CUNY is committed to providing educational excellence to its students while creating a diverse, inclusive atmosphere for learning. CUNY is wholeheartedly committed to supporting the LGBTQI+ student, staff and faculty population. This online hub is updated and maintained by the CUNY LGBTQI+ Council.
CUNY LGBTQI+ Council
The CUNY LGBTQI+ Council is a CUNY-wide committee of faculty and staff dedicated to supporting the intersectional LGBTQI+ communities across the university system. Our mission is to ensure the visibility and inclusion of the entire spectrum of LGBTQI+ students, faculty and staff. We aim to be a collaborative resource to create connection and community, identify and troubleshoot gaps, increase representation, awareness, and equity. We are committed to leading with a social justice lens, offering support services and developing programs, events and opportunities for those who identify as LGBTQ+ or questioning. Read More
Gary Dillon
Supervising Psychologist, Counseling Center
He/Him/His
gary.dillon@baruch.cuny.edu
646-312-2158
Subcommittees: Mental Health, Wellness & Security
Associate Director of Operations, Division of Student Affairs
He/Him/His
richard.suarez@baruch.cuny.edu
646-312-4552
Subcommittees: Outreach & Online Presence (co-chair), SafeZone Trainings/LGBTQI+ Centers
Assistant Professor of Academic Literacy & Linguistics
He/Him/His
bkelley@bmcc.cuny.edu
212-220-1420
Associate Professor of Health Education
She/Her/Hers
yshneyderman@bmcc.cuny.edu
212-776-6673
Subcommittees: SafeZone Trainings/LGBTQI+ Centers
Dr. Celiany Rivera-Velasquez
Manager, Center for Belonging and Inclusion
She/They
cerivera@bmcc.cuny.edu
212-220-8166
Emalinda (Emily) McSpadden
Assistant Professor of Psychology, Department of Social Sciences & Director of the LGBTQI+ Resource Room, Office of Student Life
All pronouns (no preference)
Emalinda.McSpadden@bcc.cuny.edu
718-289-5100 x3028
718-289-5300
Edwin Roman
Academic and Transfer Resources Coordinator, Office of Transfer Services
He/Him/They
edwin.roman@bcc.cuny.edu
917-574-5425
Giselle Sanchez Huerta
Student Programming Coordinator, Office of Student Diversity Initiatives
She/Her
giselle.sanchez-huerta@bcc.cuny.edu
718-289-5100 ext. 3336
Subcommittees: CUNY LGBTQI+ Student Conference, SafeZone Trainings/LGBTQI+ Centers
Saumya Goel-Preis
Student Psychological Counselor, BCC CARES, Office of Personal Counseling
saumya.goel-preis@bcc.cuny.edu
718-289-5486
Kelly Spivey
Director, LGBTQ+ Resource Center
She/Her/They
kelly.spivey10@brooklyn.cuny.edu
718-951-5739
Subcommittees: Gender/Name Policies & Information Systems Read More
Andy Hale
Student Psychological Counselor, Personal Counseling & Adjunct Lecturer, Mental Health Counseling
They/Them/Theirs
Andy.Hale@brooklyn.cuny.edu
646-572-6150
Subcommittees: Mental Health, Wellness & Security (chair)
Jasmin Salcedo
Gender Resources Social Worker
She/Her/Hers
jsalcedo@ccny.cuny.edu
212-650-8222
Subcommittees: Gender/Name Policies & Information Systems
Associate Director, CCNY LGBTQ+ Student Center
He/Him
jnill@ccny.cuny.edu
212-650-6937
CUNY LGBTQI+ Council Co-Chair
Student
They/He/She
dthomasjr@ccny.cuny.edu
Subcommittees: Queer Student Alliance (QSAS) (chair)
Associate Dean, Spitzer School of Architecture
He/Him
mmiller@ccny.cuny.edu
212-650-5454
Subcommittees: Mental Health, Wellness & Security
Matt Brim
Executive Director, CLAGS & Professor of Queer Studies, CSI & CUNY Graduate Center
He/Him/His
Matt.Brim@csi.cuny.edu
718-982-3645
Jeremiah Jurkiewicz
LGBTQ Resource Center/Pluralism & Diversity Coordinator
He/Him/His
Jeremiah.Jurkiewicz@csi.cuny.edu
718-982-3091
CUNY LGBTQI+ Council Co-Chair Read More
Bria Thorne
Assistant Director of Student Affairs
She/Her
bria.thorne@journalism.cuny.edu
646-758-7736
Subcommittees: Mental Health, Wellness & Security
Carrie Shockley
Student Inclusion Initiatives
She/Her/Hers
carrie.shockley@cuny.edu
646-664-8233
Christina Chala
University Student Engagement Programs Manager, Student Inclusion Initiatives
She/Her, They/Them
christina.chala@cuny.edu
646-664-8809
Subcommittees: Outreach & Online Presence (co-chair)
Sarah Morgano
Social Media Manager, Communications and Marketing
She/Her, They/Them
sarah.morgano@cuny.edu
646-664-9301
Subcommittees: Outreach & Online Presence
Diego Fernando Ortega Velez
Ambassador Coordinator, CUNY Black Male Initiative
He/Him/El
Diego.Ortega@cuny.edu
646-664-8787
Subcommittees: Mental Health, Wellness & Security, CUNY LGBTQI+ Student Conference
Elvis Bakaitis
Interim Head of Reference, Mina Rees Library
They/Them
Ebakaitis@gc.cuny.edu
Subcommittees: Gender/Name Policies & Information Systems
Anick Rolland
Associate Registrar, Student Services
She/Her/Elle
arolland@gc.cuny.edu
212-817-7507
Academic Program Officer, Ph.D. Program in Biology
They/Them/Theirs
maung@gc.cuny.edu
Spring Cooper
Associate Professor, Community Health and Social Sciences
She/They
spring.cooper@sph.cuny.edu
Subcommittees: Mental Health, Wellness & Security
James Warren
Student Life Coordinator, Student Affairs
He/Him/His
james.warren@sph.cuny.edu
917-612-0931
Subcommittees: Outreach & Online Presence
Jan Oosting
Assistant Professor of Nursing
She/Her/Hers
jan.oosting@cuny.edu
973-865-9131
Student Development and Leadership Coordinator, Office of Student Life
They/Them/Theirs
reshma.jaigobin@cuny.edu
646-664-8627
Subcommittees: CUNY LGBTQI+ Student Conference (co-chair)
Kevin Simmons
Academic Program Specialist
He/Him/His
kevin.simmons@slu.cuny.edu
Subcommittees: Gender/Name Policies & Information Systems
Head of Internships and Experiential Learning, Academic Affairs
She/Her/Hers
anna.zak@slu.cuny.edu
646-313-8359
Subcommittees: Mental Health, Wellness & Security
Bibi N. Amin
Assistant Director of Outreach and Systems Operations
She/Her
bibi.amin@law.cuny.edu
718-340-4631
Subcommittees: Gender/Name Policies & Information Systems
Denise A. Rojas
Administrative Coordinator, Main Street Legal Services
She/Her
denise.rojas@law.cuny.edu
718-340-4154
Clinical Sites Director, Counseling & Wellness Center
She/Her
dgooden@med.cuny.edu
212-650-5397
Admissions Manager, Office of Admissions
He/Him
edavid@med.cuny.edu
212-650-5079
Christopher Roth
Associate Director of Academic Technology, Office of Academic Affairs
He/Him/His
christopher.roth@guttman.cuny.edu
646-313-8189
Charles Rice-Gonzalez
Assistant Professor of English
He/Him/His
crice-gonzalez@hostos.cuny.edu
718-518-6865
Rachel Cholst
Academic Advisor, CUNY Start
rcholst@hostos.cuny.edu
718-518-2708
Subcommittees: Mental Health, Wellness & Security
Lillian Morales
Director, Women鈥檚 Center
lmorales@hostos.cuny.edu
718-664-4395
Anika Seidman-Gati
Student Psychological Counselor and Health Educator, Counseling and Wellness Services
She/Her/Hers
anika.seidman-gati@hunter.cuny.edu
212-772-4925, 212-650-3397
Subcommittees: Outreach & Online Presence
Tanea Lunsford Lynx
LGBTQ+ Community Space Steward/Program Coordinator
Flexible (She/They/He)
tl4232@hunter.cuny.edu
Subcommittees: Gender/Name Policies, & Information Systems
Dominique Mendez-Rose
Administrative Events Specialist, Theater & Events Support Services
She/Her/Hers
domendez@jjay.cuny.edu
212-237-8739
Subcommittees: SafeZone Trainings/LGBTQI+Centers
Michelle Garcia
Assistant Director of LGBTQ+ Resource Center, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
She/Her/Hers
Micgarcia@jjay.cuny.edu
212-484-1305
Subcommittees: Gender/Name Policies & Information Systems
Kayla Maryles Bassknight, Ed.D.
Associate Director, Student Transition Programs
She/Her
Kbassknight@jjay.cuny.edu
212-237-8605
River Rose
Master of Social Work Intern, LGBTQ+ Resource Center
rrose@jjay.cuny.edu
Raquel Torres
Assistant Director of Student Life
She/Her/Ella
718-368-5597
Raquel.Torres@kbcc.cuny.edu
Dean of Faculty & Professor of Speech Communication
He/Him (Eng) Il/Lui (Fr)
Gordon.Young@kbcc.cuny.edu
718-368-6634
Arturo Humberto Enamorado III
Lecturer, Department of Behavioral Sciences
He/Him/His/El
Arturo.EnamoradoIII@kbcc.cuny.edu
Deema Bayrakdar
Director, Women’s Center and LGBTQ+ Hub
She/Her/Hers
dbayrakdar@lagcc.cuny.edu
718-482-5179
Subcommittees: Mental Health, Wellness & Security
Landon Ranchor
Program Assistant, Women’s Center and LGBTQ+ Hub
He/Him/His
Landon.Ranchor32@lagcc.cuny.edu
718-482-5188 Ext. 8953
Subcommittees: Gender/Name Policies & Information Systems (co-chair), Mental Health, Wellness & Security
Matthew Frye Castillo
Lecturer
He/Him
matthewfryecastillo@gmail.com
908-948-8055
Ashmini Hiralall
Director, Health and Wellness Services
She/Her/Hers
ashmini.hiralall@lehman.cuny.edu
718-960-2415
DJ Oberlin
Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise Sciences and Recreation
douglas.oberlin@lehman.cuny.edu
Subcommittees: Gender/Name Policies & Information Systems
Erin Mayo-Adam
Director of LGBTQ Policy Center, Roosevelt House & Assistant Professor of Political Science, Hunter College
She/Her/Hers
erin.mayo-adam@hunter.cuny.edu
212-772-5505 (email preferred)
Eileen Makak
Assistant Director, Student Development
She/Her/Hers
Eileen.Makak@mhc.cuny.edu
212-729-2946
Lisa Brundage
Director of Academic Affairs
lisa.brundage@mhc.cuny.edu
212-729-2936
Lisa Evelyn
Assistant Director, Women’s Center
She/Her/Hers
levelyn@MEC.CUNY.EDU
718-270-6940
Subcommittees: CUNY LGBTQI+ Student Conference (co-chair)
Darrel Holnes
Assistant Professor of English
dholnes@mec.cuny.edu
718-270-4912
Leslie Balderas Reyes
Student Wellness College Assistant, Center for Women鈥檚 Development
She/Her
Leslie.BalderasReyes41@mec.cuny.edu
718-270-5155
Subcommittees: CUNY LGBTQI+ Student Conference
Chairperson, Department of Social Science & Associate Professor of Psychology
He/Him/His
erodriguez@citytech.cuny.edu
718-260-5080
CUNY Office Assistant, English/ESOL Program
BDuran@citytech.cuny.edu
718-260-5208
Subcommittees: SafeZone Trainings/LGBTQI+ Centers
Jill Dowling
Academic Adviser, ASAP/ACE
She/Her/Hers
jill.dowling63@citytech.cuny.edu
718-254-8624
Subcommittees: Gender/Name Policies & Information Systems
David Rivera
Associate Professor of Counselor Education, Department of Educational and Community Programs & Founding Director of the CUNY LGBTQI+ Student Leadership Program
He/Him/His
David.Rivera@qc.cuny.edu
JC Carlson
Student Life Events Manager, LGBTQIAA+ Programs Coordinator & Associate Director, CUNY LGBTQI+ Consortium
They/Them/Theirs
JC.Carlson@qc.cuny.edu
917-659-2646
Subcommittees: SafeZone Trainings/LGBTQI+ Centers
Sonal Soni
Counselor
She/Her/Hers
Sonal.Soni@qc.cuny.edu
Subcommittees: Mental Health, Wellness & Security
Aliza Atik
Assistant Professor, English
She/Her/Hers
aatik@qcc.cuny.edu
718-631-5367
Subcommittees: SafeZone Trainings/LGBTQI+ Centers (chair)
Robin Ford
Assistant Professor, English
She/Her/Hers
rford@qcc.cuny.edu
Subcommittees: Mental Health, Wellness & Security
Lamar Greene
LGBTQI+ Specialist
They/Them/Theirs
lamar.greene@qcc.cuny.edu
718-631-6683
Charmaine Townsell
Director of Student Disability Services
She/Her/Hers
718-262-2274
ctownsell@york.cuny.edu
Student Life Specialist, Women’s Center for Gender Justice/Student Resources
She/They
nacevedo@york.cuny.edu
718-262-2941
Subcommittees: Safe Zone Trainings/LGBTQ Centers
LGBTQI+ Policies, Reporting and Resources
The City University of New York is committed to providing educational excellence to its students while creating a diverse, inclusive atmosphere for learning. In Student Affairs, we are dedicated to assuring this inclusive atmosphere for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and intersex communities and others whose identification extends beyond these borders.
CUNY Policies
- Policy on Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination (鈥淓O Policy鈥�)
- Policy on Sexual Misconduct
- Policy on Reporting of Alleged Misconduct
- Student and Employee Requests for Name and or Gender Changes (2025)
- (2023)
- (2022)
- (2021)
- Memorandum on State and Local Laws Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Gender Identity and Gender Expression (2019)
- Memorandum on Student and Employee Requests for Name and/or Gender Changes (2018)
Educational Resources
Off-Campus Resources
- (list created by the CCNY LGBTQ+ Student Center)
New York City Resources
Legal Resources
Confidentiality, Reporting and Supportive Resources
The City University of New York (鈥淐UNY鈥�) is committed to addressing sexual misconduct, discrimination, and retaliation reports promptly, consistently, and fairly. There are various reporting options as well as supportive and confidential resources available on your campus to help you navigate sexual misconduct, discrimination, and retaliation.
Title IX and Campus Diversity Officer
On each CUNY campus there is a person, known as the Title IX Coordinator, who has special training in helping students who are facing issues related to sexual harassment and assault. Please refer to the to see the list of Title IX Coordinators. This website also includes each campus鈥� webpages for more campus-specific information. Please note that for some CUNY colleges, the Title IX Coordinator is also the Chief Diversity Officer.
Your college鈥檚 Title IX office can move forward on an investigation without cooperation from the student. However, it is very difficult to prove a case without a cooperative complainant. Please see CUNY Policy on Sexual Misconduct, Section III (N):
Title IX Formal Complaint is a document filed by a complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging Title IX Sexual Harassment against a respondent and requesting that the college investigate the allegations. The Title IX Coordinator may sign a Title IX Formal Complaint with or without a complainant鈥檚 desire to participate in a grievance process.
Section 5 of this policy, Important Information About Reporting/Confidentiality Obligations of College and CUNY Employees, has all the pertinent information regarding what college employees must report.
Confidential and Supportive Services
There are various employees and departments throughout CUNY that offer a safe and confidential environment for you to discuss your concerns. As such, everything you share with these supportive individuals and services is confidential. Information will never be shared with anyone without your written permission. However, there are a few exceptions to confidentiality guidelines, and these apply to any health or mental health treatment center in New York State. Legal exceptions to confidentiality include:
- if you are in danger of hurting yourself or another, your counselor is obligated to protect you or the other person.
- if you are 17 or younger your counselor is obligated to inform your parents that you are attending counseling and obtain their consent for services. Your parents also have a right to request a copy of your record.
- if your counselor suspects that a minor or an elderly person is being
abused or neglected. - if your counselor receives a court order to release a copy of your file.
Please see the links below to help you find confidential and supportive services on your campus. Note that each campus has varying names and departments for these resources. Contact these resources to learn about more resources available to you at your CUNY college.
Food Security
LGBTQI+ Student Leadership & Internship Programs
CUNY offers programs specifically tailored to support its LGBTQI+ students and allies by providing听them with career engagement opportunities and leadership skill development. These programs benefit from both the CUNY LGBTQI+ Council and the University鈥檚 LGBTQI+ Advisory Council.
The CUNY LGBTQI+ Council is made听up of staff and faculty representatives from all 25 CUNY colleges.听Programs connected through the CUNY LGBTQI+ Council engages the next generation of LGBTQI+ leaders through a variety of social justice training, personal development, community engagement, experiential, mentoring, and social networking activities.
鈥婽丑别 LGBTQI+ Advisory Council is an external group of leaders connecting CUNY鈥檚 LGBTQI+ and allied students to New York City鈥檚 various resources and opportunities听by leading and supporting various programs. The group is led by philanthropist Mitch Draizin, founder and president of the Concordia Philanthropic Fund and a long-time champion of CUNY鈥檚 LGBTQI+ community.
LGBTQI+ Student Initiatives
Throughout CUNY, there are plenty of LGBTQI+听clubs, organizations, and chapters to be a part of! These student听LGBTQI+ groups bring together听LGBTQI+, questioning, and allied peers听through community-based activities, actions, campaigns,听social advocacy, education, friendships, and fun. As with many CUNY student groups, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused several LGBTQI+ student groups to cease operations.听While there are still active LGBTQI+ student groups across CUNY, many are in the process of revival or are in need of revival. Check out what student LGBTQI+ groups are on your campus below.
If your college is not listed below, it either has not yet established an LGBTQI+ Student Group or has one that needs help reviving. Please reach out to your college’s CUNY LGBTQI+ Council representatives to see how you can get started on your campus!
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Gender Love and Sexuality Spectrum (GLASS)
贰尘补颈濒:听TBA
Social Media: Instagram
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Jan Martinez – jan.martinez@baruch.cuny.edu鈥�
Meeting Details: Every Thursday 12:40-2:20 p.m. in NVC Room 8-150
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name:
贰尘补颈濒:听TBA
Social Media: TBA
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Yuliya Shneyderman – yshneyderman@bmcc.cuny.edu鈥�
Meeting Details: Chambers Building Room S-340; virtual meetings every Wednesday 2 p.m. (email the advisor for details)
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Rainbow Alliance, QueerLit Book Club, The Agenda (Queer Art Club), and Black & Queer
Email: lgbtqi@bcc.cuny.edu
Social Media: TBA
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Edwin Roman – edwin.roman@bcc.cuny.edu
Meeting Details: LGBTQI+ Resource Room (Roscoe Brown Student Center Room 312)
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Alliance (LGBTA)
Email: TBA
Social Media: Instagram
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Kelly Spivey – lgbtqcenter@brooklyn.cuny.edu
Meeting Details: Student Center Room 221
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name:听LGBTQ+ Open Alliance Club
Email:听saga@gtest.ccny.cuny.edu
Social Media:听Instagram听
Staff/Faculty Advisor:听Jake Nill 鈥撎�jnill@ccny.cuny.edu
Meeting Details:听Every other Thursday 12:30-2 PM in the LGBTQ+ Student Center (NAC 1/101B)
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name:
Email: QUNY@gc.cuny.edu
Social Media: TBA
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Pranabes Probeshika Dutta
Meeting Details: TBA
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name:
Email: lgbtq+@sph.cuny.edu
Social Media: TBA
Staff/Faculty Advisor: TBA
Meeting Details: TBA
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Pride Club
Email: TBA
Social Media: Instagram
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Jan Oosting – jan.oosting@cuny.edu
Meeting Details: TBA
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: OUTLaws
贰尘补颈濒:听TBA
Social Media: Instagram
Staff/Faculty Advisor: 罢叠础鈥�
Meeting Details: TBA –
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Stonewall Club
Email: TBA
Social Media: TBA
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Christopher Roth – ChristopherRoth@guttman.cuny.edu
Meeting Details: TBA
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name:
Email: Fill out the
Social Media: TBA
Staff/Faculty Advisor: TBA
Meeting Details: TBA
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Queer Student Union
Email: queerstudentunionHC@gmail.com
Social Media: Instagram
Staff/Faculty Advisor: TBA
Meeting Details: TBA
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name:
Email: jjspectra@jjay.cuny.edu
Social Media: Instagram
Staff/Faculty Advisor: TBA
Meeting Details: TBA
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Queer and Fierce (Queer AF)
Email: TBA
Social Media: TBA
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Nathan Tosh – ntosh@lagcc.cuny.edu
Meeting Details: Thursdays 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM in MB-68
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Crystal Queer
Email: TBA
Social Media: Instagram
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Matthew Frye-Castillo 鈥� matt.caprioli@lehman.cuny.edu and Benjamin Holtzman 鈥� benjamin.holtzman@lehman.cuny.edu
Meeting Details: Every first and third Monday of the month
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Macaulay Queer Alliance
Email: queeralliance@macaulay.cuny.edu
Social Media: Instagram
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Eileen Makak – Eileen.Makak@mhc.cuny.edu
Meeting Details: TBA
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Crystal Queer
Email: TBA
Social Media: TBA
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Christina Chala – CChala@mec.cuny.edu
Meeting Details: TBA
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: PRIDE Club
Email: TBA
Social Media: Instagram
Staff/Faculty Advisor: Laura Westengard – laura.westengard25@login.cuny.edu
Meeting Details: Thursdays 12:45-2 p.m. in Namm 1017
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name: Gender, Love, and Sexuality Alliance (GLASA)
Email: TBA
Social Media: Instagram
Staff/Faculty Advisor: TBA
Meeting Details: TBA
LGBTQI+ Student Group Name:
Email: TBA
Social Media: Instagram
Staff/Faculty Advisor: TBA
Meeting Details: TBA
Supporting Your Name & Gender
A chosen name (referred to in CUNY policy as a preferred name) is a name that a person uses which is different from the one on the person鈥檚 legal records. There are many reasons a person may use a chosen name, including to reflect their gender identity or to go by a more familiar nickname.
allows you to update your chosen first and middle name as well as your gender at your discretion, without documentation. Unless noted, your chosen name will be displayed (with your legal last name) on CUNYfirst, Blackboard and course rosters. You can also update your student ID card, email address and Zoom display name.
Colleges may use a chosen name on all documents and records except for certain official documents like transcripts, where a legal name change is required to update.
Update Your Name
- Log in to CUNYfirst
- Go to Student Center
- Under Personal Information, click 鈥淣ames鈥�
- Click 鈥淎dd a New Name鈥� and choose the Preferred option
You may also submit the CUNY Preferred Name Request Form to your college registrar鈥檚 office.
Note: To update your legal name (including corrections to a typographical or spelling error), request a Personal Data Change Request Form from your college鈥檚 registrar鈥檚 office.
Update Your Gender
- Log in to CUNYfirst
- Go to Self Service (might also say Employee Self Service)
- Under Personal Details, click 鈥淕ender Identity鈥�
- Choose your gender identity. Options include: male (M), female (F), transgender (T), gender nonconforming (G), non-binary (X), a gender not listed (L) and not specified (U)
- Choose the date you want your gender identity to be shown
You may also complete the CUNY Gender Change Form and submit it to your college registrar鈥檚 office.
Note for Students: Updating your gender may create data mismatches if you have applied for federal financial aid using a different gender. If you update your gender, contact your college鈥檚 financial aid office to inform them of the update.
Use Someone鈥檚 Chosen Name
In short, use someone鈥檚 chosen name whenever possible. This includes:
- in casual conversation and email communication
- in formal settings
- on registration and sign-up forms
If you have access to a student or colleague鈥檚 legal name, treat this as confidential data and limit usage to specific circumstances where a legal name is required (e.g. for a background check or when dealing with financial records.)
Note: In certain circumstances, it may be unclear whether a person would prefer you use their chosen name versus their legal name (e.g. when contacting a family member or writing a letter of recommendation). If you are not sure, privately ask the person what they would prefer.
Update Your Student ID Card
CUNY students are entitled to a free updated ID card to reflect their name, without a legal name change! Your preferred name must be updated in CUNYfirst.
Contact your college鈥檚 Public Safety department or photo ID card services office to request a new card.
Update Your Student Email
Your preferred name must be updated in CUNYfirst. Once done, you can contact your college鈥檚 IT department and request your student email address reflect the update.
Update Zoom
During a meeting, you can click the three dots next to your screen and choose “Rename”. Update the display name to reflect your chosen name and pronouns.
As of 2024, students, faculty and staff are now able to update their pronoun information themselves in CUNYfirst:
For Students
- Log onto CUNYfirst and follow the below navigation
CUNYFIRST MENU > Campus Solutions > Self Service > Student Center > Profile - In the听Personal Information section, select the Biographic tab.
- Click on the Pronouns section. Select your pronouns from the drop-down list. At this time, the following options are available:
- Blank
- He/Him/His
- She/Her/Hers
- They/Them/Theirs
- Ze/Hir/Hirs
- Ze/Zim/Zirs
- Click on the Save button.
For Faculty & Staff
- Log onto CUNYfirst and follow the below navigation
CUNYFIRST MENU > Employee Self Service > Personal Details > Gender Identity - In the Gender Details section, select the drop-down menu.
- Click on Pronoun section. Select your pronouns from the drop-down list. At this time, the following options are available:
- Blank
- He/Him/His
- She/Her/Hers
- They/Them/Theirs
- Ze/Hir/Hirs
- Ze/Zim/Zirs
- Under Change As Of, note what date you want this information to be reflected on CUNYfirst.
- Click on the Save button.
Need Help?
If you have any issues with making these changes or if you do not see them reflected after a week, please contact your college鈥檚 CUNY LGBTQI+ Council representative and registrar鈥檚 office.
CUNY LGBTQI+ Centers
LGBTQI+ Centers are places where LGBTQI+, questioning, and allied students, staff, and faculty are able to connect with LGBTQI+ affirming resources and build strong community. Throughout CUNY, there are various LGBTQI+ Centers, these include resource centers, academic/policy centers, student centers, hubs, and much more! Not every CUNY college has an LGBTQI+ Center but those that are open welcome folks from all CUNY schools. With that said, more LGBTQI+ Centers are opening up throughout CUNY! Please see the current list of CUNY LGBTQI+ Centers below.
BMCC Pride Center (est. 2022)
The BMCC Pride Center (PC) is a new area under the pilot program called the Social Justice & Equity Centers at BMCC. We foster a supportive environment for all students, faculty, and staff focusing on the experiences and identities withing the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQIA+) community. The Pride Center offers events, programs and services focused on supporting and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community, and the role of allies. Our goal is to educate the BMCC community on inclusion, allyship, and intersectionality. All students are welcome to participate regardless of orientation, sex, gender, or expression.
Bronx Community College LGBTQI+ Resource Room (est. 2018)
The LGBTQI+ Resource Room at Bronx Community College works to foster an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. The Resource Room aims to sustain visibility and a sense of community by providing LGBTQI+ education, programming, and support services on campus.
Brooklyn College LGBTQ Resource Center (est. 2014)
The LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning) Resource Center is both a welcoming space and supportive network for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual and/or ally (LGBTQIA) students, staff and faculty at Brooklyn College.
91淫母视频 LGBTQ+ Student Center (est. 2021)
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Student Center is a collaborative resource听dedicated to celebrating, empowering, and supporting LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and faculty at 91淫母视频.
College of Staten Island LGBTQ Resource Center (est. 2012)
The LGBTQ Center embraces the diversity of the CSI community and provides resources and programs for campus members who want to learn more about and advocate for LGBTQ issues.
SPH LGBTQ+ Student Resource Center (est. 2025)
The Office of Student Affairs is happy to announce that the LGBTQ+ Student Resource Center (Room 503) is now open for you to enjoy!
Stop by during open hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3pm 鈥� 6pm to relax, study, access valuable resources, and connect with fellow CUNY SPH students in a welcoming and inclusive space. On those days, there will be a LGBTQ+ Resource Ambassador available to orient you to the center and answer any questions. We invite you to use this space as a place to recharge, find community, and celebrate diversity.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning (LGBTQ+) Student Resource Center is a collaborative initiative dedicated to celebrating, empowering, and supporting LGBTQ+ students, staff, and faculty at CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy. The center provides students with relevant programming, and support navigating graduate and post graduate school life.
The LGBTQ+ Student Resource Center is dedicated to increasing awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, gender, and sexuality, while providing a safe and affirming space for all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
The space is available and open to all CUNY SPH students.
The Center for LGBTQ Studies (CLAGS) (est. 1991)
The Center for LGBTQ Studies (CLAGS), located at the City University of New York, Graduate Center, was founded in 1991 and is the first university-based research center in the United States dedicated to the study of historical, cultural, and political issues of vital concern to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals and communities.
CUNY LGBTQIA+ Consortium (est. 2017)
We are the CUNY LGBTQIA+ Consortium, housed under the LaGuardia & Wagner Archives, and we are changing the face of CUNY and NYC. Our mission is not only to preserve LGBTQIA+ history, but to make it! We facilitate the archiving of LGBTQIA+ history across New York, and we support LGBTQIA+ training, education, and programming. The CUNY LGBTQIA+ Consortium began in the borough of Queens in 2017, and since that time we have expanded across all 5 boroughs. Currently there are 14 participating campuses, but we are still growing!
The LGBTQ Policy Center at the Roosevelt House (est. 2008)
The LGBTQ Policy Center at Roosevelt House provides educational and enrichment opportunities for students interested in LGBTQ studies, develops public programs on LGBTQ politics and policy for the broader community, and creates bridges between researchers and policymakers who are invested in advancing LGBTQ rights. The mission of the center is to support research on LGBTQ issues to inform policy decisions; to disseminate findings to inform public opinion and promote LGBTQ social, health, and political equity; and to provide academic training and practicum opportunities for Hunter College students in LGBTQ studies.
Hunter College LGBTQ+ Community Space (est. 2024)
Stay tuned for more details!
John Jay College of Criminal Justice LGBTQ+ Resource Center (est. 2021)
The LGBTQ+ Resource Center is a student-centered campus resource that provides an open, safe and inclusive space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students as well as students whose identities fall in-between or expand beyond these categories. The Center builds community, awareness, and knowledge; provides leadership development, educational and social programs; and advocates for students, promotes research and offers resources.
LaGuardia Community College Women’s Center & LGBTQ+ Hub (est. 2015)
The Women鈥檚 Center & LGBTQ+ Hub is a collaborative resource for celebrating the experiences, identities and expressions of LGBTQIA students, faculty and staff as well as increasing awareness about LGBTQIA issues, gender and sexuality at LaGuardia. We are committed to leading with a social justice lens, offering support services and developing programs, events and opportunities for those who identify as LGBTQ+ or questioning. Whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, questioning or an ally, you are welcome here.
The PRIDE Center at Queensborough Community College (est. 2024)
The Queensborough PRIDE Center is dedicated to increasing a sense of belonging on campus for LGBTQIA+ members of the QCC community. Our focus is on equipping students with the knowledge and tools to overcome many of the barriers that LGBTQIA+ students face in graduating college. The PRIDE Center is a full-service resource space that celebrates Queer and Trans history and culture, while preparing students to be self-advocates as they navigate their academic journey at QCC, pursue further education, and lead thriving careers and lives. Through our intentional efforts, we aim to foster community, promote wellness, and educate students on how to identify and use the resources available to them. We also uplift allies and educate the QCC campus on allyship and intersectionality. All students, faculty, and staff are welcome to participate in events, programs, and activities hosted by QCC鈥檚 PRIDE Center regardless of sexual orientation, biological sex, gender identity or expression.
Safe Zone Training
It’s an opportunity for faculty, staff, and students to learn about the LGBTQI+ community through terminology, self-examination, discussion, and best practices. It teaches about some of the many struggles faced by the LGBTQI+ community and how we might better foster inclusion.
If you are interested in learning more about Safe Zone Trainings or setting up a training for your department or student organization please reach out to your campus contact.
Current Events
CUNY LGBTQI+ Student Conference
Established in 2021, the CUNY LGBTQI+ Student Conference is an annual event that brings together LGBTQI+ students from across CUNY who are interested in learning more about leadership and creating change on our campuses and broader communities.
What does leadership for social change look like? What does an inclusive CUNY look like? This FREE conference encompasses food, workshops, a resource fair, a keynote address, and most importantly, bringing together queer & trans students, faculty and staff, and allies. This conference is held at a new CUNY college every year. Reach out to your CUNY LGBTQI+ Council representatives for more information on this conference and how to get involved!
- (Medgar Evers College)
- (Bronx Community College)
- (College of Staten Island)
- (LaGuardia Community College)
- (John Jay College of Criminal Justice)
FAQs
Yes, CUNY students can request to join groups on other CUNY campuses. However, it is up to the discretion of that campus whether to permit.
Yes, CUNY students with their CUNY ID can visit another campus鈥� LGBTQI+ physical space.
If you have a question, concern, issue, or would like to request co-sponsorship on an event, see the contact section to find your CUNY campus staff/faculty representative on the CUNY LGBTQI+ Council. The Council plans to host a variety of events throughout the year – these will be featured on this website and in CUNY Communications.
CUNY policy allows you to update your chosen/preferred first and middle name as well as your gender at your discretion, without documentation. Unless noted, your chosen/preferred name will be displayed (with your legal last name) on CUNYfirst, Blackboard and course rosters. You can also update your student ID card, email address and Zoom display name. Read more about CUNY policies and procedures and how to update your information.
Students are able to use CUNYfirst self-service to select a preferred first and middle name. Follow the following steps:
- Go onto the CUNYfirst Webpage
- Log into your account
- Go to Student Center
- Scroll down to Personal Information and Click “Names” on the left hand side
- On that page you should be able to add a name and indicate that it is your preferred name.
Please note that this will only change your name on CUNYfirst, it is not a legal name change. After making this update, your preferred name will also be shown on class rosters and Blackboard.
CUNY students, staff, and faculty can update their gender identity information on CUNYfirst or through their campus鈥� Registrar鈥檚 Office (students only).
Find instructions on updating your gender identity information in the Update Your Gender section of this page.
For Students: Please be aware that changing your gender in CUNYfirst may cause a mismatch if you are a recipient of federal financial aid. You are advised to contact the financial aid office to discuss further. In addition, you are advised to contact the Social Security Administration, to prevent any problems with data mismatches between that agency鈥檚 records and the information on file with the U.S. Department of Education, which administers federal student aid programs. While CUNY does not require documentation of gender identity, there may be documentation requirements at these agencies. In addition, because gender is a shared field for students and employees in CUNYfirst, a change in gender for students who are also employees will automatically change their gender in their employee record.
CUNY policy states colleges must replace student identification cards to reflect a preferred name without cost to the student.
Please note that the CUNY LGBTQI+ Council is made up of a variety of staff and faculty that each have different reporting obligations depending on their job title. Due to this variety, there are Council members that are not confidential resources and may have an obligation to report Title IX violations. If you are considering reaching out to a campus representative regarding sexual misconduct, discrimination, and retaliation, we strongly suggest that you either ask your council representatives to provide campus-specific confidential and supportive resources or refer to the resources listed under LGBTQI+ Policies, Reporting, and Resources.
There are many ways to connect with LGBTQI+ students on your home campus and across CUNY! Visit your campus鈥� Student Life website or platform to search for LGBTQ+ student clubs or resource centers. If you have any questions about what your particular campus offers, you can reach out to your campus LGBTQI+ Council representative (see the Contact Us section). Sometimes, LGBTQI+ events offered on one CUNY campus may designate that they鈥檙e open to attendees from all CUNY campuses.
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Through the CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies (CUNY BA), students can receive an individualized degree specifically in LGBTQ Studies. Working closely with a mentor and drawing on the wide areas of faculty expertise in LGBTQ Studies across CUNY campuses, students can now develop an academic path that prepares them to contribute to LGBTQ progress in the world. Learn more about the program.
The LGBTQ courses page lists a sampling of some of the LGBTQ-inflected courses available across the CUNY campuses. Some are offered on a rotational basis. Please go to for current offerings and schedules.
Yes, your college can move forward without cooperation. Please note that it is very difficult to prove a case without a cooperative complainant. Please refer to the LGBTQ+ Policies, Reporting, and Resources section to view CUNY鈥檚 Policy on Sexual Misconduct and various confidential and supportive resources.
