QPA Disclaimer

QPA Chat Disclaimer

Queer Peers and Allies is an anonymous online informal discussion resource that is jointly run by the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Columbia University and LGBTQA peer volunteers. It is a useful resource for Columbia students that are:

  • questioning their sexual and/or gender identity
  • thinking about coming out
  • simply surfing the web and wanting the get in touch with us
  • having any concerns on their minds that they want to talk about with a peer

Before accessing the chat program, potential users must read and agree to three conditions.

  1. I understand that I will be asked to enter my UNI. I understand that I am being prompted for this information as a way for the Office of Multicultural affairs to insure that only members on the Columbia community are accessing this site to maintain a safe environment. I also understand that my UNI will not be visible to anyone else other than the peer with whom I am chatting.
  2. In the event that I am in a crisis or at anytime feel unsafe, I understand that Counseling and Psychological Services is a resource I can access anytime to have someone to talk to or to use as a tool for additional resources. I acknowledge that I can reach them at (212) 854-2878.
  3. While the Queer Peer Allies Chat service is anonymous between student users, I understand that staff from the Office of Multicultural Affairs and staff from Counseling and Psychological Services have access to information of those users who log into the chat site. I acknowledge that these staff members have the right to use information I provide (via UNI) to contact me if there is any indication of possible harm to myself or others.

By entering our chat room, I acknowledge that you have read and agree to the conditions listed above.

Chat Hours:

Mondays:  6-8pm

Tuesdays:  6-8pm

Wednesdays:  4-6pm

Fridays:  5-7pm

The chat will be closed for Spring Break beginning Friday, March 9th and open again on Monday, March 19th.   If you have any questions, please contact Lea Robinson at lr2476@columbia.edu or drop us at the email address below.

http://www.columbiaspectator.com/2011/10/27/oma-launches-queer-peers-online-chat-program

After Hours?  Check out Nightline:  212-854-7777 or drop us a note at cuqpa@columbia.edu.

Not a Columbia Student? Or looking for additional support?

If you are not a member of the Columbia community and would like support or resources in regards to sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression, we encourage you to use the following resources:

New York Area Resources

  • New York City LGBT Community Center
    • Operates 27 programs, including cultural, recreational, political and mental health. More than 300 groups meet here. Also houses the Gender Identity Project (GIP), a support program for transgender individuals as well as their partners, friends, and family. GIP offers peer counseling, support groups, referral and advocacy resources as well as, professional trainings on gender identity/expression topics. 
  • Identity House
    • New York City's oldest LGBT counseling and referral organization. Peer counseling, therapy referrals, coming out discussion groups, conferences and social events.

National Resources

  • Human Rights Campaign Coming Out Resources
    • An online resource page including several extensive resources around coming out as gay or lesbian, bisexual, transgender, a person of color, etc. Also has a listing of local resources across the country. 
  • GLBT National Help Center
    • Dedicated to meeting the needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and those questioning their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Student Groups & Events

Get your student group news and event information and manage your group memberships.