Coming Out Support
This service provides an institutionalized support system for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, questioning and queer (LGBTIQQ) students here at Ramapo in the form of a support group which specifically targets the concerns of those who are coming to terms with their sexual orientation. Through peer discussion and counseling, as well as experience-sharing, the goal of this service is to assist in "tackling" the many obstacles of coming out as well as going through the beginning stages of the coming out process on campus. This service in no way attempts to be psychotherapeutic nor is it facilitated by professional staff, just caring and knowledgeable people. What the Coming Out Support Group offers is an opportunity to address basic issues and questions regarding coming out from a peer perspective.
The group meets on Tuesday nights at 9:30 PM in the Office of First Year Experience (on the first floor of Pine Hall).
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Individual Peer Counseling for LGBTIQQH Students
Individual peer counseling is available to any student that may have a need to talk with some regarding LGBTIQQ issues. These may include sexual orientation/identity issues, both internal and external homophobia, heterosexism, transphobia, etc. Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual students, students that identify as being Transgender, Intersex or Queer, students who are Questioning their sexuality, and/or Heterosexual students can confidentially discuss their concerns and receive assistance via peer counseling and/or professional referrals both on and off campus. Students who may have concerns regarding sexual orientation and would like to discuss these concerns can also come for information and discussion. All members of the Ramapo community are welcom to come and ask or discuss any questions they may have regarding these and any other issues dealing with sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
This service, like the coming out support service, does not profess to provide professional nor psychotherapeutic counseling.
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STD Testing Information
QPS provides information on various STD's and other health concerns that are of importance to not only lgbt students but to the whole Ramapo community as well. Like other programs and activities, information on HIV/AIDS and other STD's can be provided for both personal and academic use.
Additional services include responsible intimacy/safe sex information, and information on testing facilities, both on and off campus. Transportation arrangements to testing sites can be made for students who do not have access to transportation facilities. Please contact Queer Peer Services for more information.
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Support Group
QPS provides two support groups for LGBTIQQ people. Both are relaxed, confidential groups in which students can voice concerns dealing with being non-heterosexual both on and off of campus. The main group, which meets every Monday at 9:30 p.m. in the Women’s Center (C-220), is open for all LGBTIQQ students who wish to come.
The second group, which meets on Tuesday nights at 9:30 PM in the Office of First Year Experience (on the first floor of Pine Hall), is focused on issues related to Coming Out.
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Student Advocacy
The Queer Peer Services Coordinators serve as advocates for the LGBTIQQ community on campus in regards to discrimination, harassment, or assault based on sexual orientation. The coordinators provide confidential assistance for students in identifying options as well as referral information that is available.
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LGBT Resource Information and Other Services
QPS provides information on the LGBTIQQ community (i.e.: community centers, group information, conferences, activities, socials, etc.), issues (marriage/civil union, hate crime legislation, domestic partnership, etc.), and information on LGBTIQQ issues relating to academics.
Other services that can be provided include: assistance in housing reassignment (based on availability), referrals to substance abuse support groups, and classroom presentations and discussions on homosexuality, coming out, and homophobia for college courses.
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