Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgender, Queer (LBGTQ) ERG

About

Co-Leads:

Lana Scott (Open Learning) lmscott@mit.edu, Danforth Nicholas (DMSE) dan4th@mit.edu, Rachel Ornitz (ICEO) rornitz@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 Medical and more.

LGBTQ+ Health at MIT Medical

MIT Medical 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 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.

Co-Leads Danforth, Lana, and Rachel at the MITea Dance!
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.

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.

Upcoming Events from the LBGTQ+ ERG