Who We Are
Founded in 2017, LGBTQ Studies is a program at the center of Women's and Gender Studies. LGBTQ Studies works in conjunction with organizations including, the Gender Sexuality Center, PEFSA (Pride and Equity Faculty Staff Association), the President’s Advisory Committee on LGBTQ Initiatives, student LGBTQ groups, the Provost's Council on LGBTQ+ Access, Equity and Inclusion, and other campus/community partners. Our mission is to support teaching and learning about LGBTQ+ people and issues and to work towards a gender-inclusive and LGBTQ-friendly campus.
What We're Fundraising For
For queer and trans students, going away to college may be their first opportunity to live openly in their sexual and/or gender identities. Most of us did not grow up in queer families, so learning about the history, culture, science, and achievements of LGBTQ people is an important part of the coming-out process. The LGBTQ Studies Program is the academic home for this lifesaving teaching and learning.
When the COVID pandemic closed UT in March 2020, LGBTQ Studies pivoted to use our programming funds to support our students in need. We gave priority to students who could not return home for fear of violence, harassment, or having to hide who they are from their families. We are fundraising for our endowment so that we can support students with scholarship support in perpetuity, not just when there is a global emergency.
Your Impact
Gifts to the McKittrick Endowed Excellence Fund will be used to fund scholarships and programming for students in the LGBTQ Studies Program so that our students may achieve their full academic and leadership potential to make a significant impact on society. McKittrick Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need and other life circumstances, academic performance, leadership and community service, and the student's involvement in the LGBTQ Studies Program as a student or student worker. With these awards, we support our students in creating a more just, equitable and inclusive society.
