wrote a little guide for you on how to actually build LGBTQ+ community at college (or in other places, too)!
say you've picked the right school, you know all the right things to ask on a college tour...how do you actually build community once you're there/where should you look? what does "finding your people" even look like?
we made a list (sourced from our own It Gets Better community, like you all!) of 10 places and spaces to start:
• group chats and social platforms
This is where community often starts before you even realize it. A Discord, a GroupMe, a campus Reddit thread, an Instagram account that posts events, or a small “queer students here?” post that turns into real plans.
• the local “third places” in town
Many college towns have gathering spots: a coffee shop with a community board, a bookstore that hosts readings, a little arts venue, a student-friendly diner, a record store, a community garden. These places matter because they’re low-pressure and recurring. You can show up, become a familiar face, and let connection happen naturally.
• local LGBTQ+ nonprofits and community organizations
If you want community that extends beyond campus, this is where it lives. Local orgs can also be where you find mentors, volunteer opportunities, internships, and events that aren’t tied to the academic calendar.
• campus events that aren’t labeled “LGBTQ+"
Some of the best queer community happens in the open. Open mics. Film screenings. Poetry nights. Cultural celebrations. Guest speakers. Student performances. If you’re new, showing up to an event with a purpose is often easier than walking into a club meeting and hoping it clicks.
• identity-based resource spaces beyond the LGBTQ+ center
Multicultural centers, disability services, international student offices, first-gen programs, and faith/spiritual life spaces often become real community anchors for queer students, especially for students living at multiple intersections. These offices frequently host events, dinners, and discussion groups that make it easier to find people who get you without a long explanation.
• a professor’s office hours
A supportive professor, a class that finally includes queer lives, or a department where LGBTQ+ students are visible can become a steady source of belonging. Office hours can lead to mentorship, research opportunities, and connections that shape your entire college experience.
• residence life and the people right around you
Sometimes queer community starts in the most ordinary way: a roommate who’s kind, a neighbor who invites you to dinner, an RA who sets a respectful tone, a floor that becomes a little chosen family. You don’t need a formal label for community to be real. You just need people who treat you like you belong.
• “queer-coded” clubs that aren’t officially queer
Sometimes the queer students are all in the same places, even if the club isn’t branded that way. Try campus radio, theater, student newspaper, gaming groups, the art studio, or outdoor clubs. Shared interests are often the easiest doorway into shared community.
• student-led LGBTQ+ groups
A lot of campuses have a GSA or queer student union, but the best versions of these spaces feel active, visible, and student-owned. Look for groups that meet regularly, host events, collaborate with other orgs, and make it easy for new people to join without feeling like they missed the first chapter.
• LGBTQ+ centers and designated queer spaces
If your campus has an LGBTQ+ center or a designated queer space, it’s often the most straightforward “start here” option. These spaces tend to be built for both connection and comfort: somewhere to study, hang out, ask questions, and find out what’s happening. They often host events and help you plug into the wider network of LGBTQ life on campus.
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• questions lgbtq+ students should ask on a college tour here
• experiences lgbtq+ students should seek out at college here
• and some more here from our partnership with Antioch College, known as one of the "queerest" colleges in the country!
