LGBTQIA2S+
Boston University is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all faculty and staff. This commitment is embodied in BU’s Equal Opportunity Policy, which upholds the University’s dedication to maintaining workplaces free from discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This protection extends to employees who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, nonbinary, two-spirit, or those exploring their gender identity. You can learn more about the meaning of these terms here.
There are a number of resources at BU to support LGBTQIA+ employees at BU. These include the following:
The BU LGBTQIA+ Center for Faculty and Staff offers information about events, focus groups, employee networks and resources.
Check out the BU Out List that promotes visibility, connectedness, and sharing of resources among LGBTQIA2S+ faculty, staff, and students. This is coordinated by the LGBTQIA+ Faculty & Staff Community Network.
BU’s Human Resources lists information including: policies, guidance on name/pronoun updates and coming out in the workplace on this page – Resources for Trans and Non-Binary Employees.
The FSAO is available to provide sensitive and confidential emotional support and assistance to faculty and staff grappling with personal or work-related concerns related to sexual orientation or gender identity. We recognize that the process of coming out and gaining acceptance from family, friends and colleagues is often challenging and that experiences of stigma and discrimination negatively impact mental health. We can make referrals to behavioral health providers who specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community and in providing gender affirming care. 
The FSAO is also an ally and resource for faculty and staff seeking to affirm their gender in the workplace. We can provide information and assistance in negotiating the administrative processes and serve as a liaison between the employee and the organization, protecting the employee’s confidentiality while developing a personalized plan and a timeline. We can accompany an employee in sharing gender affirmation information with others or communicate on behalf of the employee with managers, coworkers, and administrators. Our aim is to support employees in coming to work as their authentic selves.
Creating An LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Workplace
The articles and resources below offer tips and suggestions for managers and co-workers on creating safe and welcoming environments.
How to Be a Better Ally to the LGBTQ+ Community Harvard Business Review April 2023
Creating a Trans-Inclusive Workplace. Harvard Business Review. March 2020
The Trevor Project Trans & Gender Identity Resources
Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network
Mental Health Resources
Trans Lifeline Provides confidential peer support in English and Spanish.
The LGBT National Help Center
Offers confidential peer support connections for LGBT youth, adults and seniors, including phone, text and online chat.
The Trevor Project
A support network for LGBTQ youth providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention, including a 24-hour text line (text “START” to 678678).
How to Find the Right Mental Health Professional National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) LGBTQIA+
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- The FSAO can help connect you to a mental health provider who accepts your health insurance and aligns with your identity. Contact us.
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Depression Looks Like Me This program aims to educate and empower LGBTQ+ people with depression.
SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline
Mental Health in the Bi+ Community Bisexual Resource Center
LGBTQIAP2S+ Affinity Group – Mindful Self-Compassion Circles of Practice. Free, live, online 45 min drop-in sessions for self-compassion meditation. Mondays at 9 am.
Headspace offers meditations and mindfulness practices that highlight and affirm LGBTQ+ experiences. Within the Headspace app, search for Pride Affirmations and Celebrating Coming Out. Free for BU employees.
Additional Resources
A recording of a September 2022 presentation, Supporting Gender Diverse Children and Teens, led by Becky Smith, LSW, from Out at Home, a program of The Home for Little Wanderers.
New York Public Library’s annotated reading list of Transgender/Nonbinary-centered books.