"You are Welcome Here" Campaign

As part of MIT's continuing effort to create a safe and welcoming environment for its LBGT students, the "You are Welcome Here" Campaign was launched in 1999. In April 2004, in recognition of MIT's decision to add gender identity as a protected class in its nondiscrimination policy, the Campaign was relaunched, thanks to the support of the Office of the Chancellor, the Office of the Vice-President and Secretary of the Corporation, Graduate Students Office, Human Resources, and the Council on Staff Diversity.

The basic purposes of the campaign are to both raise awareness and create visibility. While the main effort of the Campaign is to invite faculty and staff at MIT to join the Campaign by posting a "You are Welcome Here" Card in their office or workspace, ongoing education and awareness programs are an important part of this effort as well. Two such programs are the monthly lbgt@mit e-newsletter and Being LBGT and at MIT: A Photographic Collection.

The "You are Welcome Here" Signs

Faculty and staff across MIT, including student staff in the residential system, have been asked to consider posting a "You are Welcome Here" sign in a visible location. By posting the sign, individuals are affirming that they:

1. Will be understanding, supportive and trustworthy if a lesbian, bisexual, gay or transgender student or colleague needs help, advice, or just someone to whom they can talk

2. Will avoid heterosexist assumptions, confront homophobia, and use inclusive language ("partner" or "spouse," rather than "boyfriend" or "wife")

3. Believe that our campus is enriched by the inclusion of LBGT people

4. Will refer individuals to lbgt@mit and other appropriate resources

These actions are helpful because they demonstrate MIT's (and people's personal) interest in a diversified and supportive community for all.

In connection with the You Are Welcome Here program, the LBGT Issues Group has set up a monthly email newsletter for participants in the program. The newsletter has information on current LBGT-related issues and events affecting the MIT community.

The Campaign is built upon similar "Safe Space" programs that have been implemented in schools, universities, companies, and communities across the United States. A listing of schools that sponsor such program is available. Please note that individuals who display the "You are Welcome Here" sign have not been trained in LBGT-related issues, but they are agreeing to the statements above and helping to create a more welcoming environment on campus.

If you would like to participate in MIT's Campaign by posting a sign in your office or workspace, or if you would like more information, please contact lbgt@MIT at lbgt@mit.edu or stop by Student Life Programs in Room W20-549 (253-6777).