Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Education and Support Services

5 students standing in courtyard talking.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender
Education and Support Services (LGBTESS)

The mission of LGBTESS is to promote a safe, equitable, accessible, and affirming campus for Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, aromantic, and agender (2SLGBTQIA3+) students at the University of Oregon through resource navigation, education, community building, and event implementation.

Lavender Graduation Celebration 2026

Sunday, June 14 | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | EMU Ballroom

Doors open and food served at 10:00 a.m. Program begins at 10:30 a.m.

Graduating 2SLGBTQIA3+ students who wish to be honored at the celebration should respond by end of day on May 25, 2026. Open to all graduating students.

Register to Participate

Connect with LGBT+ Education and Support Services

SJ Wilhelm

SJ

Program Director, LGBT Education and Support Services

To schedule a meeting with SJ, please email sjwil@uoregon.edu.

Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Located in Oregon Hall, Suite 380

 

Events

Outdoor Program - Redefining Outdoorsy Clinic

6:00 p.m.

Join the OP's collaborative program coordinators (Avery & Ari) for a clinic at the OP Barn on May 20th to learn the process of proposing and planning an outing or...

May

20

Outdoor Program - Redefining Outdoorsy Clinic
May 20
6:00–8:00 p.m.

Join the OP's collaborative program coordinators (Avery & Ari) for a clinic at the OP Barn on May 20th to learn the process of proposing and planning an outing or event through our Redefining Outdoorsy Program. 

The UO Outdoor Programs Redefining Outdoorsy Program (RO) is designed to intentionally shift outdoor culture by highlighting and reducing barriers of entry to outdoor spaces, events, trips, and outings for those who identify in underrepresented groups in the outdoors and on campus. Our trips are designed to make an impact and support our community. If you are an indvisual or part of a group on campus (such as but not limited to NASU, LGBTQIA, BIPOC, etc) and want to learn more about how the RO program can get you or your group outside come to our RO Clinic! 

We'll cover the steps you need to take to ensure that your outing goes off without a hitch. We can't wait to get outside with you!

No sign-ups needed just show up! Pizza wil be provided! 

Who: UO students only

What: Redefining Outdoorsy Clinic

When: May 20th | 6 pm - 8 pm | Free

Where: At the OP Rental Barn off 18th and Univerity 

OUT / LOUD Queer and Trans Performance Fest

6:00 p.m.

The UO Women's Center and LGBT Education and Support Services proudly presents the 26th annual OUT / LOUD Queer and Trans Performance Fest! We will have FREE FOOD and crafts...

May

29

OUT / LOUD Queer and Trans Performance Fest
May 29
6:00–9:00 p.m.
Global Scholars Hall 123 (Great Room) and lawn

The UO Women's Center and LGBT Education and Support Services proudly presents the 26th annual OUT / LOUD Queer and Trans Performance Fest!

We will have FREE FOOD and crafts (6-7pm), line-dancing (7-8pm), and a DJ mix with social dancing (8-9pm) from beloved local instructors/entertainers.

OUT / LOUD is a safer space for those in the 2SLGBTQ+ community to come together in radical joy and solidarity. This event centers 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and offers a space where, for a moment, queer joy and radical community takes precedence over anything else. From its origins as a lesbian musical festival, OUT / LOUD has evolved to reflect various themes that seek to pay homage to Eugene's queer history, strengthen relationships within our present community, and empower future generations of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.

Our theme for this year's event is Power in Softness. This theme is rooted in the bridge between two extremes of existence. It embraces the newness in one’s own becoming while simultaneously reflecting a generational steadiness in queer history and legacy. Our lives are not tragedies. We come together to laugh, cheer, and LIVE in the vastness of who we are. We have been here, we are here, and we will continue to be here. This serene power recognizes 2SLGBTQ+ stories and lives – not inherently as a rebellion – but a withstanding chronicle of love.

This year's OUT / LOUD animal takes the form of a jellyfish. Water, the jellyfish's natural habitat, represents intuition, dreams, and visions. It represents the depths of the unconscious mind, cycles of unity with nature, and the flow of energy – movement of seasons and of life. Water teaches us that existence is cyclical. It shows us the limitlessness of all things. Surviving over 500 million years, Jellyfish are ancient. Despite their gelatinous demeanor, they are a symbolic creature that has thrived in adverse environments, willing to fight for as long as it takes to survive. They remind us to be whimsical, magnificent, and radically tenacious.

If you have questions regarding OUT / LOUD or need accommodations, please reach out to: UO Women's Center's Program Director, Sarah Doty at sdoty@uoregon.edu

Join us in our celebration of 2SLGBTQ+ identity, story, and legacy! Free admission and open to the community.

- The WC and LGBTESS Teams

Military Connected Graduation Celebrations

11:00 a.m.

Join us for the 2026 Military Connected Graduation Celebration on June 13, 2026 from 11 am – 1 pm in the Crater Lakes South room. All graduating...

Jun

13

Military Connected Graduation Celebrations
June 13
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Erb Memorial Union (EMU) Crater Lake South room

Join us for the 2026 Military Connected Graduation Celebration on June 13, 2026 from 11 am – 1 pm in the Crater Lakes South room.

All graduating students are welcome to participate. 

Graduating Students should registered using this link: https://oregon.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_248irnJ0S14D4JU

*Please submit the form by May 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

 

Lavender Graduation Celebration

10:30 a.m.

Join us for the 2026 Lavender Graduation Celebration on June 14, 2026 from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm in the EMU Ballroom.  All...

Jun

14

Lavender Graduation Celebration
June 14
10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Join us for the 2026 Lavender Graduation Celebration on June 14, 2026 from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm in the EMU Ballroom.  All graduating students are welcome to participate. 

Graduating Students should registered using this link: https://oregon.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_248irnJ0S14D4JU

*Please submit the form by May 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

 

¡Sí, se pudo! (Latiné Grad)

3:00 p.m.

Join us for the 2026 ¡Sí, se pudo! celebration on June 14, 2026 from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm in the EMU Ballroom. All graduating students are welcome to...

Jun

14

¡Sí, se pudo! (Latiné Grad)
June 14
3:00–5:00 p.m.

Join us for the 2026 ¡Sí, se pudo! celebration on June 14, 2026 from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm in the EMU Ballroom. All graduating students are welcome to participate. 

Community & Belonging Programs is proud to partner with Latiné Strategies Group, Hispanic Serving Institution Task Force, Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies, and MEChA to host the first ¡Sí, se pudo! (Latiné Grad Celebration), and we hope that you can join us in celebrating you and other graduating Latiné Diaspora students from the University of Oregon. 

¡Sí, se pudo! celebrates the accomplishments and achievements of undergraduate, graduate, and law students who are Latiné, Hispanic, and/or of the Latinx Diaspora. This celebration commemorates the hard work and dedication that our students have shown throughout history, not only at the University of Oregon but also in global society.  

*This will be a ticketed event

* Event will be live-streamed 

*Time subject to change.

Graduating Students should registered using this link: https://oregon.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_248irnJ0S14D4JU

*Please submit the form by May 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

  • Speaker Nominations Form - Deadline: April 17th @ 5:00 pm (Self-nominations and nominations from peers, faculty, and/or staff are welcomed)

 

 

Black Graduation Celebration

6:15 p.m.

Join us for the 2026 Black Graduation Celebration on June 14, 2026, from 6:15 – 8:15 pm in the EMU Ballroom. All graduating students are...

Jun

14

Black Graduation Celebration
June 14
6:15–8:15 p.m.

Join us for the 2026 Black Graduation Celebration on June 14, 2026, from 6:15 – 8:15 pm in the EMU Ballroom. All graduating students are welcome to participate. 

*Time subject to change

*Event will be live-streamed 

Graduating students should registered using this link: https://oregon.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_248irnJ0S14D4JU

*Please submit the form by May 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

  • Speaker Nominations Form - Deadline: April 17 @ 5:00 pm (Self-nominations and nominations from peers, faculty, and/or staff are welcomed)

 

Art Exploration Camp for Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth

noon

Create art as a form of self-expression as you explore the visual arts in the galleries and studio of the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in this...

Aug

17

Art Exploration Camp for Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth
August 17
noon

Create art as a form of self-expression as you explore the visual arts in the galleries and studio of the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in this week-long afternoon art workshop for transgender and gender nonbinary youth in grades 5- 8. This week is supported by members of the transgender, non-binary, and queer community of artists, educators, students, and allies.

August 17-August 21, 2026, noon - 3:00 pm

Navigate Campus

We are committed to creating an equitable and accessible environment for students, whether that be via all-gender and gender-expansive housing options, name change processes, or all-gender restrooms.

 


 

Connect with Resources

Resources for 2SLGBTQIA3+ students encourage holistic well-being and academic success through mental, medical, and community care. Scholarships and other financial assistance are based on need and/or merit. Students are also invited to apply for LGBTESS-sponsored conferences. In addition to our programs and services, there are off-campus organizations dedicated to advocating and resourcing 2SLGBTQIA3+ folks.

 


 

Build Community

Our student-driven outreach teams celebrate, educate, empower, and support 2SLGBTQIA3+ students. Whether organizing events, developing new initiatives, or collaborating with campus organizations, one of the priorities of the LGBTESS staff is to support students in fostering community.

 


 

Support 2SLGBTQIA3+ Students

Effectively supporting 2SLGBTQIA3+ students is an on-going process which requires self-awareness, knowledge, and skills. LGBTESS hosts Queer+ Accomplice Coalition (QAC) training once a term to jump-start faculty and staff in this process and provides resources to support continued learning and advocacy practices.