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

[mickeyfan1]

Donald, you are so lucky to work in a place that is accepting. It isn't that way everywhere, even in the most "friendly" places, there seems to be some one or some company that doesn't get it. I used to teach the EEO/AA seminars in my office and I made it very plain that there would be no secret talk about anyone, no open talk about anyone and that as far as I was concerned, we were a safe place. I know some disagreed, but rather than risk their job, they went along with the plan.

And I LOVE your Pugs. Mine is snoring on the couch right now.

 

[donald...really]

I just left a meeting where the client asked what our plans are for the weekend. We went around the table and shared what we were doing. Without hesitation I answered "My husband and I...". I thought of this thread and realized that I do take so many things for granted.

When same sex marriage became legal here (oops... how did that subject come up again) my husband and I eloped. When the people at work found out we were married they threw us a BIG party. Really, we are treated exactly the same as every one else.

A few years ago we had a temporary employee working here. The employee was male transitioning to female, and was pretty far along in the process. There was NOT ONE word spoken about her behind her back. Not a question, comment, nothing. I was so proud of everyone I work with for treating her with dignity and respect.

Suffolk also offers "SAFE ZONE" training, where people who work here are trained to be allies for LGBT people. Signs outside of offices advertise that the employee has been "SAFE ZONE" certified. If anyone feels discriminated against, or made to feel unsafe in any way, they can talk to one of the "SAFE ZONE" certified employees for help.

Thanks for the compliment on our pugs. They are the love of our lives. And yes, the do snore once in a while!

 

[mickeyfan1]

I still have my Safe Place Magnet that was on my cube entrance. Funny thing, we had no gays, lesbians, transgendered, intersexed, or any one ther than heterosexual males and female in the office in the 8 years I worked there. Lots in other offices in the complex but none in ours. It was kind of sad, we were semi diverse but not much fun.

 

[Epcot luvr]

I graduated from Suffolk in 91, glad to hear nice things about them.

 

[Hydani]

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

Yeah, that is so true. Groceries and a place to sleep can be expensive. However, healthcare is fine here for me I got it free remember? As long as it's not like... something I don't need, i get it from my government. It's so nice to not have to worry about it