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Allies of Trans People: Trans Allies@MIT Program

We are excited to announce a new Trans Allies@MIT Program to help identify and support trans allies on the MIT campus.

The need for visible trans allies at MIT
Although there are currently many participants in the "You Are Welcome Here" campaign sponsored through LBGT@MIT (a program which alerts lesbian, bisexual, and gay [LBG] people that they are welcome and supported via a recognizeable placard), it is unclear how many of those participants are familiar with the unique needs and concerns of transgender people on campus.

"You Are Welcome Here" is a wonderful and affirming campaign for LBG people on campus. But because of a general lack of knowledge--and sometimes outright misinformation--around trans people and lives in our culture (even within LBG circles), a trans or gender-questioning person may not feel assured that the "You Are Welcome Here" card will apply to them and their concerns. Further, the presence of the card may not assure that they receive appropriate support or guidance around gender issues.

How the Trans Allies@MIT Program can help
The goal of the "Trans Allies@MIT Program" is to create a list of MIT community members who have agreed to:

1. take one or more of our trans awareness workshops to become more familiar with trans people and issues around gender identity, and

2. list their name as a potential resource for trans and gender-questioning students and/or staff-- someone who is willing to lend a supportive ear and help guide students and/or staff to appropriate resources as needed here at MIT.

You don't have to be a "gender expert" or a superhuman activist to be a part of this program. You just need a genuine interest in supporting trans and gender-questioning people here at MIT, and a willingnes to give some of your time and energy to learning more. We hope to include participants from all areas of the MIT campus!

If you are interested in being a part of the Trans Allies@MIT Program, please contact us to take part in an upcoming workshop. Also, feel free to let us know if you'd like to schedule a special workshop for your office or student group.