UAB Named Best College For LGBTQ Students In Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Alabama has never been known for liberal views politically, and lags behind most states when it comes to LGBTQ acceptance and tolerance. However, one of the state's universities seems to have taken steps to become more LGBTQ-friendly.

According to the organizations BestColleges and Campus Pride, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is the best college for LGBTQ students in Alabama.

UAB "provides an inclusive and educational environment where they can get their degree without compromising on their location," according to BestColleges.

The recognition cited UAB’s efforts, including:

• LGBTQ+ students at UAB have access to the institution’s resource center and student affairs office, which provide numerous resources for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Student counseling services welcome learners of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and UAB runs an LGBTQ+ mental health and wellness clinic that offers outpatient psychopharmacology and therapy.
• Safe zone peer educators provide education and training on gender and sexuality, welcoming LGBTQ+ students and allies.

"We are honored to be recognized as a safe space for LGBTQ+ students to learn, live and grow as they pursue their hopes and dreams," said Dr. Paulette Patterson Dilworth, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. "We want all students to know that UAB supports them and will continue to work to make the university an inclusive living and learning environment."

The university boasts multiple support and affinity organizations for LGBTQ students, gender-inclusive restrooms in campus housing and a simple process for students to change their name on university records and documents.