Here, the LGBTQ+ community is not some separate, isolated group. We’re part of the UMF fabric. Always have been. Always will be.
We’re woven into the very tapestry of the institution: across all academic programs; in every club and organization; we’re in our athletics, sports and recreation programs; in student government and numerous student leadership positions. We’re also in many academic departments (faculty and staff) and administrative departments (staff) across campus.
“This summer, my girlfriend and I celebrate our 4th anniversary and enter our senior year of college. In our time here, we’ve lived a freer and more joyful life than I could have ever pictured as a scared eighteen-year-old filling out college applications.
We’ve held hands on the quad, attended Pride events in the courtyard of our dorm, formed a friend group comprised entirely of Queer students that share our experience.
Just this morning, I recognized a handful of my favorite professors from our newly-minted OutList, which publicly publishes the names of out and proud LGBTQ+ faculty and staff.
UMF has given me a space where I feel safe. It’s given me a space where I’m not afraid to say that I’m a lesbian, because I know I will be met with love.”
— Jocelyn Royalty
Double major: Creative Writing and Psychology
New Haven, Conn
Here, it’s just not a big deal. It is … but it isn’t. If that makes sense.
Back before you were born, in the late 80’s / early 90’s, UMF pioneered one of the very first LGBTQ+ student organizations in northern New England. Our President was one of the first openly gay college presidents in all of New England. We strongly supported the EqualityME organization and participated in the annual Portland (and later, Bangor) Pride Parades — all of this way before it was cool to do so.
For years the University of Maine at Farmington has been awarded a strong 4-Star Rating from Campus Pride, the leading national organization that recognizes colleges for taking steps to make their campuses safer and more inclusive.
“I wanted to be at a college where the Queer community is strong and where I’d be more than just accepted. I found exactly that here at Farmington. I have some amazing professors here who truly care about me, who check in on me and make me feel like I really matter to them.”
— Sam LaFond
Secondary Education – English major
UMF Admissions Ambassador
Kennebunk, Maine
We get you because a lot of us are you.
You deserve to be happy and deserve to be in a place where you feel like you belong. You belong here.
A 2022-2023 “Four and a Half Star (out of 5) Rated LGBTQ-Friendly College”
— Campus Pride
The University of Maine at Farmington received a solid 4.5-star rating (out of a possible 5) from Campus Pride, the leading national nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create safer, more LGBTQ-Friendly learning environments at colleges and universities.
The Campus Pride score is based on eight LGBTQ-friendly factors, including: policy inclusion, support & institutional commitment, academic life, student life, housing, campus safety, counseling & health and recruitment and retention efforts. The Campus Pride Index is the premier national benchmarking tool which self-assesses LGBTQ-friendly policies, programs and practices.
Farmington was tied as the top college in Maine to be listed.
Why is this listing valuable to LGBTQ youth and families? LGBTQ youth and families want to know what campuses are doing when it comes to inclusive policies, programs and practices. For the last decade, Campus Pride has been the most trusted, reliable educational resource for students and families to find the best campuses for LGBTQ inclusion and safety. The organization works alongside students, faculty, staff and administrators at 1,400+ campuses annually to help support and improve the quality of campus life for LGBTQ people.
LGBTQ+ Resources UMF OutList Helpful Terminology
Need help? Want someone to talk to? Looking for more info? We’ll connect you to the right person.
Contact Us
Lisa Ellrich
Assistant Vice President for Enrollment and Director of Admission
Office of Admissions
246 Main Street
Farmington, Maine 04938
tel 207-778-7054
TYY (via Maine Relay Service) dial 711
ellrich@maine.edu