LGBTQ+ Center

The Intercultural and Diversity Center celebrated Pride Week last week with a variety of activities and events, including the Pride March through North Campus in April 2022. Photographer: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki.

The LGBTQ+ Center is a welcoming and affirming space where students can connect, build community, and access support. Whether you're looking to get involved with LGBTQ+ student groups, find resources on and off campus, or simply meet others in a safe and inclusive environment, the Center is here for you.

We are committed to fostering a campus where all students — regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression — can thrive. Through educational programming, community-building events, and individual support, the LGBTQ+ Resource Center plays a vital role in promoting equity and inclusion at UB.

Come as you are and find your community.

Visit the LGBTQ+ Center

Hours

Monday–Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location

230 Student Union
North Campus

Contact

LGBTQ+ Center

Student Life

University at Buffalo
230 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-2339

Email: lgbtq-center@buffalo.edu

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LGBTQ+ Center Programming

Campus groups, as well as organizations from the broader Western New York community, set up informational tables in the Student Union in March 2023. Members of the UB community showed their support and commitment to the university's values of diversity and inclusion as a counterpoint to the appearance on campus by political commentator Michael Knowles. Photographer: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki.

Support and Resources

The LGBTQ+ Center provides all students with tailored support and the opportunity to connect with peers and student support professionals in a safe and affirming environment. 

Mosaic Meet-Up

A weekly gathering for LGBTQ+ folks and allies to come together, share stories, make friends, and celebrate the rich tapestry of identities that make our community unique. Once a month during Mosaic Meet-Up hours, the LGBTQ+ Center and UB Counseling Services will host Rainbow Hour, where all UB students are invited to join staff and peers for snacks, games, and conversation!

See Events Calendar
The Intercultural and Diversity Center celebrated Pride Week with a variety of activities and events, including the Pride March and Mixer through North Campus in April 2023. The mixer was held in the Student Union. Photographer: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki.
Students on an Alternative Spring Break program focused on LGBTQIA+ history and rights visit with UB Libraries’ Special Collections in Capen Hall in March 2024. The participants looked through a selection of queer publications from the Poetry Collection as well several publications of Fifth Freedom periodic newspapers. Photographer: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki.

Queeriosity

Each month, the LGBTQ+ Center hosts an interactive educational series centered on topics of interest as identified by students themselves.

See Events Calendar

Pride Week & Second Chance Prom

Every April UB celebrates our LGBTQ+ and ally community with a week of events all leading up to the Second Chance Prom.

The Intercultural and Diversity Center celebrated Pride Week with a variety of activities and events, including the Pride March through North Campus in April 2025. Participants walked along the Spine to Griener Hall and back to the Student Union. Photographer: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki.
Hosted by Intercultural and Diversity Center, The Lavender Reception, held May 2025 in Center for the Arts Drama Theatre. The ceremony welcomed graduating members and allies of the LGBTQ community, as well as their families, friends, faculty, staff and supporters. Photographer: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki.

Lavender Celebration

A commencement season tradition at UB since 2015, the Lavender Celebration each May recognizes the unique journey of LGBTQ+ students graduating from all academic areas.

More about the Lavender Celebration

LGBTQ+ Awareness Periods

This is a list of dates* that celebrate and bring awareness to identities and social issues related to the LGBTQ+ community, this includes the recognition of historical events that involved LGBTQ+ individuals.

Meet the Team

Gi Swords, Assistant Director

Gi Swords (they/them) has been working in education and human services for over 12 years. They hold a Master of Social Work degree from University at Buffalo and are a licensed social work practitioner in the state of New York. Prior to accepting the role Assistant Director of the LGBTQ+ Center, they served as the Director of Programs at GLYS WNY, Inc: Growing LGBTQ+ Youth Support. In their free time, Gi enjoys spending time with their partner and two pets, watching horror movies.

Yayi Dia, Graduate Assistant

Yayi Dia.

Yayi Dia is an MBA student at the University at Buffalo’s School of Management, concentrating in Marketing Management. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Finance from Claflin University, where she graduated early as a Presidential Scholar.

Currently serving as the Graduate Assistant for UB’s new LGBTQ+ Center—and formerly a Staff Assistant at UB’s Intercultural and Diversity Center—Yayi is deeply committed to advancing equity and inclusion. Her work focuses on empowering underrepresented and economically disadvantaged communities through business innovation, creative expression, and social impact.

Announcements

Upcoming Events

Weekly and monthly events and programming will be announced throughout the semester.

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