LGBTQ
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HCC Counselors are licensed professionals with master's or doctoral degrees who offer free, time-limited, short-term counseling to currently enrolled students.
Students with documented disability may also qualify for accommodations at HCC. Visit our Ability Services Page to learn more about accommodations.
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Counselors @ HCC Accommodations through Ability ServicesLGBTQIA+ Local Resources
Below find a list of resources/services for support and information, regarding “Coming Out” and other Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/ Transgendered/Queer/Questioning issues, for yourself or a friend.
- Gay & Lesbian Switchboard– is dedicated to providing information, nonjudgmental support, crisis information intervention and referral services for Houston's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. 713-529-3211.
- Montrose Counseling Center- provides services regarding sexual orientation or gender identity in a culturally affirming, quality, and affordable environment. MCC also provides education, outreach, prevention and case management services. 401 Branard St., #2. Houston, Texas 77006 Main: 713-529-0037; Fax: 713.526.4367. Email - info@montrosecenter.org
- Montrose Grace Place - a non-profit supporting LGBTQ+ homeless youth and young adults in Houston. https://www.montrosegraceplace.org/ Contact: Courtney Sellers
- Legacy Community Health Services - provides low- or no-cost health and educational services including testing, counseling, and treatment for STD’s, HIV, and AIDS. 1415 California Street, Houston, TX 713-830-3000
- Lord of the Streets - a ministry among Houston's homeless community based at 3401 Fannin, across from HCC Central. https://www.lotshouston.org/ Contact: Rev. Steve Capper
- Houston Area Teen Coalition for Homosexuals (HATCH) – is a nonprofit organization that provides a positive environment and support to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth 13-21 in the greater Houston area. 713-529-3590. https://montrosecenter.org/micro-sites/hatch-youth/
- Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PFLAG) Houston - Provides support and information for LGBTQ people and those who love them. Helpline: 713-46P-FLAG
- Phone: 713-467-3524 http://www.pflaghouston.org/
- Safe House for All - Offers many social services to the LGBT Community such as, fostering, long-term transitional housing, residential treatment, senior housing, education, networking, food outreach, clothing outreach, and music outreach. http://www.safehouseforall.org/
- Houston Transgender Unity Committee was formed to promote unity among the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community, and to educate and advocate with open and honest advocacy. The Committee has representation from the six transgendered Houston area organizations. They offer scholarships and a yearly banquet. https://www.facebook.com/HoustonTransUnityCommittee
- Transgender Foundation of America “The TG Center”- Many trans-groups are supported by this center. Houston, TX 77008 713-520-8586. https://tfahouston.com/
- Harris County Housing Resource Center (http://www.hrc.hctx.net/emergencyshelter.htm)
- Houston GLBT Community (http://www.mygayhouston.com/community)
- LGBT Social Group Meetups in Houston (http://lgbt-social-group.meetup.com/cities/us/tx/houston/)
- Houston Transgender Unity Banquet (http://www.unitybanquet.com/)
- AIDS Foundation Houston (http://www.aidshelp.org/)
- Houston Resource Guide Blue Book (http://www.rwpchouston.org/
- Texas Name & General Marker Change Guide
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Christian Ministries:
- Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church: https://resurrectionmcc.org/
- Houston Canterbury Campus Ministry (Lutheran/Episcopal), https://www.houcan.org/
- United Campus Ministry, (Presbyterian, United Church of Christ & Disciples of Christ) - another LGBTQ+ affirming Christian ministry, based at UH & looking to serve the HCC community as well. http://www.ucmhouston.com/ Contact: Rev. Felix Carrión
- Bering United Methodist Church (GLBT Supportive Services)-(713) 526-1017
- 10 LGBT Friendly Churches by HoustonPress
Resource List at other Colleges/Universities
- University of Houston LGBT Resource Center (Contact: Lorraine Schroder)
- The PRIDE Center at TSU - http://tsu.edu/students-services/departments/pride-center/index.html Contact: Whitney Howard
LGBTQIA+ National Resources
- The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
National Career/Employment Resources
- Out and Equal Workplace Advocates: Out & Equal is the premier organization working exclusively on LGBTQ workplace equality. Through our worldwide programs, Fortune 500 partnerships and our annual Workplace Summit conference, we help LGBTQ people thrive and support organizations creating a culture of belonging for all.
Other Online Resources
- Human Rights Campaign-The Human Rights Campaign advocates for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, including seniors. It provides important resources, such as the Healthcare Equality Index and the Long-Term Care Equality Index, which help seniors and their family members ensure they’re accessing safe, effective health care and long-term care services.
- Outright Action International
- World Professional Association for Transgender Health
- Intersex Society of North America
- NorthEast Two-Spirit Society
- The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Center
- National LGBTQ Task Force-The National LGBTQ Task Force is an advocacy organization that protects the rights of LGBTQIA+ community members of all ages. Its work includes intervening in cases of discrimination in health care and long-term care facilities, as well as providing education and awareness for caregivers and family members of LGBTQIA+ seniors.
- GLAAD-GLAAD has long been an advocate for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. This nonprofit organization promotes acceptance for all people and provides education for straight allies, as well as for those who are still working toward acceptance. GLAAD also provides advocacy services for LGBTQIA+ persons of all ages, offers intervention where necessary and promotes inclusivity.
- Assistedliving.org-LGBTQIA+ Senior Housing Options
- Trans Students Education Resources is a youth-led organization dedicated to transforming the educational environment for trans and gender non-conforming students through advocacy and empowerment.
- Stand in Pride has thousands of members ready and willing to shower you with support and love. They are willing to physically show up for any special occasion.
Medical Resources
Pronouns
Gender Inclusive Pronouns
There are three sets of commonly used gender-neutral pronouns:
sie, hir, hir, hirs, hirself
zie, zir, zir, zirs, zirself
- So instead of he/she, you may use sie/zie pronounced "see"/'zie"
- So instead of him/her, you may use hir/zir pronounced "here"/like "sir" with "z"
- So instead of his/hers, you may use hirs/zirs pronounced "here's"/like "sirs" with a "z"
- so instead of himself/herself, you may use hirself/zirself pronounced "here-self"/like "sir-self with a "z"
How do I know which pronouns to use?
If the person you’re referring to is a stranger or brief acquaintance (like a server, cashier, fellow bus patron, etc), you may not need to know. If the person is a classmate, student, or coworker, for example, it is best to ask. Try:
- “What pronouns do you use?”
- “How would you like me to refer to you?”
- “How would you like to be addressed?”
- “My name is Tou and my pronouns are he and him. What about you?”
How often do pronouns change?
Remember that people may change their pronouns without changing their name, appearance, or gender identity. Try making pronouns an optional part of introductions or check-ins at meetings or in class.
What if I make a mistake?
Most people appreciate a quick apology and correction at the time of the mistake. Try:
- “Her books are—I’m sorry, hir books are over there.”
By correcting yourself, you’re modeling respectful pronoun use for others in the conversation.
If you only realize the mistake later, a brief apology can help. Try:
- “I’m sorry I used the wrong pronoun earlier."
- "I’ll be more careful next time.”
When should I correct others?
Some people may not want a lot of public attention to their pronouns, while others will appreciate you standing up for them. If someone uses the wrong pronoun for a person who isn’t present, try a brief correction:
- “I think Sam uses she and her pronouns. And yes, I’m going to her house later too!”
It can be tough to remember pronouns at first. The best solution is to practice! Correct pronoun use is an easy step toward showing respect for people of every gender.
What might this look like in other languages?
Check out the links below for more information regarding Gender Inclusive Pronoun usage in other languages.
- Nonbinary.org: Gender neutral language
Long and comprehensive wiki-style list of ten languages with pronoun options - Multilingual Pronouns list
List of thirty-six languages and some pronoun options- some more detailed than others. - Blog by Non-binary French people (in French, no longer updated but has archive)
- Series of posts/examples of Non-binary pronouns in German (in German)
- Non-binary pronouns in Icelandic (in English)
- Non-binary Gender in Japan: link list (in English)
This has terms and narratives; unclear how much about pronouns
How do I update my name with HCC?
Please submit a "Change of Name" form through the Admissions & Registration office.
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