Being an Ally to your LGBTQ+ Colleagues

Being an Ally to your LGBTQ+ Colleagues

Here are some things you can do as an ally:

• Be a listener
• Be open-minded
• Be willing to talk
• Be inclusive
• Don’t assume that all your friends and co-workers are straight. Someone close to you could be looking for support in their coming-out process. Not making assumptions will give them the space they need
• Anti-LGBT comments and jokes are harmful. Let your friends, family and co-workers know that you find them offensive
• Confront your own prejudices and bias, even if it is uncomfortable to do so
• Defend your LGBTQ friends against discrimination
• Use preferred pronouns
• Believe that all people, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation, should be treated with dignity and respect

-Adapted from GLAAD

The EAP website offers guidance on being an Advocate or Ally  and has a robust LGBTQ Section with resources on topics of interest to the LGBTQ communities and those who support them.

Employee and Student Resource Groups

Below is some information on LGBTQ Employee and Student Resource Groups at Mass General Brigham and Harvard.

• Brigham Health LGBTQ & Allies Resource Group
• LGBTQ and Allies at Harvard Medical School (LAHMS)
• MGB LGBTQ & Allies Employee Resource Groups
• MGH – LGBTQ Employee Resource Group
• Institute for Health Professionals – KinsIHP, LGBTQ Group – provides a forum and speakers for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer-identified students and allies. Contact: (studentlife@mghihp.edu)

For full EAP LGBTQ workplace resources visit our LGBTQ page.

Contacting the EAP

The EAP offers free and confidential services for employees and immediate household family members. EAP records are separate from medical and HR records. Contact the EAP at 866-724-4327 or request an appointment via our online form for confidential assistance. In-person appointments are available at the following locations. Phone or Video (Zoom) appointments are available from all locations.