The LGBTQ Library & DVD Collection contains over 2,000 books and more than 200 DVD's that can be checked out with a Duke ID. Numerous LGBTQ magazines are available for on-site perusal.
Asexuality is the simple absence of sexual attraction, regardless of the gender of either person. Like other sexualities, asexuality exists on a spectrum (more on this later). Many asexuals experience other forms of attraction, such as romantic attraction, and often engage in intimate personal relationships. Asexuality relates only to sexual attraction, not sexual behavior or sexual desire (libido) *; in other words, Some asexuals have sex for any number of reasons, and others do not; some asexuals masturbate, and others do not. Some asexuals have an active libido; some have a reduced or weak libido; others experience no sexual desire at all. The sexual behavior of asexuals is as varied as that of any other group.
The “ace” spectrum is as wide and varied as the rest of the sexuality spectrum. Here are a few of the more common / well-known identities.
Asexuals are not…
An asexual person simply does not feel sexual attraction at all, so there is nothing to suppress; however, they may have sex for a variety of reasons, including the physical pleasure of sex, or the pleasure of their partner(s).
Physically or Mentally Unwell. Asexuality is neither a psychological disorder nor a physical dysfunction, any more than other sexual orientations.
Want to learn more? Join us for an
We know that across the globe everyone has felt disruptions related to COVID-19. We are all experiencing losses big and small. Many of us are experiencing many losses simultaneously. We recognize that communities of individuals with multiple marginalized identities are often experiencing multiple kinds of losses of community, some of us are finding ourselves living in unsupportive environments, some of us grieving the access to communities that have been home to us, and some of us are simply feeling isolated. As professional staff we are here for you and want to zoom hang with you, have a virtual coffee chat, or to provide a supportive place to vent.
We also recognize you might need access and resources to things outside of our scope. For that reason here is a list of resources that might be helpful for you during this time:
Note: This is not an exhaustive list and there may be many helpful resources beyond those listed here. We simply hoped to provide a starting place. If there are additional resources that you feel should be added. Please feel free to email them to csgd@studentaffairs.duke.edu to be included.
Travel Safety Map for LGBTQIA+ Students on DukeEngage, Duke In, and Duke Approved Programs
This map serves as a general safety guide for LGBTQIA+ students on DukeEngage Duke-In, and Duke Approved programs. Although it provides general safety information, it is not exhaustive. We encourage you to conduct additional research before making a decision to apply and/or participate in the respective program(s).
Embed Map
The map can be accessed by clicking here (http://bit.ly/dukelgbtqmap)
Note: Disclaimer that it's important to keep in mind that language on SOGIE is based off of Western conceptions. There are local and indigenous forms of SOGIE that may not be represented and it's important to not conflate the two. Just because some places have legal protections, safety cannot be ensured or guaranteed. Sexual orientation protections don't mean gender identity and vice versa.
Please contact us to make updates and/or for additional information.
This was last updated March 2020. It was created by Manish Kumar T ’20, in coordination with the DukeEngage and Duke Global Education Office.
Is there a gender inclusive restroom in your building that isn't listed? Fill out this form: https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dnXOmn05r9YJWdL If incorrect information is listed below please contact us with the updated information.
The Carolinas LGBT Scholarship Fund
The Carolinas LGBT Scholarship is awarded annually to a student from North or South Carolina attending Duke University who receives need-based aid and identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
The scholarship is awarded each year with selection based on financial need as determined by the Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid and the potential for student involvement in the LGBT community. The awarding of this scholarship does not increase the amount of financial aid for which a student qualifies, however, the scholarship will replace your self-help that is part of your need-based aid package. The name of the scholarship will show on your award letter, and in order to receive this scholarship students selected must sign a disclosure form for Duke to release information about scholarship recipients to the Donor. In addition, selected recipients are asked to write a thank you letter to the Donor. If there are any questions regarding this scholarship and what it replaces please contact the Undergraduate Financial Aid Office.
Point Foundation Scholarship
The Point Foundation Scholarship is a nationally offered scholarship for LGBT student, awarded annually. For more information, visit http://www.thepointfoundation.org/
http://oit.duke.edu/selfservice
Click on “Manage Directory Listings” then “Change your full name alias.” You can change your email to reflect your name and can have up to two email addresses.
Students can add/edit their preferred name on Duke Hub in the Student Verification of Personal Data section (under the Profile tab).
For guidance, please visit the Office of the University Registrar’s Preferred Name Guide.
https://registrar.duke.edu/help-guides/preferred-name-dukehub
Preferred name is the term Duke University uses to indicate the name someone uses to refer to themselves.
For students covered under the Duke Student Health Insurance, please visit the following website: https://www.bluecrossnc.com/
Enter Gender Confirmation Surgery in the search box at the top of the page.
Select the first option to review Blue Cross Blue Shield's Corporate Medical Policy for Gender Confirmation Surgery and Hormone Therapy.
You can also call 1-800-579-8022 with your policy number.
Duke Student Health coordinates transgender and LBTQ IA+ affirming care with Tiffany Covas, MD, MPH, from Duke University Health System. Through Dr. Covas, Duke Student health provides transgender affirming care including general medical care, transition related medical care such as hormone replacement therapy, referrals to specialists at Duke for gender affirming surgery, support for students exploring gender identity, and assistance with making decisions regarding medical related transition.
Dr. Tiffany Covas maintains a regular schedule at Duke Student Health and can meet with you for general medical care and medical care specific to your health as a transgender person. Dr. Covas specialized in providing competent health care to LGBTQIA+ communities and minorities to increase access and decrease health disparities. She serves in multiple roles across Duke and has played a key role in the establishment of the LGBTQ Patient Centered Medical Home and the Adult Gender Care Clinic.
To meet with Dr. Covas at Student Health, follow Student Health instructions to make an appointment via phone and request to meet with Dr. Covas. https://studentaffairs.duke.edu/studenthealth/make-appointment
Additionally, students seeking transition-related care may visit the following:
For students who wish to seek transition related healthcare services outside of the Duke University Health System you may find the following list helpful in your search for an affirming provider: https://www.carolinapartners.com/2017-gsdi-transgender-provider-resource-list/
For information about Duke Providers who have intentionally listed themselves on the DukeMed Pride OutList please visit here: https://sites.duke.edu/dukemedpride/the-outlist/
On-Campus:
The Duke Counseling and Psychological Services serves all Duke students, including those who identify as transgender, genderqueer, and non-binary. With the CAPS Open Access Model, you can meet with a counselor for a brief, 15-minute assessment and evaluation. You will leave with recommendations about next steps in your care, which may be at CAPS, another campus resource, or in the community. CAPS (https://studentaffairs.duke.edu/caps) staff are trained in writing letters for both hormone therapy and surgery, if required from your medical provider.
While CAPS can serve most students' needs in-house, Lia Gilmore, Referral Services Coordinator at CAPS, can help refer you to a knowledgeable, affirming and/or trans-identified mental health provider in the local community if you need longer-term or more specialized care than CAPS can provide. You can reach Lia at 919-660-1012 or liadainn.gilmore@duke.edu.
You can also speak with a member of the CSGD for help identifying an affirming CAPS provider.
Off- Campus:
For information about affirming mental health therapists and psychiatrists within the local community here:
https://www.carolinapartners.com/2017-gsdi-transgender-provider-resource-list/
Yes, the Duke Student Pharmacy fills prescriptions for hormone therapy. Please visit the following website for information on how to fill your prescription.
Head here for more information.
For first year students, we encourage you to visit the Blue Book.
For returning students, we encourage you to view the Gender Inclusive Housing Page.
HRL affirms the sexual orientation, romantic orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and names of its students and staff and strives to create environments where everyone can flourish. Transgender students may live in housing affirming of their identity, regardless of legal sex. If you've received a housing assignment where this is not the case, we encourage you to reach out to MJ Williams Director of Housing Assignments and Planning in HRL or Nick Antonicci, Director of the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity.
Duke's non-discrimination policy includes sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. You can view the entire policy here:
https://oie.duke.edu/sites/default/files/atoms/files/nondiscrimination_statement.pdf
A list of gender inclusive bathrooms can be found on above on this page.
Students, staff, faculty, and visitors of Duke are able to use restrooms that affirm their gender identity. Following the March 2016 passage of House Bill 2 by the General Assembly of North Carolina, Duke University responded and reassured its commitment to transgender and gender non-conforming people with the following statement: https://today.duke.edu/2016/04/leaders-hb2.
Additionally, Duke University converted all existing single occupancy, lockable restrooms with a toilet and a sink into gender non-specific restrooms.
https://today.duke.edu/2016/05/genderneutralrestroom
https://today.duke.edu/2016/12/duke-completes-initial-phase-designating-gender-neutral-restrooms
Upon registering for graduation, students have the opportunity to write in the name they use to be placed on their diploma.
Alumnx can email registrar@duke.edu and request the Diploma Replacement form to obtain a new diploma.
For alumnx interested in changing their name in the university record database, they will want to reach directly out to the Duke Alumni Association who will conduct the name change internally. You can either call 919-684-5114 or email DAA (DAA) at daa@daa.duke.edu.
The Women's Center and the Office of Gender Violence Prevention and Intervention provides confidential crisis support for students of all genders, including those who identify as transgender, genderqueer, and non-binary, who are survivors of gender violence.
Please visit the LGBTQ Center of Durham Website for additional resources.
For information about Gender Identity Inclusion within Intramural Sports and Sports Clubs please visit Duke Recreation and Physical Education’s page.
https://recreation.duke.edu/gender-identity-inclusion
Do you have suggestions for information you would like to add or change? Please email us!