LGBTQIA+ Community & Resources
At Mary Baldwin, you’ll find a welcoming and inclusive LGBTQIA+ community that offers a variety of resources to support you. From mentorship to advocacy, we’re committed to fostering a safe, empowering environment where you can connect, grow, and fully express yourself.
Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
The GSA is a student-run campus club. The GSA provides a safe, accepting, and confidential meeting place for LGBTQIA+ students.
The club provides a balance of educational, community, and social meetings and events for the LGBTQIA+ community on campus.
Questions? Contact Dr. Paige Reed at pmreed@marybaldwin.edu
Historically, LGBTQ+ people have been marginalized, their voices silenced, and their presence hidden. Having this space and a dedicated person to support this work sends a strong message: our campus values and supports LGBTQ+ students.
Dr. Paige ReedLGBTQ+ Resources Coordinator, Program Director and Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Community & Events
Lavender Lounge
A welcoming hub for LGBTQ+ students and allies, Mary Baldwin University’s Lavender Lounge fosters community, connection, and inclusivity while providing a safe space for relaxation, support, and meaningful programming.
The Lavender Lounge is located below Miller Chapel in Wenger Hall.
Pride Month in April
Pride Month at Mary Baldwin University celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with events, workshops, and activities that promote inclusivity and social justice. This celebration often features educational panels, community-building events, and discussions on important LGBTQ+ issues, emphasizing both celebration and advocacy for equality.
Lavender Graduation Ceremony
Each year, the Lavender Graduation celebrates LGBTQIA+ graduating students. It’s a time to celebrate individual achievements while fostering a greater sense of pride and empowerment for the community.
Local Resources
The Staunton community is home to great organizations dedicated to supporting, connecting, and celebrating LGBTQIA+ individuals, several within walking distance of campus.
The Shenandoah LGBTQ Center hosts peer-to-peer support groups and life skills classes to address the mental and physical health, job readiness, and resiliency of LGBTQIA+ people of all ages.
The Arrow Project is made up of a group of hardworking professionals and volunteers that strive to bring mental health awareness and support to the region
The Staunton Downtown Development Association also has an initiative called “Be Yourself” to encourage all individuals to bring their whole selves to downtown Staunton. Look for the “Be Yourself” rainbow umbrellas when you’re out and about!
The for LGBTQ+ people and aspiring allies of all ages, racial and ethnic identities in Harrisonburg and surrounding counties that will empower them with the resources, education, and community necessary to thrive as equal, healthy, supported, essential members of our society.
We’re excited to be partnering with oSTEM, the largest network of Queer students and professionals within the STEM fields!
Safe Zone is a national initiative to visibly identify faculty, staff, and students who support the LGBTQIA+ community. Individuals displaying the Safe Zone decal vow to be respectful listeners, provide a safe, friendly, non-judgmental space, maintain confidentiality, and refer others to resources.
Questions? Contact safezonehouse@marybaldwin.edu
In the News
FAQs
At MBU, there are two ways to update your display name.
- A legal name change will update your name across all systems, from Financial Aid to classroom rosters to your student ID.
- For those who have not or cannot legally change their name, we use the “Preferred Name” module in our student records database.
How do I update my “Preferred Name”?
Email the registrar with AT MINIMUM your last name and Student ID Number. Format the email as follows:
Subject Line: Updating Preferred Name Module
Body:
Hello,
Please update the Preferred Name Module to reflect my chosen name.
Name: LAST, First,
Preferred Name: First
ID: #########.
Thank you,
Name (Pronouns)
Send your request to registrar@marybaldwin.edu
Where will my preferred name show up?
- Canvas LMS
- Student ID
- Residence Life and Housing
- Dining Services
- CampusGroups
- What are the exceptions?
- Financial Aid
- Official transcripts
Yes! There are a number of all-gender bathrooms located throughout campus.
| Local & State Resources | National Resources |
| Shenandoah LGBTQ Center | PFLAG |
| Friendly City Safe Space | Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386) |
| AGLA (northern VA) | Planned Parenthood |
| Planned Parenthood (Charlottesville) | |
| UVA Gender Health Services | |
| Equality Virginia |
Contact Us
Dr. Paige Reed
LGBTQ+ Resources Coordinator
Program Director & Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Email: pmreed@marybaldwin.edu