About
Co-Leads:
Rachel Ornitz (Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics) rornitz@mit.edu, Violet Pfeiffer (Haystack Observatory) violetp@mit.edu , Sam Locke (School of Engineering) samfish@mit.edu
Our Mission:
Our ERG exists to inspire and engage the MIT community in the spirit of queer joy. We are a visible, accessible resource for all LBGTQ+ staff, building a community where LBGTQ+ employees feel connected to each other – and proud to be at MIT.
The LBGTQ+ ERG is open to all MIT faculty and staff.
Objectives:
- Affirming LBGTQ Identity
- Building LBGTQ Community
- Cultivating LBGTQ Equity
Policies and resources for QStaff:
In addition to the links below, check out this page from MIT Human Resources with guides for LBGTQ+ staff, people managers, or anyone who wants to learn more about the QStaff community at MIT.
Anonymous Reporting Hotline
If you have concerns about gender-based or anti-LBGTQ+ incidents or behavior at MIT, you can report the incident through IDHR or on the Institute’s confidential hotline.
Family Leave Policy
Benefits-eligible new parents, adoptive parents, and foster parents (not just birth parents) are generally eligible for MIT’s Paid Parental Leave followed by Bonding Leave, for a total of 12 weeks. Learn more about family leaves on the HR website.
Planning a family? Supporting a family? Reach out to Gabe Campos in HR for information about benefits and support available to QStaff and families from MIT Health and more.
Gender Identity Initiative
As of June 2024, Atlas has updated it’s profile section interface to allow you to edit how your information – including name, pronouns, and gender – appears in MIT directories systems, as part of the Gender Identity Initiative.
You can find the new interface, information about how your data is being shared, and options to opt-out of data sharing under Atlas > My Profile > Personal Information. Reach out to gii-help@mit.edu if you encounter any issues or have feedback to share!
LGBTQ+ Health at MIT Health
MIT Health is committed to providing comprehensive, supportive, personalized healthcare and information to individuals with diverse expressions of gender and sexuality and is proud to have been ranked as a top performer in the Human Rights Campaign 2022 Healthcare Equality Index.
Name Changes
Active employees may submit a name change notification form through HR to change legal their name in MIT systems.
Nondiscrimination Policy
The Institute prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other Institute administered programs and activities.
Restrooms
Use this digital restroom directory to locate gendered and all-gender restrooms across campus.
Travel Support
While MIT embraces diversity and empowers everyone to be their authentic selves, some populations may encounter cultural differences and legal challenges as they travel the world. MIT Global Support Resources has put together a guide for community members considering international travel.
Based on the current social and legal climate, travel within the United States may cause additional stress for QStaff. If you have questions or concerns about upcoming travel, contact Program Manager for International Safety and Security Todd Holmes for assistance.
You Are Welcome Here Training
MIT offers LBGTQ+ inclusivity training for staff, faculty, and students! This training allows community members to receive their “black card“, certifying that they have been equipped with the skills and language to be active, vocal allies in making changes toward a more inclusive environment for LBGTQ+ folks.
Register through the Atlas training center or email yawh@mit.edu to find out about upcoming training sessions.
Looking for LBGTQ+ Student Services?
The student services office exists to ensure a safe and supportive campus-wide community where students of diverse gender, romantic, and sexual identities are all welcomed as equals.
Upcoming Events:
Join us on Saturday, November 16, at 7 PM at the Kresge Little Theater for a unique and entertaining event. With support from the De Florez Fund for Humor, which is dedicated to promoting humor on campus, this event will leave you laughing, thinking, and celebrating the diverse talents of our community.
Hosted in collaboration with Disabled@MIT, Disabilities ERG, HR, ICEO the ASL & Deaf Culture Club, LGBTQ+ ERG, LGBTQ+ Services, Disabled@MIT club, the MIT Health, MIT SLOAN DEI, SHASS, and the MIT Media Lab, this show promises to be a campus-wide celebration of comedy, inclusion, and community. This event is open to members of the MIT community and their guests. You must use an MIT email to reserve up to two tickets. We are committed to hosting an inclusive event. After registering, you will be asked an optional question about any accessibility accommodations you may need.
Performers include:
Deafies in Drag — A sensational Latinx Deaf Drag Duo who mixes American Sign Language, comedy, and drag to create a show you won’t forget!
Tina Friml — A New York-based comedian and Vermont native, Tina’s sharp wit and unique stand-up style have landed her spots on Comedy Central and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Pavar Snipe — This fearless comedian, writer, and actress puts the “dis” in disability, serving up laughs while smashing stereotypes.
Register here.
Video Resources:
Beyond the Binary: Panel Discussion on Gender Diversity
Celebrate gender beyond a binary with a panel centering non-binary, gender fluid, & two-spirit gender identities and the diversity of ways in which these can show up.
MIT Medical Talks Monkeypox
Colleen McDonald gives an overview of Monkeypox transmission, prevention, and treatment options available through MIT Medical.
What makes you Proud? LBGTQ+ ERG 2023
We asked our members: What makes you proud? Who are you thankful for?
Intersections of Art/Activism/Research in HIV/AIDS
Watch a panel of activists, artists, and change makers unpack and analyze the AIDS crisis. Hosted by LGBTGrad!
Gender Neutral Pronouns: A Quick History and Best Practices
Learn more about gender neutral pronouns with LBGTQ+ student services. Download the full transcript here.