BUCC LGBTQ+ Resources
The Bellarmine Counseling Center is committed to the promotion of inclusivity, social justice and equitable services. In support of this commitment, we recommend the following mental health resources for our students who identify as a part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and other gender and sexual minority communities (LGBTQIA+).
Individual Counseling:
Our therapists take a culturally informed and humble approach in working with our clients. In order to provide effective care, we understand the importance of exploring and honoring each person’s unique intersecting identities. Further, when working with students that are a part of the LGBTQ+ community or are exploring their gender identity and/or sexual orientation, we take an open, non-judgmental, and affirming approach. Our therapists can assist students in exploring a wide range of topics, including identity exploration, coming out, transitioning, etc. If you are interested in learning more about how the Bellarmine Counseling Center can support you, please call us at 502.272.8480, email us at counselingcenter@bellarmine.edu, or stop by. If you are ready to schedule an appointment with us, you may do so online. During that appointment, we will assess your needs, help you create a plan for your mental health, and make recommendations on next steps.
Crisis Services:
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, contact the Counseling Center at 502.272.8480. If no one is available to answer your call or if it is after standard hours of operation (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.), please dial “2” on our voicemail menu to speak to an on-call counselor.
Workshops and Groups:
LGBTQ+ Discussion Group: This group aims to offer a safe place for Queer students to discuss issues, share times of joy and pride in your identities, and find solidarity. We are still working on identifying a date and time for the group in the fall. If you are interested, please contact us at counselingcenter@bellarmine.edu.
Workshops: The Bellarmine Counseling Center offers a variety of workshops that could be beneficial to students that are a part of the LGBTQ+ community or are allies. For example, we offer Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) trainings [suicide gatekeeper training] during the fall and spring semester. These trainings are especially important in providing support to our students that are a part of the LGBTQ+ community due to the disproportional impact of stressors and trauma that can lead to a higher risk for suicide. Other workshops of interest include healthy relationships, communication, self-care, disordered eating, body image, etc. More information can be found on Engage; however, if you or a student organization that you are involved in would like for us to host or collaborate on a workshop, we are happy to do so; please call or email us for further information.
LGBTQIA+ Resources
These resources are offered to help support the needs of our students who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Student Organizations:
University Offices and Support:
If you are concerned about a student’s mental health or safety, or have experienced or witnessed bias, please complete this Student Concern and Comment Form. A member of the Dean of Students office will work to investigate the matter further. We are also here for consultation and support before, during, or after a report is made; please reach out to us.
LGBTQ+ Ally Trainings and Professional Development:
Introductory LGBTQ+ Ally training
The Introductory LGBTQ+ Ally training provides participants with the foundational knowledge and skills to effectively support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. This session aims to foster an understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, terminology, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Through interactive discussions and scenarios, attendees will develop practical strategies for supporting LGBTQ+ students, colleagues, friends, and family members while learning best practices for creating safe and welcoming workplace and classroom environments. In addition, the training provides participants with community and national resources whose missions center around advocacy, increasing awareness and support, building connections, and/or continued personal/professional development.
Advanced LGBTQ+ Ally training
The Advanced LGBTQ+ Ally training is designed to allow participants space to self-reflect on biases and privileges and to take a deeper dive into the experience of individuals that are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. This training offers interactive discussions, experiential learning activities, and diverse scenarios that allow attendees to not only develop greater awareness and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, but to put their knowledge and skills into practice. In addition, the training provides participants with community and national resources whose missions center around advocacy, increasing awareness and support, building connections, and/or continued personal/professional development.
Cultural Spaces:
Bellarmine University offers many cultural events and programs focused on religion, group discussions, cultural celebrations and much more! To learn more about these events be sure to check out Engage and follow the Office of Identity and Inclusion and Student Activities Center!
Community Mental Health Resources
Local Resources
Louisville Youth Group: The Louisville Youth Group (LYG) serves LGBTQIA+ youth, young adults, and their families in the Louisville area. The LYG offers programming, community spaces, and resources that connect individuals to community partners, affirming health care options, and to leadership and educational opportunities.
Louisville Pride Foundation: The Louisville Pride Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and advances equity and representation for all people. Our vision is that Louisville is a safe and affirming community where every person is empowered to thrive as their true, whole self.
PFLAG Louisville: This is the Louisville chapter of PFLAG, which is an organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.
The Fairness Campaign: The Fairness Campaign is a broad-based community effort dedicated to equal rights. Its primary goal is comprehensive civil rights legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The Fairness Campaign accomplishes its goals through public education and advocacy, political activity, community building and reciprocal alliances with others in the social justice community.
Queer Kentucky: Queer Kentucky is a diverse LGBTQ+ run non-profit based in Kentucky working to bolster and enhance Queer culture, health and wellness through storytelling, education and action.
Kentuckiana Pride: The KPF mission is promoting social, economic, and health equity of Kentuckiana’s sexual and gender minorities, we advocate pride, celebrate achievements, and educate leaders.
TransKentucky: TransKentucky is a support, social, and resource group serving Lexington and the state of Kentucky as a whole. It is the mission of this group to provide a safe place for transgender individuals and people who feel they do not fit into the standard gender norms to express their true selves.
National Resources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families.
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is an organization for LGBTQIA+ young people that offers crisis services, advocacy, and education to those within and outside of the community. Explore the webpage to read articles and resources on a variety of LGBTQ+ topics. To reach a Trevor Project Crisis counselor, you can call 1(866)-488-7386 or you can text 678-678.
JED Foundation: The JED Foundation provides a framework to develop and strengthen mental health support for LGBTQ+ students across the country.
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC): The Human Rights Campaign and Human Rights Campaign Foundation fight to make equality, equity and liberation a reality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people.
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD): Founded in 1985, GLAAD is a non-profit organization focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change. GLAAD works to ensure fair, accurate, and inclusive representation and creates national and local programs that advance LGBTQ acceptance. Serving as a storyteller, media force, resource, and advocate, GLAAD tackles tough issues and provokes dialogue so that authentic LGBTQ stories are seen, heard, and actualized. GLAAD strives to protect all that has been accomplished and helps create a world where everyone can live the life they love.
The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Networks (GLSEN): GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. Together we can transform our nation's schools into the safe and affirming environment all youth deserve.
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