The LGBTQ+ Studies program focuses on the experiences, cultures, and stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, and all those who identify as LGBTQ+.
Some of the topics examined are the struggle for equality among members of the LGBTQ+ community, concepts of sexual and gender identity, and how LGBTQ+ individuals have been regarded throughout history – in society at large, in families, the workplace, educational settings, religious institutions, popular culture, and other contexts.
Why LGBTQ+ Studies?
A minor in LGBTQ+ studies complements majors in a variety of areas, including business, comparative literature, education, English, health professions, history, journalism, psychology, sociology, classics, political science, religion, and more. This area of study may benefit students who plan to go on to graduate school to earn advanced degrees in business, counseling, education, law, psychology, and the humanities.
More about the minor
This interdisciplinary program in LGBTQ+ studies draws on the strengths of departments throughout the University. You will receive advisement from a network of faculty mentors, so the courses you take are suited to your personal, professional, and academic interests.
The curriculum
Students learn about the social, economic, political, intellectual, and cultural contributions of LGBTQ+ people of the past and present. They also develop an understanding of how sexual identity and gender identity combine with nationality, race and ethnicity, religion, social class, and physical ability to shape the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. Students will acquire an understanding of LGBTQ+ history and experiences and learn about developments in queer theory and its value as an interpretive lens for viewing the world.
Resources
Scholarships
LGBTQ+ Activism Scholarship
The intent of this scholarship is to promote activism in support of the LGBTQ+ community. This scholarship is open to any applicant, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who has a demonstrable record or strong potential in support of LGBTQ+ activism. Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic ability and experience promoting activism in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Bettina D. Hindin '82 Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a student(s) studying elementary or secondary education, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, selected based on academic achievement or potential and/or financial need. The recipient will have demonstrated commitment to the activism and advocacy on behalf of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Jill M. Rabin Endowed Scholarship in Memory of Audrey Lee Kurland
This scholarship is awarded to deserving pre-med students selected based on academic achievement or potential and/or financial need and who have a demonstrated commitment to the activism and advocacy on behalf of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Mildred Elizabeth McGinnis Endowed Scholarship
The Mildred Elizabeth McGinnis Endowed Scholarship was established to assist LGBTQ+ students in the humanities. The scholarship will be awarded based on demonstrated economic need to an undergraduate LGBTQ+ student majoring in any humanities discipline with at least a 3.0 GPA.
Robert P. Sulcer Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to deserving first-year English majors who are selected based on academic achievement or potential and/or financial need and have a demonstrated commitment to the activism and advocacy on behalf of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Steven Salbu Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a deserving student selected based on academic achievement or potential and/or financial need. The recipient will have a demonstrated commitment to activism and advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.
Mentors
An extensive network of faculty across Hofstra University’s colleges and schools serves as LGBTQ+ mentors, available to advise students on academic matters and to offer guidance and support throughout their time at Hofstra.
Robert P. Sulcer, Jr., Memorial Library
The Robert P. Sulcer, Jr., Memorial Library is an extensive collection of works on classical and English literature, literary theory, and gender and sexuality. Over the years the collection has grown to about 1,900 volumes, of which about 150 comprise the gender and sexuality collection, including many central texts in LGBTQ+ studies. The Sulcer Memorial Library is available as a scholarly resource for minors in LGBTQ+ Studies.
Student Name Policy
Supporting Hofstra’s commitment to inclusion and recognizing that students may prefer to identify themselves by a name other than their legal name, Hofstra has instituted the Student Name Policy. This policy allows students to use a preferred name on select Hofstra communications and platforms, and to be referred to by University employees. This came as a result from the LGBTQ+ Taskforce and is supported University-wide. We encourage everyone to read the policy and reach out to Gillian Atkinson, associate director of Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion (IEI@hofstra.edu) or Allison Vernace, Title IX officer for Student Issues (StudentTitleIX@hofstra.edu), for more information.