Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion : LGBTQIA+
E. H. Butler Library information on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion initiatives, including links to research, local, and national information.
Using the correct pronoun is one of the easiest ways to acknowledge and respect someone's identity. Learn more about what pronouns are, why they matter, and how to use them.
A pronoun is a word that refers to either the people talking (I or you) or someone or something that is being talked about (like she, it, them, and this). Gender pronouns (he/she/they/ze etc.) specifically refer to people that you are talking about.
She/her/hers and he/him/his are a few commonly used pronouns. Some people call these “female/feminine” and “male/masculine” pronouns, but many avoid these labels because not everyone who uses he feels like a “male” or “masculine.”
There are also lots of gender-neutral pronouns in use. Here are a few you might hear:
Never refer to a person as “it” or “he-she”. These are offensive slurs used against trans and gender non-conforming individuals.
You can’t always know what someone’s pronouns are by looking at them. Asking and correctly using someone’s pronouns is one of the most basic ways to show your respect for their gender identity.
When someone is referred to with the wrong pronoun, it can make them feel disrespected, invalidated, dismissed, alienated, or dysphoric (often all of the above). It is a privilege to not have to worry about which pronoun someone is going to use for you based on how they perceive your gender. If you have this privilege, yet fail to respect someone else’s gender identity, it is not only disrespectful and hurtful, but also oppressive.
It’s okay! Everyone slips up from time to time. The best thing to do if you use the wrong pronoun for someone is to say something right away, like “Sorry, I meant (insert pronoun)”.
If you realize your mistake after the fact, apologize in private and move on.
A lot of the time it can be tempting to go on and on about how bad you feel that you messed up or how hard it is for you to get it right. Please don’t! It is inappropriate and makes the person who was misgendered feel awkward and responsible for comforting you, which is absolutely not their job.
Taking an active role in your classes, you may hear one of your peers or students using the wrong pronoun for someone. In most cases, it is appropriate to gently correct them without further embarrassing the individual who has been misgendered. This means saying something like “Alex uses the pronoun she,” and then moving on. If other students or faculty are consistently using the wrong pronouns for someone, do not ignore it! It is important to let your student know that you are their ally.
It may be appropriate to approach them and say something like “I noticed that you were getting referred to with the wrong pronoun earlier, and I know that that can be really hurtful. Would you be okay with me taking them aside and reminding them about your pronouns?” Follow up if necessary, but take your cues from the comfort level of your student. Your actions will be greatly appreciated.
This guide was adapted from "Gender Pronouns" by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Plus (LGBTQ+) Resource Center, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
A Positive View of LGBTQ by
A Positive View of LGBTQ starts a new conversation about the strengths and benefits of LGBTQ identities. The authors discuss eight life-enriching themes including living authentically; increasing self-awareness and compassion; creating flexible gender rules and supportive relationships; being positive role models; working for social justice; and belonging in LGBTQ communities.
The Gay Revolution by
Based on rigorous research and more than 150 interviews, The Gay Revolution tells this unfinished story not through dry facts but through dramatic accounts of passionate struggles, with all the sweep, depth and intricacies only an award-winning activist, scholar and novelist like Lillian Faderman can evoke. A defining account, this is the most complete and authoritative book of its kind.
The Economic Case for LGBT Equality by
Economist M. V. Lee Badgett argues that in addition to moral and human rights reasons for equality, we can now also make a financial argument. Finding that homophobia and transphobia cost 1% or more of a country's GDP, Badgett expertly uses recent research and statistics to analyze how these hostile anti-LGBT practices and environments affect both the US and global economies.
Nonbinary Gender Identities by
Nonbinary gender identities are those that fall outside the traditional binary of "man" and "woman." These include genderfluid, androgynous, genderqueer, and a multitude of other identity terms, some of which overlap. This timely resource--the first reference on nonbinary gender identities--offers an accessible entry into researching this topic. Written by a nonbinary scholar and librarian, this guide includes valuable appendixes that will aid every researcher and writer.
The Queer and Transgender Resilience Workbook by
Resilience is a key ingredient for psychological health and wellness. Packed with evidence-based activities and exercises, The Queer and Transgender Resilience Workbook makes years of research on resilience accessible to queer and transgender adults. This book teaches readers to challenge internalized negative messages, handle stress, embrace who they are, remove obstacles from their life, and ultimately build a life that matters in a world still filled with micro-aggressions and discrimination.
Real Queer America: LGBT Stories from Red States by
A transgender reporter's narrative tour through the surprisingly vibrant queer communities sprouting up in red states, offering a vision of a stronger, more humane America. Capturing profound cultural shifts underway in unexpected places and revealing a national network of chosen family fighting for a better world, Real Queer America is a treasure trove of uplifting stories and a much-needed source of hope and inspiration in these divided times.
Finding Out: An Introduction to LGBTQ Studies by
An accessible and riveting introduction to LGBTQ (lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-queer) studies. Designed as a combination of introductory text and reader, Finding Out helps students understand the growth and development of LGBTQ identities and the interdisciplinary nature of sexuality studies. The book combines comprehensive introductory and explanatory material with primary source readings. This easy-to-follow text offers an in-depth examination of LGBTQ culture and society.
Love Wins by
The fascinating and very moving story of the lovers, lawyers, judges and activists behind the groundbreaking Supreme Court case that led to one of the most important, national civil rights victories in decades--the legalization of same-sex marriage in June 2015. Through insider accounts and access to key players, this definitive account reveals the dramatic and previously unreported events behind Obergefell v Hodges and the lives at its center.
The Lesbian South by
Jaime Harker uncovers a largely forgotten literary renaissance in southern letters. Anchored by southern women, the Women in Print movement grew from the queer union of women's liberation, civil rights activism, gay liberation, and print culture, creating a network of writers, publishers, bookstores, and readers that fostered a remarkable array of literature. Southern lesbian feminists remade southernness as a site of intersectional radicalism, transgressive sexuality, and liberatory space.
The Right Side of History: 100 years of revolutionary LGBTQI activism by
The Right Side of History tells the 100-year history of queer activism in a series of revealing close-ups, first-person accounts, and intimate snapshots of LGBT pioneers and radicals. The book shows how LGBT folk have always been in the forefront of progressive social evolution in the United States. It references heroes like Eleanor Roosevelt, Bayard Rustin, and Harvey Milk. Equally, the book honors names that aren't in history books.
Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Simple Issue by
Written by a social worker, popular educator, and member of the transgender community, this well-rounded resource combines an accessible portrait of transgender people with a rich history of transgender life and unique experiences of discrimination. Each chapter explains how transgender individuals handle their gender identity, how others view it within the context of non-transgender society, and how the transitioning of genders is made possible.
Questioning Gender: A Sociological Exploration by
Robyn Ryle uses both historical and cross-cultural approaches--as well as a focus on intersectionality and transgender issues--to help students understand the socially constructed nature of gender. Debunking ideas of what is normal and abnormal, this provocative book explores the core theories and topics of the course, including the gender of sexuality, the gender of friendship and dating, the gender of media and popular culture, and the gender of politics and power.
Queer (In)Justice: The Criminalization of LGBT People in the United States by
Drawing on years of research, activism, and legal advocacy, Queer (In)Justice is a searing examination of queer experiences in the criminal legal system - as "suspects," defendants, prisoners, and survivors of crime. The authors unpack queer criminal archetypes to illustrate the punishment of queer expression, regardless of whether a crime was ever committed. The authors prove that the policing of sex and gender both bolsters and reinforces racial and gender inequalities.
Be Who You Are by
Nick was born in a boy's body, but has always felt like a girl inside. Nick's family supports him when he says he no longer wants to be called a boy or dress like a boy. Nick's parents find a group for families like theirs. With their support, Nick expresses a desire to be addressed as "she", and then to be named "Hope." Based on the author's experiences with her children.
Jacob's New Dress by
Jacob loves playing dress-up, when he can be anything he wants to be. Some kids at school say he can't wear "girl" clothes, but Jacob wants to wear a dress to school. Can he convince his parents to let him wear what he wants? This heartwarming story speaks to the unique challenges faced by boys who don't identify with traditional gender roles.
I Am Jazz by
From when she was two years old, Jazz knew that she had a girl's brain in a boy's body. She loved pink and dressing up as a mermaid and didn't feel like herself in boys' clothing. This confused her family, until they took her to a doctor who said that Jazz was transgender and that she was born this way. Jazz's story is based on her real-life experience and she tells it in a simple, clear way that will be appreciated by picture book readers, their parents, and teachers.
Trans Bodies, Trans Selves: A Resource for the Transgender Community by
Trans Bodies, Trans Selves is a comprehensive, reader-friendly guide for transgender people, with each chapter written by transgender or genderqueer authors. Inspired by Our Bodies, Ourselves, the classic and powerful compendium written for and by women, Trans Bodies,Trans Selves is widely accessible to the transgender population, providing authoritative information in an inclusive and respectful way and representing the collective knowledge base of dozens of influential experts.
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In short, because everyone deserves the right to use the restroom without fear of discrimination, harassment, or violence. Many transgender and gender nonconforming people face deep discomfort, discrimination, harassment, or even violence simply for using the restroom. Most restrooms are exclusive to "Men" and "Women" leaving members of our community without a safe space to use the restroom. Providing gender inclusive restrooms that are available to anyone regardless of gender identity or expression allows everyone to use the restroom in safety and peace. Parents or caregivers of a different gender also benefit from gender inclusive restrooms.
Simply, a restroom that is open to all genders rather than gender-specific (e.g. Men or Women).
Currently, all of Buffalo State's gender inclusive restrooms are single-stall, locking restrooms. Signage for these restrooms does not always indicate that they are single-stall or gender inclusive. Restrooms will use either "Unisex" or "Family" signage.
For a listing of gender neutral restrooms available beyond Buffalo State, check out REFUGE Restrooms.
| Alumni & Visitor Center | 207 & 208 |
| Bacon Hall | 311 |
| Buckham Hall B Wing | B203* & B204* |
| Bulger Communication Center | 107* & 149 |
| Burchfield Penney Art Center | 132 |
| E. H. Butler Library | 136* & 137* |
| Campbell Student Union | 308A* |
| Caudell Hall | 128* |
| Houston Gym | 222* |
| Science & Mathematics Complex | 00A* |
| South Wing | 108*, 133, 135, 320D |
| Technology Building | 156* |
| Upton Hall | 137E*, 218*, 313* |
| Weigel Health Center | 101A, 101C, & 202 |
*Denotes accessible restrooms
