{"id":2685,"date":"2021-12-13T14:46:32","date_gmt":"2021-12-13T19:46:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/fsao\/?page_id=2685"},"modified":"2026-05-26T11:12:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T15:12:40","slug":"lgbtqia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/fsao\/resources-3\/lgbtqia\/","title":{"rendered":"LGBTQIA2S+"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Boston University is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all faculty and staff. This commitment is embodied in BU’s Notice of Nondiscrimination<\/a>, 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.\u00a0 You can learn more about the meaning of these terms here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

There are a number of resources at BU to support LGBTQIA+ employees at BU.\u00a0 These include the following:<\/p>\n

The BU\u00a0LGBTQIA+ Center for Faculty and Staff <\/a>\u00a0offers information about events, focus groups, employee networks and resources.<\/p>\n

Check<\/span> out<\/span> the <\/span>BU<\/span> Out<\/span> List<\/span><\/a> that promotes visibility, connectedness, and sharing of resources among LGBTQIA2S+ faculty, staff, and students. This is coordinated by the LGBTQIA+ Faculty & Staff Community Network <\/a>and\u00a0the <\/span>Queer Activist Collective<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 \u00a0We 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.\u00a0 We can make referrals to behavioral health providers who specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community and in providing gender affirming care.<\/p>\n

The FSAO is also an ally and resource for faculty and staff seeking to affirm their gender in the workplace.\u00a0 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\u2019s confidentiality while developing a personalized plan and a timeline.\u00a0 We can accompany an employee in sharing gender affirmation information with others or communicate on behalf of the employee with managers, coworkers, and administrators.\u00a0 Our aim is to support employees in coming to work as their authentic selves.<\/p>\n

BCBS’s \u00a0FOLX Health<\/a> Virtual Specialized Healthcare for the LGBTQIA+ community. Not in network for BCBS? We can help locate providers who accept your health insurance.\u00a0
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\"\"Creating An LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Workplace<\/h4>\n

The articles and resources below offer tips and suggestions for managers and co-workers on creating safe and welcoming environments.<\/p>\n

How to Be a Better Ally to the LGBTQ+ Community<\/a>\u00a0 Harvard Business Review April 2023<\/p>\n

Creating a Trans-Inclusive Workplace<\/a>.\u00a0 Harvard Business Review.\u00a0 March 2020<\/p>\n

The Trevor Project Trans & Gender Identity Resources<\/a><\/p>\n

PLAG Be a Better Ally Resources<\/a><\/p>\n

Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network <\/a>Resources to Be a Better Ally<\/p>\n

Mental Health Resources<\/h4>\n

Trans Lifeline<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0Provides confidential peer support in English and Spanish.<\/em><\/p>\n

The LGBT National Help Center<\/a>
\nOffers confidential peer support connections for LGBT youth, adults and seniors, including phone, text and online chat.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Trevor Project<\/a>
\nA support network for LGBTQ youth providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention, including a 24-hour text line (text \u201cSTART\u201d to 678678).<\/em><\/p>\n

How to Find the Right Mental Health Professional<\/a> National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) LGBTQIA+<\/p>\n