Student Life

Your Guide to LGBTQIA+ Resources at Boston University and Beyond

Explore the resources that support BU’s LGBTQIA+ students in the city of Boston

Hey Terriers, happy June and happy Pride Month! Whether you’re looking to connect with new communities, explore your identity, or find support both on and off campus, Boston University offers a wide range of LGBTQIA+ resources to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered. Plus, did you know BU has its very own LGBTQIA+ Student Resource Center? This guide highlights key services offered through the center at BU and within the Boston community to help you thrive year-round.

On-Campus Resources

LGBTQIA+ Student Resource Center

Located at 808 Commonwealth Avenue, the LGBTQIA+ Student Resource Center at BU is a welcoming space dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for students of all identities. The center hosts a wide range of events designed to educate individuals about queer culture while empowering and supporting LGBTQIA+ students. It also provides resources, such as the Gender-Affirming Closet, where students can try on and take clothing and items, and the Library of Things, which offers books, hygiene items, and additional clothing for students to borrow or keep. Through its services and programs, the center plays a vital role in building community and promoting understanding across campus. Want to stay in the loop? Give @bupride a follow on Instagram for the latest events, resources, and community highlights.

All-gender bathroom maps

BU has all-gender bathrooms across its campuses to ensure everyone, regardless of their gender identity, has access to restroom facilities. To make these spaces easier to find, Boston University has mapped out all-gender bathrooms throughout the Medical Campus, Fenway Campus, and Charles River Campus.

Gender-affirming healthcare at Student Health Services

Boston University offers gender-affirming healthcare services through Student Health Services (SHS) for full-time students on any insurance plan, as well as part-time students enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). SHS is committed to providing affirming care in an inclusive environment for transgender, intersex, and nonbinary students. Most medical treatments related to gender-affirming healthcare are covered by SHIP, although some gender-affirming products may not be. To ensure accessibility, SHS works with the Dean of Students to help subsidize the cost of these essential products for students. Gender-affirming healthcare at SHS includes primary and urgent care, hormone therapy, letters and referrals for gender-affirming surgery, mental health services, and referrals to other gender-affirming healthcare providers in the Boston area.

For more information on how to contact SHS about gender-affirming healthcare, go to the Student Health Services website or call SHS at (617) 353-3575.

Support with changing your name in BU’s system

Boston University recognizes that a student’s name is an integral part of their identity and offers the opportunity to use a display name. A display name reflects how you identify yourself and how you wish to be addressed by others; it is separate from your legal name. While changing your display name does not update your legal name in BU’s records, the University is actively working to implement display names across its systems.

Overcoming family challenges support group

Some students may be navigating difficult or complicated family relationships. To support them, BU offers a peer support group where students can share their experiences and connect in a safe and welcoming environment. To join, students need to fill out a short interest form, which helps facilitators create a supportive space for all participants.

Off-Campus Resources

BAGLY, Inc.

The Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth, also known as BAGLY, is a youth-led social support organization with adult guidance. The group is dedicated to creating and sustaining programs and services for LGBTQ+ youth throughout the state of Massachusetts. Founded in 1980, BAGLY is nationally recognized for its pioneering role in social support for LGBTQ+ youth. The Community Center is at 28 Court Square, Boston, Mass., and there are 14 additional locations across the state. BAGLY hosts events and programs that offer both involvement and support.

Boston Glass

GLASS (GLBTQ+ Adolescent Social Services) provides support to LGBTQ+ youth of color, their allies, and youth living with HIV. GLASS focuses on addressing young people’s immediate needs while equipping them with the tools to make healthy decisions and lead fulfilling lives. Its drop-in community centers offer support groups, educational workshops, social events, and access to vital resources that may not otherwise be available. These centers are at 555 Amory Street in Jamaica Plain and One Grant Street in Framingham.

Fenway Health

Fenway Health works to deliver accessible and supportive healthcare services to the LGBTQIA+ community. Their commitment to the community extends throughout the healthcare organization and includes programs and services designed to serve the needs of LGBTQIA+ people.

We hope this overview helps you feel more connected to the many resources, communities, and support systems available to LGBTQIA+ students at BU and beyond. Whether you’re looking to attend events, join a support group, access gender-affirming resources, or find spaces where you feel seen and supported, there’s something here for you. Remember, you’re not alone. BU and the greater Boston area are home to vibrant, welcoming communities that are ready to uplift and empower you.

Wishing you all a joyful, safe, and affirming Pride Month, Terriers!