Back to Campus: Stocking Your Student Centers with LGBTQ+ Merchandise to Foster Inclusion

As students return to campus this fall, colleges have an important opportunity to make sure their student centers, resource hubs, and welcome tables reflect the diversity and inclusion values they promote. For LGBTQ+ students—especially those who may be living away from home for the first time—visible signs of support can make all the difference in feeling safe, welcome, and celebrated.

Why Visibility Matters
Representation isn’t just symbolic—it’s powerful. Seeing pride flags in common areas, rainbow pins on staff lanyards, or LGBTQ+ bracelets handed out at orientation sends a clear message: You belong here. It tells students that your campus is a place where they can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment.

What to Stock
To make that message visible and accessible, student centers and campus shops can carry:

• Pride Flags – Full-sized for events, and small desk or handheld versions for giveaways.

• Pins & Buttons – Affordable, wearable symbols students and staff can display year-round.

• Bracelets & Lanyards – Practical items that double as statements of inclusion.

• Pronoun & Ally Stickers – Tools to help foster respectful and affirming conversations.
  
  
  Don’t wait for Pride Month—students need to see consistent, year-round support. Have items ready for:

• New student orientation

• Club fairs and welcome events

• LGBTQ+ history month

• Mental health awareness campaigns

• Any time a student walks through your doors