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LGBTQIA+ stands for “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and to be inclusive to everyone, the LGBTQIA full acronym has changed to add the plus at the end. This works to allow the acronym to cover other subsets of the community.

Yes, �ʼһ��� employs a diverse workforce of faculty and staff of all races, colors, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Yes, �ʼһ��� has various LGBTQIA+ courses in several academic departments. In addition, many courses also explore LGBTQIA+ topics and issues from various perspectives.

Yes, the �ʼһ��� Student Counseling Center offers preventative and clinical services to all �ʼһ��� students. Our goal is to provide support and assistance so students can successfully engage in their college experience. Counselors provide psychological evaluation and brief treatment lasting one to eight sessions.

Discrimination of any kind at �ʼһ��� is not acceptable or tolerated. We encourage all members of our campus community to seek support for and report all sexual harassment, misconduct, and discrimination directly to the �ʼһ��� Title IX Coordinator or the �ʼһ��� Office of Campus Safety using this link: .

If you are an employee, or a non-student, please use this form instead:  

Language is fluid, meaning that it changes over time and across cultures. People may use the same term differently. A good practice is to educate yourself on the ways that concepts and terms are used. You can do this by attending LGBTQIA+ community events, participating in Safe Zone training, or by reviewing resources such as the terminology page on this website. If you want to speak to, or about, a specific person in your life, it is always best to ask that person how they would like to be spoken to or about!

The word queer has often used been as an insult.  Many people in the community have decided to reclaim the word to take away others' power to hurt them. It is also useful as a word that encompasses all identities under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella. However, you should only call someone queer if they have indicated that they are okay with that word being used for themselves.

If someone comes out to you, this shows that they trust you and are willing to put themselves in a vulnerable place. It is important to be as supportive as possible in this situation. First, you can thank them for trusting you enough to open up to you. Then, you can let them talk and express their thoughts. Throughout the entire conversation, do your best to show that you support them and that you are still there for them. It is very possible that they feel nervous, embarrassed, and/or afraid that you will not want to stay friends with them. Try to alleviate these fears. It might be a very new situation for you, and you might not react perfectly, but the most important thing to do is show that you support them and are willing to listen. It is okay to ask questions, but be sensitive.

The relationship between gender identity, and sexual orientation is complex and sometimes hard to decipher. Sexual orientation refers to individuals’ attractions to others–who they love and date, and to whom they are physically and/or emotionally attracted. The terms lesbian, gay, and bisexual are some examples of sexual orientations. Gender identity refers to individuals’ internal and individual experiences of gender. Transgender and nonbinary are some gender identity examples. Simply put, gender identity is concerned with who one is, and sexual orientation is concerned with who one loves. 

The Rainbow Mavs are a staff work group dedicated to fostering a supportive community for LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and faculty at �ʼһ���, promoting inclusivity, advocacy, and empowerment through education and mutual respect. They strive to create a campus environment where all members can thrive academically, professionally, and personally, free from discrimination and prejudice.  

The Rainbow Mavs hold Safe Zone trainings, host on-campus events, and work behind the scenes to ensure that all populations feel comfortable, affirmed, and well informed. 

If you feel that you would benefit from training with the Rainbow Mavs, or would like their assistance, please email them at rainbowmavs@mercy.edu.