Mission
The mission of the Office for Gender and Sexual Diversity (OGSD) is to work with all members of Tulane University to foster a climate of respect, understanding and appreciation for diverse genders, sexualities, cultures, and histories; to encourage critical thinking about gender and sexuality; to provide support and leadership development for students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, asexual, allies, (LGBTIQA) and gender non-conforming (GNC); and, to ensure an open and affirming learning environment, free of homophobia, heterosexism, transphobia, sexism, and other forms of gender- and sex-based bias and discrimination. OGSD works closely with the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) to provide educational, social, and cultural opportunities that address the ways in which gender and sexuality intersect with race, ethnicity, class, nationality, dis/ability, and religious identifications.
Our Work
To accomplish our mission, we create a welcoming environment for all individuals who are interested in developing their understanding of gender and sexuality. We serve as a hub for social, cultural, academic, and intellectual resources. We provide mentorship, academic and career development, leadership opportunities, advising, advocacy and social justice trainings, a designated lounge and meeting space, social and cultural programming, critical dialogue and engagement, and internship opportunities.
We sponsor academic lectures, panels, and workshops on gender and sexuality-related issues. And, we provide campus-wide education, consultation, and workshops for faculty, staff and students. Past programs have focused on the role of sexuality in the Civil Rights movement; the criminalization and activism of people who identify as transgender; the history of LGBTIQA people in New Orleans; the relationship between LGBTIQA and asexual communities; and, the intersections of race and class with sexuality and gender.
We collaborate with administrators throughout the university to addresses issues of bias, harassment, and discrimination and to ensure that policies, facilities and programs are inclusive of gender and sexually diverse individuals. We work with community–based organizations, artists, and other universities in New Orleans to foster a citywide culture that respects and appreciates gender and sexual diversity. And, we conduct on-going campus climate assessments and evaluations of the Office and its services.
THE PUBLIC SPHERE 