George Mason University is deeply and actively committed to the LGBTQ+ community. We pride ourselves on being inclusive of everyone, inclusive of gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. Mason was the first university in the Commonwealth to have an LGBTQ+ Center operated by more than one full-time staff member. We are proud to have inclusive policies related to on-campus housing, restroom usage and signage, and name and pronoun use. Even in spaces where inclusion is not always a priority, Mason leads the Commonwealth and country. Mason holds a perfect score on the Athletic Equality Index, which measures policies and practices regarding college athletics and student-athletes. We are passionate for students to live as their full, authentic selves no matter if they are living or studying on campus. From senior administrators to student leaders, there is a meaningful, real understanding and commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. While there will always be gaps and adjustments to make, Mason has a long-standing history and future in centering the experiences and vibrancy of the LGBTQ+ community. We do the work. It's Mason Time!
Colleges & Universities
The Campus Pride Index is an overall indicator of institutional commitment to LGBTQ-inclusive policy, program and practice. How is this calculated?
| Region: South | |
| City/State: Fairfax, VA | |
| Locale: Small City (25,000 to 100,000) | |
| Student Population (FTE): 39,150 | |
| In-State Tuition: $13,401.00 | |
| Out-of-State Tuition: $38,983.00 | |
| Institution Website: http://www.gmu.edu |
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Institution Type: |
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| Doctoral/Research University Public/State University Residential Campus |
LGBTQ Student Opportunities
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Colleges and universities want LGBTQ students, faculty and staff to be out and proud as part of the diversity of the campus community. The Campus Pride Index provides campuses the opportunity to come out as LGBTQ-friendly and take responsibility for continually improving their LGBTQ campus climate.
The Campus Pride Index features LGBTQ student opportunities by highlighting the positive work within higher education across the country. Prospective students and families may choose the best LGBTQ campuses searching the tool based on area of study, cost, location, type of campus and LGBTQ-inclusive policy, programs and practice for their college search.
Reminder: Learn more by signing-up for FREE to participate in Campus Pride's LGBTQ-friendly National College Fair Program in eight different cities and the Campus Pride National Online College Fair.
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Commitment to LGBTQ Issues
Our Synopsis
George Mason University has many LGBTQ+ specific offerings in programs, events, and community-building activities. The LGBTQ+ Resources Center has been a part of our campus since 2002, providing campus-wide allyship workshops, student leadership programs, mentoring programs, and physical space, with a clothing resource for trans and non-binary students. We have a continuously growing LGBTQ+ Learning Community for residential students, one of the largest in the country (for both first-year and upper-division students), along with a comprehensive Gender Inclusive Housing Policy for those living outside the Learning Community. Mason hosts university-wide events that are officially supported; such as the Pride Game (an NCAA game, co-sponsored by Mason Athletics) and Drag Condom Bingo (an annual tradition as part of Welcome 2 Mason, sponsored by Student Involvement and the Patriot Activities Council).
Featured Quotes
Why you'll love George Mason University
"I've found that my experience as an LGBTQ student at Mason has been nothing but a positive experience. The diversity and inclusion that Mason provides throughout its student body and faculty in general adds to my experience, but after finding the LGBTQ+ Resources Center, I can say that I feel much more comfortable in my own skin here."
— K, 18, first-year student, queer cis woman, South Asian
“The main value this space has had to me is as a little sanctuary and social zone. I’ve been able to meet people here and spend time with them and talk about things. It feels like a really nice space to relax before and after class.”
— R, 21, senior, Trans woman
“This place has allowed me to understand myself more. Being able to learn what my style is through trying on donated clothes has been tremendously helpful. This place has definitely helped me in my transition as a trans woman.”
— K, 18, first-year student, Trans woman, White
“The Center is definitely a safe space. I find this place to be where I’ve met other queers. It’s a nice hub and it’s always welcoming.”
— S, 20, Senior, Genderfluid, Black
Highlights & Organizations
Upcoming events
6/3/2023
Fairfax Pride
8/23/2023
Lavender Orientation
10/2/2023
LGBTQ+ History Month Kickoff
4/30/2024
Pride Week Drag Show
4/23/2024
Lavender & Women and Gender Studies Graduation
Admissions
Admissions Office
George Mason University Admissions Office
Office of Admissions
George Mason University
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-993-1000
Website: https://www.gmu.edu/admissions-aid
Admission Application Deadline:
First-Year Nov 1, Feb 1
Overall Campus Pride Index Score
The Campus Pride Index has a strong theoretical research foundation in LGBTQ current programs, practices and policies for safer, more inclusive campus learning environments. The index tool has been tested extensively since 2001 and recently updated with new, higher LGBTQ national benchmarks in 2015.
The Campus Pride Index is a vital tool for assisting campuses in learning ways to improve their LGBTQ campus life and ultimately shape the educational experience to be more inclusive, welcoming and respectful of LGBTQ and ally people. The index is owned and operated by Campus Pride, the leading national nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create safer, more LGBTQ-Friendly learning environments at colleges and universities. Campus Pride commends the campuses participating in the index and their willingness to come out, be visible and actively advocate for improving higher education for LGBTQ people.
Note: Prospective students and families are strongly encouraged to research current state laws for any college/university you are considering. The Campus Pride Index is updated annually and only measures current campus policies, programs and practices. Find information about state laws targeting the LGBTQ+ population on the Movement Advancement Project’s Equality Maps at lgbtmap.org/equality-maps.
George Mason University
LGBTQ-friendly break-down by inclusion factors
| Sexual Orientation Score | 5 of 5 |
| Gender Identity/Expression Score | 5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Policy Inclusion | 4.5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Support & Institutional Commitment | 5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Academic Life | 5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Student Life | 4.5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Housing & Residence Life | 5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Campus Safety | 5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Counseling & Health | 5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Recruitment & Retention Efforts | 4 of 5 |
| Sections greyed out mean the campus does not offer those services | |
LGBTQ-Friendly Report Card
LGBTQ Policy Inclusion
| Non-discrimination statement inclusive of sexual orientation | |
| Non-discrimination statement inclusive of gender identity/expression | |
| Health insurance coverage to employees’ same sex partner | |
| Accessible, simple process for students to change their name on university records and documents | |
| Accessible, simple process for students to change their gender identity on university records and documents | |
| Students have option to self-identify sexual orientation on admission application or post enrollment forms | |
| Students have option to self-identify gender identity/expression on admission application or post enrollment forms |
LGBTQ Support & Institutional Commitment
| Resource center/office with responsibilities for LGBTQ students | |
| Paid staff with responsibilities for LGBTQ support services | |
| Ally program or Safe Space/Safe Zone | |
| Actively seek to employ diversity of faculty & staff including visible, out LGBTQ people | |
| Standing advisory committee that deals with LGBTQ issues | |
| LGBTQ alumni group |
LGBTQ Academic Life
| LGBTQ studies program | |
| LGBTQ specific course offerings | |
| Actively recruit faculty for LGBTQ-related academic scholarship | |
| New faculty/staff training opportunities on sexual orientation issues | |
| New faculty/staff training opportunities on gender identity issues | |
| LGBTQ faculty/staff organization |
LGBTQ Student Life
| LGBTQ & Ally student organization | |
| LGBTQ & Ally graduate student organization | |
| LGBTQ social fraternity/sorority | |
| Regularly plans LGBTQ social activities | |
| Regularly plans educational events on transgender issues | |
| Regularly offers educational events surrounding intersectionality of identities for LGBTQ people | |
| LGBTQ-inclusive career services |
LGBTQ Housing & Residence Life
| LGBTQ living space, theme floors and/or living-learning community | |
| Roommate matching for LGBTQ students to find LGBTQ-friendly roommate | |
| Gender-inclusive housing for new students | |
| Gender-inclusive housing for returning students | |
| Gender-inclusive/single occupancy restroom facilities in campus housing | |
| Gender-inclusive/single occupancy shower facilities in campus housing | |
| Trains residence life and housing staff at all levels on LGBTQ issues and concerns |
LGBTQ Campus Safety
| Procedure for reporting LGBTQ related bias incidents and hate crimes | |
| Active ongoing training for hate crime prevention | |
| Active outreach to LGBTQ students and student organization | |
| Trains campus police on sexual orientation issues | |
| Trains campus police on gender identity/expression issues | |
| Supports victims of LGBTQ sexual violence and partner violence |
LGBTQ Counseling & Health
| LGBTQ counseling/support groups | |
| Trans-inclusive trained counseling staff | |
| Free, anonymous and accessible HIV/STI testing | |
| LGBTQ-inclusive health information and safer sex materials available | |
| Trans-inclusive student health insurance policy which covers ongoing counseling services | |
| Trans-inclusive student health insurance policy which covers hormone replacement therapy |
LGBTQ Recruitment & Retention
| Annually participates in LGBTQ admission fairs | |
| LGBTQ student scholarships | |
| LGBTQ mentoring program to welcome and assist LGBTQ students in transitioning to academic and college life | |
| Special Lavender or Rainbow Graduation ceremony for LGBTQ students and allies | |
| Admission counselors receive LGBTQ-inclusive training and resources |
