The Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies encourages students to become involved with WGSS, campus, and local organizations and initiatives to help extend the Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies message outside the classroom. Ohio State is home to a wide range of student groups concerned with issues of gender, sexuality, and social justice. Columbus, Ohio, is also home to many excellent nonprofit agencies where students can conduct internships for a semester or volunteer for a good cause. Undergraduate students are also encouraged to contact ASC Career Success to explore experiential learning opportunities such as internships, volunteer positions, or off-campus research positions related to Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies.
In addition to the organizations below, Ohio State houses many departments, research centers, and other programs that may be of interest to Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies students. The Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies faculty frequently publish in a variety of women's studies journals.
Local Organizations
Amethyst, Inc - Recovery Community
BRAVO - Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization
Central Ohio Rescue and Restore Coalition - Community response to human trafficking in Central Ohio
Equality Ohio - Nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ support and advocacy
Grrrls Rock Columbus - Music and creative arts summer camp
Kaleidoscope Youth Center of Ohio - Gender and Sexuality Youth Education
League of Women Voters of Ohio - Women's Voting Support Group
LSS CHOICES Columbus - Domestic Violence Victim Support
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio - Reproductive health services, sex education, and resources
Recovery.org - Sexual abuse and domestic violence recovery programs regarding addiction
RedBird - Prison abolitionist group working for alternative approaches to justice
Student Advocates for Sexual Health Awareness (SASHA) - OSU student group; promotes comprehensive and inclusive sex education on campus
SHADES - OSU student group; queer/LGBTQ folks of color
Sporeprint Infoshop - Independent Alternative Media Outlet
Star House - Drop-in center for homeless youth in Central Ohio
Stonewall Columbus - Central Ohio LGBT Community Center
TransOhio - Ohio Transgender Support Group
Trans*Mission - OSU student group; safe space for trans, genderqueer, and non-binary students
Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity (URGE) - Activism and education for positive sexuality and reproductive rights.
Women's Fund of Central Ohio - Promotes social change for issues affecting women and girls through research and advocacy
The Women's Place at the Ohio State University - The Ohio State University Women's Support Group
National Organizations
The American Association of University Women - The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is the nation’s leading voice promoting equity and education for women and girls. Since our founding in 1881, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political.
American Civil Liberties Union - For nearly 100 years, the ACLU has been our nation’s guardian of liberty, working in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and the laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country.
National Black Justice Coalition - The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. NBJC’s mission is to end racism and homophobia. As America’s leading national Black LGBT civil rights organization focused on federal public policy, NBJC has accepted the charge to lead Black families in strengthening the bonds and bridging the gaps between the movements for racial justice and LGBT equality.
National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights - The National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR) works to defend and expand the rights of all immigrants and refugees, regardless of immigration status.
National Organization for Men against Sexism - NOMAS advocates a perspective that is pro-feminist, gay affirmative, anti-racist, dedicated to enhancing men’s lives, and committed to justice on a broad range of social issues including class, age, religion, and physical abilities.
National Organization of Women - The National Organization for Women is dedicated to its multi-issue and multi-strategy approach to women’s rights, and is the largest organization of feminist grassroots activists in the United States.
Parents, Family, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays - Uniting people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) with families, friends, and allies, PFLAG is committed to advancing equality through its mission of support, education, and advocacy.
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network - The nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization and was named one of "America's 100 Best Charities" by Worth magazine. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800. 656.HOPE, online.rainn.org y rainn.org/es) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Trans Youth Equality Foundation - The Trans Youth Equality Foundation provides education, advocacy, and support for transgender children, youth, and their families. Our mission is to share information about the unique needs of this community, partnering with families, educators, and service providers to help foster a healthy, caring, and safe environment for all transgender children.
Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project - Founded in 1991, WRRAP assists women of all ages, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds who are financially unable to pay for safe, legal abortions or emergency contraceptives.