Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources

• Affirmative Action data, guidance, tools, and training 
• Decision Tree: A framework for engaging in a meaningful local DEI effort
• Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a concise explanation of the concepts of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and why each is necessary in an institution.
• In Human Resources, we use the visual The Four Layers of Diversity to help unpack how aspects of our identity intersect and affect the way we engage in the workplace.
• Creating an Inclusive Workplace outlines a variety of ways to begin addressing DEI within an organization.
• Creating a Culture of Respect addresses how MIT employees and managers can work to make sure all members of the MIT community feel valued, respected, listened to, and heard ­– with compassion, kindness, and a collaborative spirit regardless of function, level, or aspects of identify.
• Ensuring bias-free hiring: Find a diversity posting guide, interviewing do's and don'ts, workshops, bias interrupter resources, and more.
• Tip sheets: These tip sheets provide an explanation of concepts and suggestions for effective engagement for both managers and individuals: Privilege | Stereotype Threat | Affirmative Action

• Institute Community and Equity Office: The ICEO advances a respectful and caring community that embraces diversity and empowers everyone to learn and do their best at MIT.
• Working Group for Support Staff: This group brings together support and administrative staff throughout the Institute to address issues of concern to the more than 1,500 support staff employees at MIT.

MIT's employee assistance program, MyLife Services, has comprehensive educational and support resources for LGBTQIA+ community members, including materials both for individuals who are transitioning and for their managers and colleagues.

In addition, MyLife Services provides MIT faculty, staff, postdocs, and their household members with 24/7 access to a network of experts who are available to help with life concerns. You’ll be able to consult with Master’s and Ph.D.-level professionals who offer guidance, share resources, and provide referrals. All consultations are confidential and provided at no cost. Consultations are available by telephone, video, or text message.

Learn more about MyLife Services.

The HR Benefits team can provide assistance and guidance about health benefits for LGBTQ+ employees enrolled in an MIT health plan, and other benefits such as support for adoption. They can be reached at benefits@mit.edu or 617-253-6151.

The Disabilities Services and Medical Leaves Office provides guidance and answers questions related to medical leaves. DSMLO contact information and links to information about medical leavess are available on the HR website.

Human Resources is committed to supporting employees, managers, and leaders in creating equitable, diverse, and inclusive working environments. For support with LGBTQ+ concerns or transitioning in the workplace, either as an employee or as a manager or HR partner supporting employees, please reach out to staffdiversity@mit.edu.

IDHR is a resource for the entire MIT community for concerns related to discrimination and discriminatory harassment, including for sexual misconduct under Title IX federal regulations. Because gender identity is protected in Massachusetts and under MIT's policies, IDHR supports the community through educational opportunities, information about resources, individualized supportive measures, and complaint resolution pathways that include restorative and investigative processes for issues related to gender identity.

See the IDHR resources available to you.

MIT offers two main LGBTQ+ trainings open to all benefits-eligible employees on a regular basis. Follow the links below to sign up or to get on a “pre-book” list to be notified when new course dates open. You may also reach out to YAWH@mit.edu to schedule a training for your particular office or unit to address a specific need.

LBGTQ+ 101: You Are Welcome Here

Course code: BSK34080c

We'll discuss gender and sexual orientation through an intersectional lens. This workshop is open to all skill levels on: LBGTQ+ best practices, current data and policies, terminology, gender identity, what it means to be a safe zone, and more as it relates to creating a sustainable, inclusive community for all. All participants will receive You Are Welcome Here "trained" cards at the end of the session.

Inclusive Practices for All Genders

Course code: CL34021c

Increasing numbers of students enter college identifying as transgender. Both staff and students at MIT sometimes choose to change their gender designation and/or presentation while working at or attending MIT. How can administrators, human resource officers, student support staff, campus police, medical/health staff, and others best help and support transgender people at MIT?

This workshop provides a background and basic understanding of transgender issues and provides an opportunity to discuss concrete suggestions and ideas for better serving and supporting transgender people. The workshop will provide participants with information and strategies to use in their current work.

If you are an MIT employee in the process of transitioning or coming out at work, Human Resources can provide useful guidance as you consider changes to your health benefits and other relevant policies and systems. Contact staffdiversity@mit.edu.

See also: MIT Health FAQ on Transgender Health

Human Resources recognizes that transitioning and/or coming out at work requires personal choices from each individual and should be tailored to them. The process will include both considerations for what the employee may be experiencing and how to engage the employee respectfully throughout. We encourage you to reach out to staffdiversity@mit.edu if you have questions.

In response to community feedback on their experiences with various MIT systems, as well as the advocacy of the LBGTQ+ Employee Resource Group, MIT is in the process of updating its systems to better reflect the gender diversity in the community. The Gender Identity Initiative (GII) was created to identify and implement changes to MIT systems that will improve inclusive representation of gender identities while protecting individual privacy, enabling greater autonomy, and meeting legal requirements. This includes legal sex, gender identity, name, and pronouns. For more information about this initiative and updated FAQs, please visit the GII website.

MassBATS Boston Trans Support

BATS is a support group for trans and non-binary young adults (late teens-mid 30’s) from the Boston area and Eastern Massachusetts. They provide support in understanding your gender identity, help with coming out or transitioning, emotional support, a sense of community, a place where you belong, or just to meet relatable people. Anybody who identifies as trans (transgender, transsexual, non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, agender, bigender, pangender, intersex, etc.) or who is sincerely questioning their gender identity is welcome.

Compass

Compass is a New England area female-to-male (FTM) trans support, information, and social group for people assigned female at birth who feel that is not an accurate or complete description of their gender. Meets monthly in Boston. Email compassftm@gmail.com to join the mailing list and for more information.

TCNE, Tiffany Club of New England

The Tiffany Club is a Boston area transgender support organization. It is one of the oldest transgender groups in the world and holds weekly meetings at their permanent location in Waltham, MA. The club is mainly comprised of people on the MTF spectrum, and strives to provide a confidential, respectful, and safe physical location for members and visitors to express their true gender in the way most comfortable for them. They provide a social space, education, referrals, and connections to other organizations.

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates

Out & Equal focuses exclusively on LGBTQ workplace equality. Through worldwide programs, Fortune 500 partnerships and an annual Workplace Summit conference, Out & Equal helps LGBTQ people thrive and supports organizations creating a culture of belonging for all.

Trans Health Online Magazine

An online magazine about health and fitness for transsexual and transgender people. Has interesting articles on fitness, transition and specific health needs/conditions, and hormone therapy.

PFLAG Transgender Support

PFLAG is an organization for families, friends, and other allies of LBGTQ people.

Transgender Identity and Transitioning

• Trans 101 video
• Transgender People, Gender Identity and Gender Expression
• Between the Gender Lines: The Science of Transgender Identity
• Coming Out as Trans at Work
• Transitioning in the Workplace: A Guide for Trans Employees
• Workplace Gender Identity and Transition Guidelines

Nonbinary Gender

• Understanding Non-Binary People: How to Be Respectful and Supportive

Restrooms

• TED talk by a trans person

Pronouns 

• Gender Neutral Pronouns: A quick history and best practices (from MIT LBGTQ+ Services)
• How to Talk About Pronouns at Work: A Visual Guide