About Us

The award-winning LGBTQ Center was founded in 2006 to provide education and resources for the community with a commitment to advocacy, equity, respect and support for LGBTQ students, faculty, and staff. A beloved resource in Jacksonville, the Center is a respected partner for education and support programs, strategic initiatives, and consultation on LGBTQ issues at UNF, and in the Greater Jacksonville community.

At UNF, the LGBTQ Center contributes to student retention, success, and graduation through programs and services that create a sense of belonging and inclusion. Students who participate in Center programs leave UNF with a deeper understanding of, and confidence in, their own skills and gifts, an ability to effectively engage with people in a diverse society, and a commitment to serving the greater good. The Center also provides services that ensure faculty and staff are best equipped to work with LGBTQ students and other diverse populations through advising, consultation, and collaboration that pushes beyond best practice to innovative, courageous initiatives.

In the Greater Jacksonville community, the LGBTQ Center acknowledges the complexities and intersections of sexuality, race, gender, ability, age, socioeconomic status, and other identities. In partnership with non-profit and for profit organizations, the Center helps ensure that equity, diversity, and inclusion are advanced and widely supported through programming, training, community surveys, events resources, and more.

Fast Facts

• UNF is the only university in the state of Florida to be named as one of the Top 40 Best of the Best Colleges & Universities for LGBTQ+ students.
• 2021 Rainbow Award for Best Equality Organization in Jacksonville, CityXtra Magazine
• UNF is one of six university-based LGBTQ centers/offices in the state of Florida with a full-time staffed LGBTQ Center.
• The UNF non-discrimination policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. We were one of the first colleges in the city of Jacksonville to include both sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.
• The LGBTQ Center was established in 2006, thanks in large part to student activism and a campus climate survey. In 2009, the LGBTQ Center moved to a new space in the Student Union.
• In the Fall of 2015, gender inclusive housing launched to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive experience for all students. 
• In 2019, in collaboration with Housing and Residence Life, the Stonewall Living Learning Community was created.
• Gender-neutral restrooms are located in several buildings throughout campus including gender neutral locker rooms in the new Wellness Complex.
• UNF offers several academic courses that address gender and sexuality and has out LGBTQ and ally faculty and staff in departments throughout the university.
• Trained over 550 people from businesses and organizations throughout the U.S.A. on LGBTQ issues.
• Safe Space training for the entire UNF Athletics Department.
• Created a food pantry to help diminish food insecurities in Jacksonville.

Watch us in action

Check out these videos of our past and present staff members helping to spread Osprey Pride!

• LGBTQ Center Virtual Tour
• Lavender Graduation
• You Can Play Project
• Swoop Scoop Webinar
• Golf Cart Karaoke