Transgender and Genderfluid employees and learners
You are Protected at UMass
If you have any questions, or if you are a UMass Chan Medical School employee or learner of any kind, know you are protected by our non-discrimination policy and importantly our administration. Are you considering coming out? If you would like to come out, the Diversity Office can help make it easier for you (Including name changes, how to talk with your supervisor, etc.) contact the Diversity and Inclusion Office or Jules Trobaugh, MFA jules.trobaugh@umassmed.edu 508-856-2179 or visit S1-710 (University Campus).
Transgender and genderfluid people are in a Protected Class at UMass Chan Medical School - Discrimination: Policy and Procedure. In addition, if you are a learner of any kind, we have the Appropriate Treatment of Learners - click this link for the procedure for reporting and addressing mistreatment of students and learners in educational programs.
Pronouns
You can introduce yourself with your first name and pronouns, add your pronouns to your signature, ask others to do the same as a way to show that you understand are an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community!
If someone tells you their pronouns, please respect them by using those pronouns. Never guess someone's pronouns, because you may not make a correct assumption. Massachusetts recognizes the gender diversity that we have at UMass by allowing three gender designations. Male (M), Female (F), and Gender-Fluid/Non-Binary or Intersex (X).
How do I know someone's pronouns? Or if they are genderfluid? It is a trick question - because the only way is if they tell you. The easiest way is to look at their email signature. If they have their pronouns in their signature, there is a good chance they understand something about gender diversity. If you introduce yourself with your own pronouns, people are more likely to do the same so you don't have to ask. If you do feel the need to ask, be respectful.
For example, you may say, "My pronouns are (She/Her/Hers). I'd like to be respectful, are you comfortable sharing your pronouns?" In new environments, some people may not be comfortable expressing their pronouns and indeed some people do not prefer to use pronouns. Once you know, be respectful and use them.
GLSEN has created a nice, but simple guide to talking about your pronouns and why that might be important in your education as well as your work life. Learners, staff, and faculty have all created an email signature that simply lets others know what pronouns are appropriate for them. Some have even put a link in their signature to the following resource so that others would understand why they are a really good idea, especially if you want to support our trans and gender-fluid friends and colleagues. Do you have another resource? Let us know!
https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/GLSEN%20Pronouns%20Resource.pdf
Coming out as a Transgender or Genderfluid person at UMass Chan
What if I am a person who is genderfluid or transgender, how will I know it is safe to come out to my team? The easiest way is to look at their email signature. If they have their pronouns in their signature, there is a good chance they understand something about gender diversity. If you have any questions, or if you are an employee or learner and you would like to come out, the Diversity Office can help make it easier for you (Including name changes, how to talk with your supervisor, etc.) contact the Diversity and Inclusion Office or Jules Trobaugh, MFA jules.trobaugh@umassmed.edu 508-856-2179 or visit S1-710 (University Campus).
A Safe Place to Talk, In-Person, Email, and On the Phone
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is here for you! We want to hear concerns and suggestions from across the Academic Medical Center from patients, faculty, caregivers, students, and employees of all kinds. The Diversity and Inclusion Office offers a place where you can receive information, referrals, and support for a range of issues without being judged or rushed into any decision you are not prepared to make. We are here to encourage and ensure you that you are not alone. We have may a project in the pipeline! Please contact Jules Trobaugh, MFA jules.trobaugh@umassmed.edu 508-856-2418 or visit S1-710 (University Campus).
In addition, there is a peer-led support hotline at the Fenway Health Institute. Trained volunteers are available to talk to about safer sex, coming out, where to find gay-friendly establishments, HIV and AIDS, depression, suicide, and anti-gay/lesbian harassment and violence. The Fenway offers several hotlines depending on your age or concern, go to this page to see all the options.
Signature
The committees are encouraging everyone to alter your signature to show pride for UMass! The following is a sample.
Jill Q. Public
She/Her/Hers
Department
Phone
Address/Website
“Progress. Passion. Pride.” #UMassCares
Confidentiality Notice:
This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential, proprietary and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender immediately and destroy or permanently delete all copies of the original message.
Pride is collaborative
Join the UMass Chan Pride List! The UMass Chan Pride List was created to promote networking, visibility, and informal mentoring within the UMass Chan LGBTQ+ community (Faculty, Staff, Students, and trainees). The UMass Chan Pride List is for people who identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Badge Stickers
We have a page dedicated to the rainbow flag! This web page garners interest from around the world since every month we get inquiries on how we produce these stickers.