Identity-Based Resources: 2SLGBTQIA+

2SLGBTQIA+

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As an individual who identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+, your identities bring strength and unique experiences into a workplace environment. However, structural inequities and implicit bias present challenges.

When entering the workplace, it is important to have awareness of, and strategies to deal with, the following:

  • How to deal with unconscious bias and stereotyping 
  • Navigating representation and presentation in terms of appearance: dress, accessories and hairstyles in the workplace
  • Being the only or one of a few 2SLGBTQIA+ person(s) in your working environment
  • Feeling the need to alter the way one expresses themself.

On-Campus/Community Resources:

Housing, Legal/Adminstrative, Medical & more!

Queer Humboldt 

Career Resources:

Job Board: Handshake

Meet with a Career Advisor for; Job Search, Resume, Cover Letter, Graduate School, Mock Interviews, Salary Negotiations

Career Advisors will provide individualized support to help identify and explore your career interests, values, and goals. Please reach out to acac@humboldt.edu to book an appointment.

Job Search Considerations:

  • In your research, look for gender identity/expression language in discrimination policies, gender-neutral bathrooms and support groups for trans employees.
  • Preparing for all kinds of questions will allow you to clearly articulate yourself and be more confident. While no amount of preparation can overcome bias, you’ll increase your chances of a successful job search if you feel self-assured.
  • Unless you have legally changed your name to your preferred name, you will need to provide your legal name for background checks, social security documents and insurance forms. However, most organizations will allow you to use your preferred name for company contact information, email, and phone directory. Human resource professionals are bound by confidentiality and can be a good source of information.
  • You are not required to list your legal name on resumes and cover letters as they are not legal documents.

How will I know how safe and supportive a future employer is?

Exploring some key indicators can give you a sense of the espoused values of an institution.

  • Research your audience: Is the position you’re applying for in a 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly organization? Do they have a mission/vision that emphasizes an appreciation of diverse backgrounds?
  • If you’ll be working there in-person, what’s the culture of the surrounding area? Is it a place where you’d feel safe being ‘out and proud’? If you’re going to be living in the same area of your job, it’s important to consider how you’d feel in being in that space in your daily life. 

Search company websites or job announcements for their non-discrimination policies. You can often find these policies in the “Careers”, “Jobs,” or “About Us” sections of their sites. If you cannot find a company’s policy or the language is unclear, consider calling the company and asking for a copy of the policy in writing.

Here are some ways to identify 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly employers during an interview:

  • Are they using inclusive language?
  • Do they offer health and benefits for domestic partners?

Illegal Interview Questions:

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces Federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination: Unfair treatment because of your race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. If this occurs, here is how to file a complaint.

Federal and state laws prevent employers from asking questions that aren’t related to the job they’re hiring for. Unless these questions have anything to do with the job requirements, they shouldn’t be mentioned during an interview.

Illegal interview questions concern:

Criminal record. You can’t be asked about arrests without convictions or involvement in political causes, but interviewers can legally ask about any convicted crimes only if they relate to the job duties.

  • For example, if you’re interviewing for a job that involves guarding a priceless piece of art, the interviewer can ask if you’ve ever been convicted of theft.

If you choose to respond, you could tell the interviewer:

  • “There’s nothing in my history that would affect my ability to perform the duties of this job.”

How do I respond to illegal questions?
  1. Gracefully steer the conversation elsewhere.
  2. Keep your answers short, broad and general.
  3. Redirect a question to your interviewer.
  4. Reenforce to the employer that you have the skills and abilities required for the position.

Resources for 2SLGBTQIA+

Below, we’ve collected job search boards, professional associations, blogs and other resources that might be useful.