LGBTQIA+ Caucus

Welcome

The LGBTQIA+ Caucus is a group of faculty and staff across all of NCC dedicated to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual/aromantic/agender communities along with those who would be allies. The goals of the Caucus, working closely with the office of Diversity and Inclusion, include:

• Creating a sense of community, visibility, and normalizing supportive actions, committed to building workplace equity
• Assessing the current culture to identify strengths and areas for improvement
• Sharing existing resources and creating new ones where appropriate
• Promote emotional wellness and a safe environment for all

We seek to foster a welcoming safe space and environment free from judgement or discrimination for those of all gender expressions and sexual orientations. We work as a community to ensure and maintain equitable treatment in all areas, and a work environment free of discrimination for employees and students. We act as allies for LGBTQIA+ people to promote a safe environment for diverse expression of gender and sexual identity.

Contact: LGBTQIA@northampton.edu

Get Trained! LGBTQ+ Safe Space Training Available

According to a study published by the 2012 American College Health Association, the number of college students identifying as LGBTQ+ has almost doubled. In our college’s mission to foster an environment of inclusion and belonging, the LGBTQIA+ Caucus has developed and is excited to re-establish Safe Space Training for staff and faculty to become advocates and knowledgeable on the issues facing LGBTQ students in community college and higher education.

Staff and faculty who participate in this training, which has been created using national standards set by Campus Pride, will be among the first to have the chance to be designated safe space trained with the opportunity of becoming advocates; folks who can serve as a resource to LGBTQ students.

The mission of the Northampton Community College Safe Space program is to provide education and resources to NCC community members as a means to create a safe and nurturing environment, free of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

What will you learn?

• What are safe spaces and why are they important for creating inclusive environments and sense of belonging for students
• What does it mean to be an active ally?
• Current terms and important knowledge about the LGBTQ community
• Services and resources NCC offers for LGBTQ students
• The state of LGBTQ rights today

To schedule a Safe Space training for your department, please email LGBTQIA@northampton.edu

LGBTQIA+ Safe Space Advocate Resources

As we begin to launch our training, staff and faculty who participate will be directed to our main page here to gain access to valuable resources that will help them be active allies to our students and fellow colleagues who belong to the LGBTQ+ community. Check back regularly for updated resources. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and will have future updates.

• Glossary of LGBTQ+ terms and definitions
• Gender identity terms and definitions
• Pronouns guide
• Trevor Project national LGBTQ young people mental health survey
• LGBTQ rights & issues today
• Human Rights Campaign ally guide