LGBTQ+

Fresno State faculty and staff are committed to your personal, educational, and professional growth. Here is a recap of some of the departments on campus that are dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ students:

• Fresno State Cross Cultural and Gender Center (LGBTQ+) – The Cross Cultural and Gender Center (CCGC) at Fresno State aims to create and maintain a campus of respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity, where all members of the campus community thrive, free from oppression and discrimination.
• Fresno State Gender Affirming Care – The Student Health and Counseling Center supports the health and wellness of all Fresno State students, with special training in gender identity exploration and concerns for transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive students.
• Fresno State Gender Neutral Housing – Fresno State University Housing offers gender-neutral housing for transgender or non-binary students.
• Q Clothing Closet – The Q Clothing Closet is the Cross Cultural and Gender Center’s initiative to provide free gender-affirming and/or gender-neutral clothing to LGBTQ+ students
• Map of Gender Inclusive Restrooms – Fresno State has a ton of gender inclusive restrooms available for LGBTQ+ students to use.

For many LGBTQ+ students, it may be difficult to speak out, celebrate, or discuss racial/ethnic topics with others. Here are some resources offering a safe space to talk and promoting strength through commemoration:

• TLC Pride Room – The TLC Pride Room is a safe and inviting space celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride. You can find it in the Thomas Building room 109B.
• Fresno State CCGC Discussion Groups and Events – The Cross Cultural and Gender Center (CCGC) organizes a wide variety of events and discussion groups for ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ students throughout the year.
• Student Health Center True Colors Discussion Group – The Student Health and Counseling center organizes discussion groups open to all students throughout the year, one discussion group in particular “True Colors” pertains to LGBTQ+ students.

For students, gaining relevant experience in your chosen field can be difficult. However, there are ways in which you can develop the skills necessary to become a knowledgeable, well-rounded, and competitive member of the workforce:

• Get involved on campus – Fresno State’s Student Involvement Center provides students with a wide variety of opportunities to get involved on campus and develop specialized skills. Student clubs and campus programs are a great opportunity to learn more about your chosen career field, network with other students and professionals, and develop leadership skills necessary for career success!
• Volunteering, interning, and service learning – Even if it’s unpaid, volunteer and interning experience is a great way to build your resume and network. These experiences are opportunities to demonstrate your passion and work ethic and can help you develop the strong people skills needed in today’s job market. Fresno State’s Career Development Center can assist you with questions regarding internships; for more information on service learning, visit the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning – they even have opportunities for grant-funded service experiences via their Central Valley College Corps and Scholars in Service Program!
• Engage with these community organizations:
  • Fresno State LGBTQ+ Allies – The Fresno State LGBTQ+ Allies Organization at Fresno state is a faculty, staff, and student network of people supporting or identifies as part of, LGBTQ+
  • Fresno State CCGC Volunteers – The Cross Cultural and Gender Center invites volunteers to help support diverse co-educational programs, services, and activities for the campus community. Volunteering offers a chance to build cultural competency, gain skills, and add experience to a resume.
• Join professional associations and get certificated – Professional associations are industry and career-specific organizations that are fantastic opportunities for networking and continued education. Many professional associations host conferences where members can meet to discuss new practices and research, as well as publish newsletters, provide job boards, and host trainings for various certifications. Completing certifications beyond your degree will help you stand out from the crowd. Use CareerOneStop’s Professional Association Finder, or do a web search for “[your career] professional association” to find organizations that are right for you! CareerOneStop also has a Certification Finder tool that can help you explore common certifications by industry!
  
  ***NOTE: Some professional associations require annual payments (or dues) to become a member. Many of these associations offer student memberships at a discounted rate, so take advantage of that while you can!

• Fresno State Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships – The Financial Aid Office can assist students with any and all questions regarding scholarship and aid eligibility. Contact the Fresno State Financial Aid department during office hours for assistance with your financial aid-related questions.
  ***NOTE: The Financial Aid Office has multiple peak times each semester where students are trying to reach them. Make sure to plan ahead and contact them as soon as possible for assistance with your specific case.
• Career Development Center (CDC) – The CDC is available to help all students with any career-related questions they might have. You can schedule a one-on-one appointment with a career advisor to discuss anything from major exploration, job outlook, resume and cover letters, interviewing, and more. The CDC also hosts a number of events throughout the year, such as the Fall and Spring Career Fairs. Contact us by email at careers@csufresno.edu or by phone at 559.278.2381 to schedule an appointment.