LGBTQ+ Frequently Asked Questions
Are sexual orientation and gender identity included in MSUM’s non-discrimination policy?
Yes, Sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are included in the nondiscrimination policy. MSUM’s Nondiscrimination Policy
Does MSUM have a preferred name program?
Yes, it does. “Preferred name” refers to a name an individual chooses for themselves and is different from their legal. Referring to someone using the names and pronouns they most identify with is important to creating a safe and inclusive campus climate and community.
The ability to indicate a preferred first name can be helpful to any faculty, staff, or student who wishes to consistently go by a name other than their legal name. A preferred name request will take approximately 5 business days to be implemented. More information on preferred names
Is there a campus office for LGBTQ+ student services?
Yes, the Rainbow Dragon Center is located in Bridges 150 and is part of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The RDC provides an affirming, safe space for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA+), and allied community. It offers a welcoming space to study, relax or socialize and a resource section that includes free safer sex supplies, computers, and a library with books and magazines on LGBTQ+ topics.
All four of the ODI’s cultural and identity centers (Rainbow Dragon center, Women’s Center, American Indian Center, Intercultural Center) welcome LGBTQ+ students.
Is there an active LGBT student organization on campus?
Yes, SPECTRUM is the LGBTQ+ organization on campus for both undergraduate and graduate students. SPECTRUM meets each week in the Rainbow Dragon Center and puts on events throughout the academic year. SPECTRUM’s events and meeting times can be found on their Dragon Central page
What activities are sponsored on campus for LGBTQ+ students?
In addition to the events put on by our LGBTQ+ student organization, MSUM also hosts an annual Drag Show, and partners with NDSU, Concordia, and M State for Rainbow Prom and Lavender Graduation. Additionally, the Rainbow Dragon Center hosts events throughout the year.
Yes, the MSUM LGBTQ+ student organization provides a student version of the Safe Zone training program. This training is for anyone, whether they identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, and is aimed at educating people about the community and practical ways to create an affirming campus. Learn about LGBT+ terminology, using inclusive language, coming out, resources, and more!
In addition, MSUM provides two levels of Safe Zone training for faculty and staff. Level I takes place in the fall. Level II takes place in the spring. More information on Safe Zone training
Is there gender-inclusive housing on campus?
In addition to the Rainbow Dragon Learning Community, gender inclusive housing and bathrooms are available in West and South Snarr. These facilities allow for people of all gender identities and expressions to live in the same community together. Learn more about the Rainbow Dragon Learning Community
How can I find an LGBTQ+ or LGBTQ+ friendly roommate?
MSUM uses myHousing, a new comprehensive student housing solution. It includes online housing and learning community applications, online roommate and room self-selection, and roommate matching. Find out more at myHousing.
Does MSUM have Gender Neutral Restrooms?
Yes. While not all buildings have gender neutral restroom options, the majority do have single stall, gender neutral restrooms. MSUM is currently working to create more gender-inclusive restrooms for our students. A map of gender-neutral restrooms
Does MSUM offer scholarships for its LGBTQ+ students?
Yes, the Rainbow Scholarship is specifically for LGBTQ+ students. In order to be eligible, a student must: 1) identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and/or 2) demonstrate leadership or service to the LGBTQ+ community. Applicants are sought from individuals of diverse backgrounds, particularly those from traditionally underrepresented communities and demographic groups. This is a one-semester award, and a student must re-apply to be considered each semester.
Additional non-MSUM scholarships
Are LGBTQ+ sensitive counseling services available?
MSUM has two counseling centers that are located on campus. Currently, Hendrix Clinic and Counseling Center provides students free individual counseling. This service is free to all students. The Community Outreach Center is located in Lommen Hall and provides students and members of the community with free counseling services.
During the spring 2019 semester, the Community Outreach Center is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1pm - 7pm. The Fargo-Moorhead Community is also home to a number of mental health clinics and counseling services. The Village locations in both Fargo and Moorhead are home to LGBTQ+ affirming therapists. Additionally, Naomi Tabassum is an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist in private practice in the FM area.
Are LGBTQ+ faculty and staff easily identifiable?
Currently, MSUM is in the process of creating an Outlist that will include LGBTQ+ faculty and staff. Faculty and staff around campus who have completed MSUM’s Safe Zone training can also be identified by the Safe Zone stickers displayed on their office doors or windows
Are supportive faculty and staff easily identifiable?
A list of faculty and staff that have participated in Safe Zone training can be found at:
Is the community that MSUM is located in a safe and welcoming community for LGBTQ+ students?
Yes, the Fargo-Moorhead Community is welcoming of LGBTQ+ students. FM has an annual Pride festival that takes place each August. The event includes Pride in the Park, a Pride parade, a Drag Show, and a block party.
The FM area is also home to a number of LGBTQ+ organizations. In addition to the university organizations, the FM area is home to the Pride Collective, an LGBTQ+ community center, Tri-State Transgender, and the Red River Rainbow Seniors, to name a few organizations.
Are there religious churches/religious groups that are inviting of LGBTQ+ students?
On campus, there is Lutheran Campus Ministries, which welcomes all LGBTQ+ students. In the FM area, there are also a number of churches that are welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals, including St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Fargo and the First Presbyterian Church in Moorhead, both of which are home to openly gay pastors. Other welcoming places of worship include Faith Lutheran Church, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Children of the Living God, Unitarian Universalist Church of Fargo-Moorhead, and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.