This is one reason I like where I work...

[donald...really]

When I read of other LGBT people who work in an unwelcoming place I am reminded once again that I am so lucky. I work at Suffolk University in Boston. They really go out of their way to make sure ALL feel welcomed and appreciated. Following is a letter the entire campus received from the president of the University:

In the next few weeks, you will be receiving a notice requesting that you complete a Survey prepared jointly by the President’s Commission on the Status of AHANA Faculty, Staff, and Students and President’s Commission on the Status of LGBT Faculty, Staff, and Students. I encourage you to take time to answer the questions on this Survey and submit it to the Commissions. The information gained is important for us as a University to successfully address issues relevant not only to the LGBT and AHANA population on campus, but also to all of us who are committed to making Suffolk an institution that welcomes and supports diversity as a vital element of a contemporary education.

I created these Commissions in 2004 to advise me and other members of the campus administration of the perspectives of the Suffolk AHANA and LGBT communities. The information from this survey will broaden the Commissions’ ability to provide us with accurate advice and perspective.
All of us can contribute to making Suffolk a truly multicultural campus. Please assist in this important effort.

LGBT is a term used at Suffolk University and other educational institutions to refer to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender members of the community. We now use it to refer to all issues of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression throughout the Suffolk community.
AHANA is a term used at Suffolk University and other educational institutions to refer to African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American members of the community. We now use it to refer to all people of color throughout the Suffolk community.

 

[Hydani]

You're so lucky to be in that kind of environment. Without that kind of environment, it feels as though you have to hide your real self because if they find out, what's going to happen to you. In my religion class the other day, we had a discussion on this, and 99% of the people in my class said that people of a different ethnicity, origin, sexual orientation, disability, etc. should not be given a chance to celebrate their diversity. Only one person in my class tried to reason otherwise... that was me :/ I really wish I lived in an area like you. We do have a Pride Committee here, but there isn't a lot of support from people under 20 years of age.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Unfortunately, the state of Maine has just added to that sort of thinking, Hydani.

It's great that there are places like Donald describes though. Keeps us going.

Hold tight to what you know and believe, Hy. You'll be away from that sort of thinking and you can create your own frame of reference and begin to live the example of diversity that you want the world to see.

Right now, your main priority is safety. That may sound simplistic, but it's true. Do nothing to jeopardize yourself, your safety and your future. Hold on tight to what you know and believe and keep focused on the day when you can move along away from that sort of thinking and into a life of your own.

 

[soulmates]

I TOTALLY agree, you do work in a great place, as do I. I work for Duke University and they are 100% all about diversity & equality. From day 1 of my employement, they've welcomed me AND my partner. I have pics ALL over my cubical area of her, us, the kids, and my entire family. Everyone here always comes by my desk to see my NEW pics. Whenever we have Christmas luncheons & whatnot, the invite from Duke ALWAYS says, " You are welcomed to bring a spouse or partner". I have never worked for an institution where they are so accepting of ALL people.

We are blessed...I believe, one day, EVERYONE will work in an environment like ours!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I work for an International Insurance/Financial Protection company and it is interesting to see that although our division in the United States has made great progress (I actually sit on the Employee Resource Group committee for LGBT), it is not that way across all of our subsidiaries/partner companies across the world.

The European companies are very forward, but some of our Asian and African counterparts are not. One specific situation this comes out in is our annual employee survey. The same survey in different languages (country appropriate) is distributed to employees across the world every year, there are a lot of company related questions, but there are also some demographic ones as well. The demographic ones are the sticky ones because some countries it is basically prohibited to ask about homosexuality or sexual preference, not because of discrimination by the employer (the survey is anonymous), but because it is such a taboo subject in the country. Because of this we cannot place sexual preference demographics questions in our survey, yet we all realize (from the survey and LGBT committees) how valuable this information could be.

 

[donald...really]

Hydani, believe me, there are MANY places in this world that different types of people are not only accepted but celebrated. You will find one of those places.

The Office of Diversity Services here just finished the campus wide LGBT HISTORY MONTH celebration. All month long there were events that the entire campus could participate in. The following comes from the GIANT posters that were plastered all over campus:

LGBT History Month Ice Cream Social
Kick off the month with a rainbow of ice cream flavors as diverse as our community!

National Coming Out Day Celebration
Commemorate the day with special guest the Honorable Denise Simmons, mayor of Cambridge and the country’s first openly lesbian African
American mayor.

LBGT Jeopardy!
Test your knowledge of the LGBT community at this fun event and compete for great prizes!

And my favorite...
Drag Show
Cheer as Suffolk’s finest strut their stuff on the runway. It’ll be fierce!

 

[Hydani]

Mhm, well I like the fact that I'm allowed to get married when I'm older in this country. It's so odd that you guys are only allowed in a few states. Although, I am going to move out of this city one day, hopefully to somewhere like Toronto, where being gay is much more accepted.

 

[RNtheRN]

I'm glad that there are places where everyone can feel comfortable and unthreatened. But I am also happy that there are places that still recognize that legal marriage is still between a man and a woman.

 

[rpmdfw]

Actually, this discussion has little to do with marriage equality.

Workplace diversity is an entirely different topic (though I'm sure that workplace diversity is easier to manage when all workers are equal in the eyes of the law.)

It seems to me that you're just trying to stir up controversy here on the GLBT board.

I respect your opinion, and I'm happy that you are willing to share it with us. If your intent is to "stir the pot" and get a reaction from us, however; it won't end in a productive discussion at all. We're happy to talk to al kinds of people here, as long as they are willing to respectfually listen to us as well. Open, productive discussion is a valuable thing on both sides of every issue.

 

[Mathfailure]

Hello to many that I have followed silently.

I need to reply to the RN.

I am reading along this thread in reply to a sincere young person who has already made it clear he feels threaten by others just because of who he was created to be.

He posted in a safe place, to be reassured his life can and will be more safe and open in the future.

When I read your reply I felt rejected for him. A little less safe.

I am sure this was not your intent. But it came across like that to a 53 year old straight married woman, so how would it feel to our sweet young person trying to find reassurance?

To King Louie, hi its Kathleen, I finally made my first forum post! I have read your wedding blog and emailed you a few times. You can vouch for me that I am not some random crazy!

OP Keep living your life safely and know more are in your corner than you realize.

 

[RNtheRN]

I appreciate your reply. My intention is not to stir, but offer my humble opinion. I do think that all people should be treated equally. I won't say that I have ever been discriminated against. I could follow the path of least resistance and cry that I have lost to AA or things of the like, but the truth is I haven't. I was raised in a conventional family, where it was a mom and a dad. I have posted here before, not because its necessarily safe, but I just love Disney like all others here.

I just find it unequal that when you think that marriage should be between same sex people, your open minded. But when it is your opinion is that its not, your homophobic. I just simply think that marriage should be a man and a woman. And I don't expect everyone to think the same way.

 

[DOPEYLUVER]

I just simply think that marriage should be a man and a woman. And I don't expect everyone to think the same way.

I am curious as to why you think this.

I've stated before on this board that I think my mother has the right idea. I don't think marriage should be any kind of a legally recognized occurance. Let it be a religious occurance, event or whatever you want to call it. In my case it would be a sacrament since I am Catholic. By why should someone's status in life be different depending on if they meet the "right" person. I think the same rules should apply to ALL individuals.

 

[donald...really]

Not sure how my post about being glad I work in an accepting environment turned into a discussion about gay marriage. I guess any gay topic is about gay marriage to some people.

 

[DOPEYLUVER]

Not sure how my post about being glad I work in an accepting environment turned into a discussion about gay marriage. I guess any gay topic is about gay marriage to some people.

Sorry

 

[Hydani]

Not sure how my post about being glad I work in an accepting environment turned into a discussion about gay marriage. I guess any gay topic is about gay marriage to some people.

Ah... Sorry... It was just meant as a passby kinda idea. Sorry I turned your board into a random gay marriage rights discussion :/

 

[RNtheRN]

Not sure how my post about being glad I work in an accepting environment turned into a discussion about gay marriage. I guess any gay topic is about gay marriage to some people.

Not necessarily. I stated my opinion about the workplace. But there was a posting that mentioned marriage, so I thought I'd comment. Sorry if it hit a spot.

 

[soulmates]

 

[C&G'sMama]

When I read of other LGBT people who work in an unwelcoming place I am reminded once again that I am so lucky. I work at Suffolk University in Boston. They really go out of their way to make sure ALL feel welcomed and appreciated. Following is a letter the entire campus received from the president of the University:

In the next few weeks, you will be receiving a notice requesting that you complete a Survey prepared jointly by the President’s Commission on the Status of AHANA Faculty, Staff, and Students and President’s Commission on the Status of LGBT Faculty, Staff, and Students. I encourage you to take time to answer the questions on this Survey and submit it to the Commissions. The information gained is important for us as a University to successfully address issues relevant not only to the LGBT and AHANA population on campus, but also to all of us who are committed to making Suffolk an institution that welcomes and supports diversity as a vital element of a contemporary education.

I created these Commissions in 2004 to advise me and other members of the campus administration of the perspectives of the Suffolk AHANA and LGBT communities. The information from this survey will broaden the Commissions’ ability to provide us with accurate advice and perspective.
All of us can contribute to making Suffolk a truly multicultural campus. Please assist in this important effort.

LGBT is a term used at Suffolk University and other educational institutions to refer to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender members of the community. We now use it to refer to all issues of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression throughout the Suffolk community.
AHANA is a term used at Suffolk University and other educational institutions to refer to African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American members of the community. We now use it to refer to all people of color throughout the Suffolk community.

Very Cool. I like you feel very lucky to work where I do. I work in finance at a Publicly Traded Company. I get DP benefits which is huge since DP is a SAHM. She is just another one of the spouses.

 

[kingLouiethe1]

Hey Hydani, I know that you were wondering in another post about what to do with life in general and this seemed a great place to tell you that many college campuses are great places to work.

They stress diversity and go out of their way to ensure that the campus is a safe and open place for people of all races and sexual orientations. I worked as an RA for two years when I was in college, and when I graduated I seriously considered joining the professional staff.

Ultimately I decided it wasn't right for me, I kind of had the urge to explore life outside "the bubble". Another downfall is that sometimes, especially in entry level positions, the pay is less than you would make in the private sector, but the benefits can be many. You can even find mor non-traditional employment where you won't get paid much at all, but you'll get room and board, and let me tell you if you don't have to worry about paying rent or buying groceries, and you have health insurance, then you need practically no money anyway

 

[Tribilín]

Every year, the CEO of the company I work for (a very small software company) sends the invitations for the Christmas party (or Posada as we call it ) and makes very clear that we are invited with our significant other... he says that in our company every employee's family, being traditional or same sex couples, are alike.

A few years back during the party speech he said repeatedly (he was a little drunk already ) that nobody should feel excluded in our company, and if we have one party a year around Christmas is because we can only afford once a year, and giving away presents is kind of weird in New Year's Eve