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The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Media Reference Guide - 7th edition, originally published in September 2006 and updated in May 2007, inludes a thorough glossary of acceptable and unacceptable terminology.

• Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Glossary of Terms [www.glaad.org]
• Transgender Glossary of Terms [www.glaad.org]

The University of Toledo has a clearly defined definition, and set of goals related to diversity.

• The University of Toledo's Definition of Diversity
• UT's Office of Institutional Diversity

Throughout the process of coming out and living ever more openly, you should always be in the driver’s seat about how, where, when and with whom you choose to be open. The following publications were designed by the Human Rights Campaign to help you through that process in realistic and practical terms.

• A Resource Guide to Coming Out [www.hrc.org]
• Coming Out for African Americans [www.hrc.org]
• Coming Out as Transgender [www.hrc.org]

A straight ally is someone who is not lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) but personally advocates for LGBT equal rights and fair treatment. Straight allies are some of the most effective and powerful advocates for the LGBT movement. These allies have proven invaluable personally and politically, and are increasingly important in the fight for LGBT equality. Indeed, their voices often have been heard while those of LGBT people have been ignored.

Here are some of the things YOU can do to be supportive of LGBTQ issues as an ally:

• Do not assume everyone is heterosexual.
• Avoid anti-gay jokes in conversation.
• Create an atmosphere of acceptance for both students and co-workers through education and discussions on the topic of same-sex sexuality.
• Be a role model by supporting and participating in LGBTQ programs and events.
• Provide support to a LGBTQ friend if s/he is coming out to his/her family.
• Be aware of the power of language – be careful with the generalizations you make and the words you choose.
• Watch the news for coverage of LGBTQ issues and find out ways that you can help.
• Work and vote for candidates taking a pro- LGBTQ stance.
• Initiate discussions about homophobia with co-workers and others.
• Familiarize yourself with LGBTQ resources, such as community groups and literature.
• Directly challenge homophobia when you hear it.  Respond to derogatory comments, incorrect assumptions, stereotypes and misinformation.
• Continue to educate yourself and become aware of how homophobia has affected you.  Remember that homophobia is so pervasive that no one can completely avoid its effects.
• Participate in UT's Safe Places Program 

Resources for Allies

• A Straight Guide to LGBT Americans [www.hrc.org]
• Transgender Americans: A Handbook for Understanding [www.hrc.org]
• Hints for Heterosexuals (when you meet an LGBT person...) [UT Spectrum]

For those who have felt the deep pull of faith and are also lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, or who are friends, neighbors, family members or allies of LGBT people, this guide produced by the Human Rights Campaign will provide you with suggestions and resources about coming out and living openly in places of worship. This is an excellent resource for all faith communities and individuals of faith.

• Living Openly in Your Place of Worship [www.hrc.org]

The University of Toledo has declared a policy of providing equal opportunity in all policies and procedures affecting employment and education. In conjunction with the objectives of the policy and in accordance with the various local, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations, the university is committed to providing employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, veteran status, the presence of a disability, familial status, political affiliation and participation in protected activities. For the full policy, click here.

UT Policies on Institutional Diversity
Please visit the University's policy website.


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