Queer Ally Coalition
WHAT IS THE QUEER ALLY COALITION (QAC)?
The Queer Ally Coalition is a program designed to educate and train members of the campus community to
be effective allies to LGBTQ students, faculty and staff. Members attend training sessions and display
the QAC symbol to demonstrate commitment to a welcoming campus community for LGBT individuals.
MISSION
The Queer Ally Coalition (QAC) seeks to reduce homophobia and heterosexism on the University of Oregon
campus to/and create an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance for all members of our community inclusive
of sexual orientation and gender identity. In addition to visibly identifying members of our community who
are willing to be acknowledged as allies for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender and questioning students,
faculty and staff, we organize training programs and provide ongoing opportunities for dialogue to expand our
understanding of the issues in our campus community.
WHAT DO QAC MEMBERS DO?
Membership is open to any individual who attends the Allies 101 training session. The Allies 101 is an
interactive workshop that gives participants the opportunity to learn how to be supportive of gay, lesbian,
bisexual, and transgender students, faculty and staff. QAC members believe that campuses and communities
are enriched by the diversity of LGBT individuals and are willing to assist individuals in accessing support
and resources on campus and in the community. QAC members also agree to maintain confidentiality at work and
comfortably use inclusive language, avoid stereotyping, and do not assume heterosexuality. Lastly, and most
importantly, QAC members may make a difference in someone’s life and possibly never know about it.
WHY DO WE HAVE THE QUEER ALLY COALTION?
U of O and the surrounding community is proud of its culturally diverse population and supports cultural
diversity in every way possible. QAC is a way to proactively educate ourselves and our community, acknowledge
and support its cultural diversity so that we will be more inclusive of people of all sexual orientations.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I SEE THE QAC SYMBOL DISPLAYED?
The QAC symbol identifies the person as someone who has participated in an ally training program to educate
themselves about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues and has information about local resources.
DO I HAVE TO BE GAY TO JOIN THE QUEER ALLY COALITION?
Participating in the Queer Ally Coalition does NOT mean that you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender
or that you will participate in any LGBT activities outside of QAC trainings and workshops. You are not
required to join in any LGBT activities, but your participation makes you a more visible ally to the community.
HOW DO I JOIN THE QUEER ALLY COALITION?
Call the UO Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Educational and Support Services Program at
(541) 346-6105 to sign up for the next available Allies 101 training. You can also send your request by email to program@.uoregon.edu. Membership is free.
