Brave Space allies are committed to reducing homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism within the Old Dominion University community. We believe every student, faculty member, staff member, and visitor deserves to feel valued, respected, and supported, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Our vision is to help create a campus environment that is open, safe, inclusive, and affirming for all LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies. Through awareness, education, advocacy, and community engagement, we work to foster understanding, challenge discrimination, and encourage a culture where everyone can live, learn, and work authentically.
Are you passionate about helping create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ members of the ODU community? There are many ways to get involved and support our campus efforts.
Brave Space Ally Certification
Students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate in Brave Space Ally training and certification sessions. These sessions offer meaningful opportunities to increase awareness, strengthen understanding, and develop the skills needed to better support LGBTQIA+ members of the Old Dominion University community. Certification is more than a one-time accomplishment; it represents the beginning of a lifelong journey of allyship, grounded in continued learning, intentional advocacy, and a lasting commitment to fostering a more inclusive and affirming campus environment.
Explore Resources & Opportunities
- Semester Welcome Events
- Community-Building Events
- Game and Social Nights
- Storytelling and Dialogue
- Awareness Day Celebrations
- Arts and Crafts
- Healing and Wellness Programs
- Skill-Building Workshops
- Academic Exploration
- Leadership Development
- Service and Civic Engagement
- End-of-Year Celebration
- Lavender Graduation
*For specific event details and information, view our Campus Groups page.
Spectrum Theme Community
This community is ideal for students wanting to embrace diversity in a safe and affirming environment that brings together LGBTQ students and straight allies to freely explore issues of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and the intersection of those while advocating for awareness and social justice.
Express interest in being a part of this Living Learning Community (LLC)!
For Transfer & Upperclass Students
- Semester Welcome Events
- Community-Building Events
- Game and Social Nights
- Storytelling and Dialogue
- Awareness Day Celebrations
- Arts and Crafts
- Healing and Wellness Programs
- Skill-Building Workshops
- Academic Exploration
- Leadership Development
- Service and Civic Engagement
- End-of-Year Celebration
- Lavender Graduation
*For specific event details and information, view our Campus Groups page.
Spectrum Theme Community
This community is ideal for students wanting to embrace diversity in a safe and affirming environment that brings together LGBTQ students and straight allies to freely explore issues of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and the intersection of those while advocating for awareness and social justice.
Express interest in being a part of this Living Learning Community (LLC)!
For Transfer & Upperclass Students
Connect with Resources
Actions you can take
- Becoming Brave Space certified
- Participating in Ally Training (and encouraging colleagues to do so)
- Attending or spreading the word about our special events
- Subscribing to our listserv
- Co-hosting an LGBTQ-related event on campus
- Supporting Gay Cultural Studies
- Getting involved with community organizations such as the LGBT Life Center and Hampton Roads Pride
- Educating yourself about LGBTQ concerns and current events
