Florida State University health center displays LGBTQ identity cards at check-in

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Florida State University confirmed they purchased a display of “optional” “Q Cards” for students to identify their preferred pronouns and gender identity at the school’s wellness center.

Responding to an inquiry from Florida’s Voice, an FSU spokesperson called the Q cards “optional intake forms” and confirmed that they were purchased by the university clinic.

“Q Cards are optional intake forms that patients may share with providers during an appointment. The clinic originally purchased the cards in 2017 to enhance communication between patients and providers,” the spokesperson said. “The use of Q Cards is not required and is completely voluntary.”

The Q Card’s website said the cards are “communication tool designed to help LGBTQ+ youth take charge of their health and talk to their providers about their identities.”

The general registration and check-in desk offers patients a small, pink card where they can fill out their preferred pronouns, name, sexuality, gender identity, and more.

The card, which is readily available and advertised via sign in the building’s main lobby, blames “cultural homophobia and stigma” for a multitude of issues, some not even health related, including: depression, anxiety, drug use, housing issues, family acceptance, and intersecting oppressions.

The university spokesperson said that FSU was “in the process of reviewing and updating programs based on changes to Florida law.”

In May, DeSantis signed multiple higher education reform bills into law, including one to eliminate funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and critical race theory programs in higher education.