Out on Campus is Simon Fraser University’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender centre. We provide a safe space that welcomes everyone and aims to support and advocate for the needs of students whose sexualities, gender expressions, and/or relationship structures are not included as full and equal in our society.
Having re-established a strong volunteer base, Out On Campus is reaching out this year, looking at larger issues that affect queer people and allies of all communities. We are expanding the concept of queer to acknowledge that everyone is affected by issues of sexuality and gender, because we all have them. We demand representation for all members of our community.
The Out on Campus centre has a lounge, resource library and office space staffed by fantastic volunteers and is open between 10:30 am and 4:30 pm (as often as possible).
Inside you will find: nice people, a microwave, fridge and kitchen appliances, couches and a welcoming environment to hang out in, a resource library that is open to the SFU community with hundreds of books, magazines, videos, brochures and other materials, a public phone, and computers.
Welcoming Policy
Whether you’re queer, questioning, gay, curious, straight, asexual, lesbian, intersex, bisexual, bicurious, transgender, pansexual, cisgendered, two spirit, in the closet, coming out, out, partially out, not sure, something else, more than one of these, don’t care, don’t find that any label applies to you or believe that it’s no-one’s business but your own, you are welcome at Out on Campus.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers design, produce and promote a variety of different social & educational programming year-round including Transgender Day of Remembrance in November and Queer Awareness Week in March. We are always looking new people of all sexual orientations and genders to get involved. Contact ooc@sfss.ca to set up your orientation today.
For more information about any of our service visit www.outoncampus.ca, e-mail , phone 778.782.5933 or visit TC 314 north, between the Library and the West Mall Complex.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered & Questioning Students
About one person out of ten identifies as queer, everywhere in the world. Maybe you are. If not, you probably have friends and relatives who are and they may hide it because of transphobia and homophobia.
Transphobia is the hatred and/or discrimination against people who break or blur gender roles and sex characteristics. Transphobia is mandated by a gender regime that says we are either man or woman, masculine or feminine.
Homophobia is an irrational fear of same-sex relationships that manifests itself in many ways including revulsion, pity, tolerance, and acceptance. Acceptance, while the most positive form of homophobia, still implies that there is something to accept. If you are straight identified we encourage you to take steps to becoming an ally to the LGBT community.
Seeking Allies
“An ally to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people is someone who seeks to educate the campus community, counter homophobic attitudes, and promote equal respect and treatment for everyone.”- SFU queer ally project team, 1999.
Straight allies are some of the most effective and powerful advocates and sources of support for the LGTBQ community.
What can you do?
Check your baggage. Reflect upon your fears and attitudes regarding LGTBQ people.
Educate yourself. Stay on top of current social, political and cultural events that affect LGBTQ people. Educate yourself on the many communities and cultures of gay, lesbian and bisexual people.
Challenge yourself. Challenge your own stereotypes, beliefs and expectations. Challenge your physical inhibitions about people of the same gender.
Make no assumptions. Don’t assume that everyone you meet is heterosexual or that there is only one way to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or queer.
Challenge others. Confront heterosexist and homophobic attitudes and actions of others. Share what you have learned and encourage others to take a stand.
Show your support. Attend events sponsored by LGBTQ organizations, or better yet get involved with Out on Campus!
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