For LGBTQ+ students, the college application process can require yet another batch of questions, challenges and choices to sift and explore.

If you’re one of these students—or a counselor or family member or other ally—we don’t want you to navigate alone.

Introducing Campus Pride, the leading national nonprofit committed to creating safe havens for LGBTQ+ students. Campus Pride offers a rich library of resources for students, families, counselors, administrators, etc.

We’ve compiled a list of 10 helpful ways you can use those resources as your ally—and become an ally in return.

10 Helpful ways to use campus pride as an ally for lgbtq+ students

1. Know your terms

Study and adopt accurate language from the Ultimate Queer College Guide.

2. Seek LGBTQ+ friendly campuses

Use the Campus Pride index to search hundreds of colleges and universities recognized for their inclusivity.

Personalize your search. If you’re a student-athlete, browse the Campus Pride Sports Index to review schools with inclusive sports scenes. If you’re a person of faith, check out these resources to see which groups create space specifically for conversations about faith, gender identity and sexual orientation.
Peruse the policies. Use the Trans Policy Clearinghouse to discover campuses nationwide with trans- and gender-inclusive policies that govern everything from student housing to medical expenses.
Leave the screen at home. Register and attend an upcoming Campus Pride National LGBT-Friendly College Fair in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Charlotte, Boston, or New York City. Take this personal campus inventory quiz before you go so you can know what to look for.

3. Visit an LGBTQ+ friendly campus

When you do, be sure to take notes using this scorecard for LGBTQ+ students and their families.

4. Follow the money

Search through hundreds of scholarships, fellowships and grants for LGBTQ+ and ally students in both undergrad and grad programs through the National Scholarship Database.

5. Consider going Greek

Before you do, check out this list of sorority and fraternity allies who in policy and practice welcome members of all identities and orientations.

6. Embrace an intersectional approach

Leaf through these resources for queer and trans people of color.

7. Get trained

Learn how to create safe and friendly spaces as a student, counselor, educator or administrator at your school or organization through

The Safe Space Program
Stop the Hate training
Camp Pride summer leadership camp (for students only)
LGBTQ Professional Academy for Advisors (aka Advisor Boot Camp), or
The Campus Pride webinar series

8. Get to work

If you’re a young adult (or merely young at heart), seek networking opportunities and professional development at a National LGBT-Friendly Job & Career Fair, or, if you’d like to advocate inclusion as a profession, check out Campus Pride’s fellowship, internship, and volunteer opportunities.