LGBTQ

Welcome to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Center!

The LGBTQ Center works to foster a safe inclusive environment for UNC-Chapel Hill community members of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

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Yesterday, by a margin of 61% to 39%, North Carolina voters approved a constitutional amendment that states:

Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State. This section does not prohibit a private party from entering into contracts with another private party; nor does this section prohibit courts from adjudicating the rights of private parties pursuant to such contracts.

Although North Carolinians aren't able to celebrate an historic defeat of this amendment, everyone can hold their heads high for the efforts to that end.

An unprecedented coalition came together to fight Amendment One. The Coalition to Protect NC Families was made up of over 130 member organizations, including the NAACP, Equality North Carolina, the North Carolina Council of Churches, the ACLU of North Carolina, SONG, the North Carolina Democratic Party, the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, over 400 faith leaders across the state and the theological spectrum, business leaders, students, and every day North Carolinians. UNC-Chapel Hill students, staff, and faculty were a huge part of the grassroots efforts of the Coalition as well as many other educational and interpersonal efforts.

While we know the emotional impacts of this outcome, we won't know all of the legal ramifications until the myriad, sure to come, court challenges are resolved. We urge everyone to notify the LGBTQ Center if you lose benefits because of this amendment's passage or if you are not able to access protections under the law because of this amendment. Part of our plan moving forward is to document all of these instances and work to remedy the negative impacts of this amendment for all of our campus and community members.

So this is not the end. It is a setback. But it is not the end. We know this because more than half of North Carolinians favor some kind of relationship recognition for same-sex couples, whether that is same-sex marriage or civil unions. We also know that in NC there is a multigenerational and multicultural support for full equality under the law. This support exists among diverse faith communities and political affiliations. We salute the efforts of all those who worked so hard over the past year. Keep the faith, stay engaged in the civic process, keep having courageous conversations and know that ultimately justice will prevail.

Report Harassment at UNC-CH

Complete the Incident Report Form if you have experienced threats, discrimination, or harassment due to your sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. If you need immediate assistance call the LGBTQ Center [919-843-5376], Office of the Dean of Students [919-966-4042] or Counseling and Wellness Services [919-966-3658]. For additional support, check out the Local Resource Guide and the National Resource Guide.

Support Hotlines

If you are struggling and feel alone, remember to reach out instead of giving up.

• The Trevor Project, a 24-hour, national help line for gay and questioning teens (866 4U TREVOR or thetrevorproject.org).
• GLBT National Youth Talkline—1-800-246-7743

Additionally, utilize these resources to support yourselves and your colleagues as you engage in the work of creating more just, inclusive, welcoming, and equitable campuses, communities, and world.