalition - An International Public-Private Partnership in Support of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth. - The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and uestioning youth. - TransWhat? A Guide Towards Allyship
A clear, concise explanatory website which can serve as an ally's first introduction to the concepts of transgender and transsexuality.
On-Campus Resources
Classes
While there are no classes that deal exclusively with LGBTQ issues, there are many classes that may include a discussion of LGBTQ topics. Below is a list of such classes that are frequently offered:
School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences:
http://www.cogsci.rpi.edu/pl/undergraduate-courses
Human Sexuality
Social Psychology
Human Factors
Free HIV Testing
Student Health Center - http://studenthealth.rpi.edu/ or 518-276-6287
The Student Health Center offers free HIV antibody testing on Wednesday afternoons by appointment. Free male condoms, female condoms, dental dams, and lubricants are available upon request or in the waiting room. All staff are Safe Zone trained.
Health & Wellness
Counseling Center – http://studenthealth.rpi.edu/ or 518-276-6479
To discuss LGBTQ issues in a confidential setting with a professional counselor, contact the Rensselaer Counseling Center and set up an appointment. All staff are Safe Zone trained.
Student Health Center – http://studenthealth.rpi.edu/ or 518-276-6287
The Health Center is a welcoming environment for LGBTQ students. If you have general health care questions or needs, contact them for an appointment. Free male condoms, female condoms, dental dams, and lubricants are available upon request or in the waiting room. All staff are Safe Zone trained.
Media
Homo Radio - http://www.wrpi.org/
Homo Radio is a LGBTQ news/talk radio show hosted by Sean McLaughlin every week on WRPI, Sundays 10am-2pm, on 91.5 FM
Student Support
Greek Spectrum
Greek Life – www.facebook.com/GreekSpectrum or 518-276-6266
The purpose of the Greek Spectrum is to work with the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Greek Life Commons, Inter-Fraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, Alumni Inter-Greek Council, and their respective member organizations to promote nondiscrimination, inclusion, and acceptance through education, providing resources, and generally serving as a clearinghouse for issues related to being lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, intersex, or an ally in Greek Life.
LGBTQ Mentoring Network
Student Health & Counseling Center – http://studenthealth.rpi.edu/ or 518-276-2305
The LGBTQ Mentoring Network is a program designed for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) community on the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute campus. This program pairs mentors (LGBT graduate students, faculty, and staff) and mentees (LGBTQ undergraduate students) in formal mentoring relationships. Your membership in the program can remain confidential if you choose.
Rensselaer Pride Alliance - http://rpa.union.rpi.edu
The Rensselaer Pride Alliance (RPA) is a non-partisan student-run organization at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Our purpose is to provide support and advocacy for all gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and allied individuals within the Rensselaer community. We try to increase positive awareness of the LGBTQQA community by hosting speakers, movies, and participating in festivals such as Coming-Out Week and AIDS Awareness Week. We try whenever possible to provide educational information on issues concerning the LGBTQQA community as a means to help stop homophobia and transphobia.
Safe Zone Training Program
Student Health & Counseling Center – http://studenthealth.rpi.edu/ or 518-276-2305
The purpose of the Safe Zone Training Program is to provide support and raise awareness of concerns of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning (LGBTQ) and ally campus community. This 2-hour training program includes interactive activities and a panel of LGBTQ students, staff, and faculty from RPI.
Single Occupancy Restroom
BUILDING | FLOOR/LEVEL | SIGNAGE | HANDICAPP ACCESSIBLE |
ACADEMY HALL | 2nd Floor | Men/Women | No |
ACADEMY HALL | 2nd Floor | Women | Yes |
ACADEMY HALL | 2nd Floor | Men | Yes |
ACADEMY HALL | 3rd Floor | Women | Yes |
ACADEMY HALL | 3rd Floor | Men | Yes |
ACADEMY HALL | 4th Floor | Women | Yes |
ACADEMY HALL | 4th Floor | Men | Yes |
ACADEMY HALL | 4th Floor | Men/Women | No |
ADMISSIONS BLDG | 2nd Floor | Women | No |
AMOS EATON HALL | 1st Floor | Men/Women | Yes |
AMOS EATON HALL | 1st Floor | Women | Yes |
EXPERIMENTAL MEDIA AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | Information Desk Level | Men/Women | Yes |
EXPERIMENTAL MEDIA AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | Cafe Level | Men/Women | Yes |
LOW CENTER FOR INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION | 4th Floor | Women | No |
LOW CENTER FOR INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION | 4th Floor | Men | No |
MATERIALS RESEARCH CENTER | 1st Floor | Men/Women | Yes |
MATERIALS RESEARCH CENTER | 2nd Floor | Men/Women | Yes |
MATERIALS RESEARCH CENTER | 3rd Floor | Men/Women | Yes |
MUELLER CENTER | 1st Floor | Men | Yes |
MUELLER CENTER | 1st Floor | Men | Yes |
MUELLER CENTER | 1st Floor | Women | Yes |
MUELLER CENTER | 1st Floor | Women | Yes |
PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICES | Main Floor | Visitor Restroom | No |
PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICES | Main Floor | Visitor Restroom | No |
RENSSELAER UNION (Mothers) | 1st Floor | Restroom | Yes |
RENSSELAER UNION (Patroon Room) | 2nd Floor | Restroom | Yes |
RICKETTS BUILDING | 2nd Floor | Women | No |
RICKETTS BUILDING | 4th Floor | Restroom | No |
TROY BUILDING | 2nd Floor | Men/Women | Yes |
WEST HALL | Ground Floor | Restroom | No |