Below you will finds answers to frequently asked questions regarding the Marshall University LGBTQ+ Office and questions we often hear in the community.
General FAQs about the LGBTQ+ Office
Q. Do I have to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender to take advantage of the resources and programming?
A. No. The LGBTQ+ Office serves as a resource center for the entire campus community. Our events, unless otherwise stated, are open to students, faculty, staff, and the community regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Q. Will people think that I am LGBTQ if I go into the LGBTQ+ Office?
A. As a campus resource center, we work with a large number of people – many of whom are not LGBT. It is not uncommon to find undergraduate and graduate students searching for resource material in the LGBTO, or straight allied members of the campus community stopping in to talk. Our volunteers and staff are also trained to make no assumptions on sexual orientation or gender identity, and the office maintains the confidentiality of its visitors.
Q. Why is the LGBTQ Website not updated more often?
A. We try to update the LGBTO website as much as possible. However, with software and access restrictions it is a particularly laborious process so we generally do two major updates each semester. We try to check our links regularly and make sure information on the site is current. Thank you for your patience!
Q. Do I have to participate in Office Activities if I go in the Office?
A. No! While you are welcome to participate in any events or activities we are hosting, you are not obligated to participate or be there. The office is a safe space to come and hang out, do homework, watch TV, socialize (if you want), and just have a nice time.
FAQ often heard in the Community
Q. What honorific, title, or abbreviation do I use if someone is non-binary, or I do not know their pronouns?
A. If someone is non-binary and uses gender neutral pronouns, or you do not know their pronouns, try using another title they have. For example, if they are a Doctor, or have a doctorate, use the honorific “Dr.” and their preferred last name. If the person is just a professor, though you’re not sure they have a doctorate, try saying “Professor *insert last name*” to address them. If the person is neither a professor or a doctor, use the gender neutral honorific “Mx.” (pronounced “mix”). This honorific was created by the non-binary community for those who prefer to be addressed with gender neutrality. It is new and can take some getting used to, but the effort is well worth it to address others with well respect to their identity.
Q. Do I have to be a boy to use “He/Him” pronouns? Do I have to be a girl to use “She/ Her” pronouns? Do I have to be non-binary to use neo-pronouns or gender-neutral pronouns?
A. Long answer short, NO! Pronouns do not equal gender, just as gender does not equal pronouns. You can use whatever pronouns make you feel the most comfortable and happy in your own identity. You can identify your gender as a man, but use “they/them” pronouns; You can identify as a woman but use “She/they”; You can identify as non-binary and use “They/he” pronouns; You can use whatever pronouns make your heart feel fulfilled! The world is a vast place with many different identities and pronouns, and each person is different, so don’t hesitate to be yourself!
I have a question but it’s not listed here. Where can I get answers?
Submit questions in any of these ways:
- In person (MSC BW14 anytime between 9am-5pm, M-F)
- Call us at 304-696-6623 (anytime between 9am-5pm, M-F)
- Send us an email at polk4@marshall.edu