We're Here to Support You
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) staff work to prepare and empower culturally-responsive
leaders who will be what tomorrow needs. The staff actively encourages the intellectual,
social, and professional growth of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning,
intersex, asexual, and ally (LGBTQIA+) students by providing a wide range of support
services.
Our services include:
- academic support (outreach, referrals for on-campus resources);
- community building and peer support;
- career/professional assistance (networking opportunities with corporate recruiters,
cover letter and résumé review);
- leadership development opportunities (CDI Student Leaders Retreats, LeaderShape, and HuskyLEAD);
- personal development;
- workshops and events; and
- cultural competency.
LGBTQIA+ programming at Michigan Tech is coordinated by student members of Keweenaw Pride (KP) andBabes in Music, all LGBTQIA+ student organizations on campus. Some LGBTQIA+ programming events:
- National Coming Out Day,
- LGBTQIA+ History Month,
- Transgender Day of Remembrance,
- World AIDS Day,
- Pride Week, and
- Percy Julian Graduation Reception
LGBTQIA+ Resources
Spread more about diversity and inclusion by printing your own poster! Michigan Technological
University's Center for Diversity and Inclusion provides free printable posters that
were created with and by our student leaders, student employees, interns, and CDI
staff. Enjoy our growing selection below!
Each poster has been made available to print on 11x17 paper.
If you're enjoying our free downloadable and printable diversity and inclusion posters,
know that the Center for Diversity and Inclusion has a hand in many important initiatives
on Michigan Tech's campus and our work is paramount to the success of both the University
and our graduates.
Our work is certainly never done and if you're enjoying our free resources and are
in a position to provide a donation, please visit our Giving page to see the various ways you can donate directly to our students at Michigan
Technological University.
Your generous gifts help us advance our mission. Whether you were a member of a diversity-minded student organization, a former Tech
student, an industry leader, a community member, or simply want to help promote an
inclusive environment for all to thrive, your donations are greatly appreciated.
What is a Discussion Group?
Discussion groups are formed with the goal of creating a safe space and an environment
conducive to critical conversation and community building. Joining a discussion group
at the Center for Diversity and Inclusion may be of importance to anyone who is interested
in promoting, supporting, and celebrating inclusion and diversity. Conversations typically
focus on a particular topic, and are conducted in a group the size that allows participation
by all members.
LGBTQIA+ Discussion Group
Time: Update coming soon
Place: The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (Hamar House)
Looking for a safe and affirming place to converse with other members of the LGBTQIA+
community? Look no further! The LGBTQIA+ discussion group is a supportive dialogue
group designed to help students process identity related challenges. Topics include
but are not limited to: belonging, community, coming out, intersecting identities,
and current events. The group is co-facilitated by two LGBTQIA+ students and is a
closed group, meaning one must identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer,
intersex, and/or asexual* to attend. We ask that allies show their support by joining
the LGBTQIA+ student organization, Keweenaw Pride (KP).
*This list is not exhaustive. Those holding marginalized sexual orientations and gender
identities that are not explicitly listed, are welcome to attend the discussion group.*
Asexual/Aromantic Discussion Group
Discussion, games, puns and cake. All people who identify as asexual or aromantic
(including grey and demi) are welcome.
For more information, email cdi@mtu.edu. Subject line should read Ace Space.
Harassment Policies
Michigan Tech is committed to providing a living, learning, and working environment
that is free from discrimination and harassment. There are a number of policies on
campus that prohibit such behavior:
Harassment Report Form
If you have observed or been the target of behavior that you perceive to be harassment,
you may report that behavior online by filling out the Harassment Report Form. Incident Report Forms submitted electronically are sent to Conduct Services for
review and, if necessary, passed along to Public Safety and/or the Office of Institutional
Equity.
Trans and Gender Diverse Students
Below are some resources on coming out as trans, changing your name, and meeting your
housing needs at Michigan Tech.
Michigan Tech
State of Michigan
Global
LGBTQIA+ students who are preparing to enter the workforce may experience job search
challenges related to sexual orientation and gender identity. Here are some links
to resources.
Gender-Neutral Restrooms
1
What does the "All-Gender Restroom" sign mean?
It means that anyone can use that restroom, regardless of sex assigned at birth, genitalia,
gender identity, and gender expression.
2
Why are gender inclusive restrooms important?
Many people are concerned with safety when it comes to gender inclusive restrooms.
The reality is, that transgender and gender non-binary individuals are the ones who
often face harassment, discrimination, and sometimes even violence, when they are
seen as a threat to those who do not respect or understand their gender identity.
Cisgender (non-transgender) individuals can use public spaces like restrooms without
thinking about whether or not they will be safe or free from gender policing. Transgender
and gender non-binary individuals on the other hand, sometimes choose to avoid going
to the bathroom all day until they are in the safety and comfort of their home or
other non-public venue, where they know they will not be physically or verbally accosted.
There are NO instances of transgender people harassing cisgender people in restrooms, and a Media Matters 2015 report found no instances of inappropriate
behavior or harassment in 17 of the country's largest school districts in which students
are allowed to use changing/locker rooms and bathroom facilities that correspond to
their gender identity.
It is illegal to harass anyone in a restroom, and bills or laws that propose criminal
or financial penalties to transgender individuals for using the restroom that corresponds
with their gender identity are irrelevant and prejudicial.
3
Who can use gender inclusive restrooms?
Gender-inclusive restrooms are for everyone, and can be especially useful for:
- People with disabilities or those who have personal care attendants whose gender identity
differs from one another
- Individuals with children of a different gender who would otherwise have to split
up or face misunderstanding when trying to access a restroom
- People who would otherwise have to wait in a line for a gender-specific restroom
4
Why do some of the restrooms on the map have a sign on them that specifies a gender?
The effort to designate gender inclusive restrooms on campus is an ongoing project.
The map lists all single-stall restrooms that lock, so whether the sign designates, "Women"
"Men" "Unisex" or "All-Gender", anyone can use that restroom. However, we recognize
that for some, it may not feel safe and/or affirming to use a restroom that is gendered.
The "All-Gender Restroom" signs have been installed and will continue to be installed
in an effort to increase campus safety and inclusiveness for all students, faculty,
staff, and campus visitors.
Gender neutral/gender inclusive pronouns are pronouns that have no indication of gender.
The gender binary is a model of gender that classifies all people into one of two
opposing genders. Under this artificial division, gender is seen as a rigid binary
option (female or male). Although binary genders are valid identities, gender neutral/gender
inclusive pronouns allow for flexibility in identity beyond that of just female or
male. Some people find that traditional gender pronouns (she/her/hers, he/him/his)
are not accurate to their gender identity. Transgender, genderqueer, and other gender
non-binary individuals may use gender neutral/gender inclusive pronouns to identify
themselves.
|
Subject |
Object |
Possessive adjective |
Possessive pronoun |
Reflexive |
Male |
He |
Him |
His |
His |
Himself |
Female |
She |
Her |
Her |
Hers |
Herself |
Gender neutral |
They |
Them |
Their |
Theirs |
Theirself |
Gender neutral |
Ze |
Hir |
Hir |
Hirs |
Hirself |
Pronunciation of Gender Neutral/Gender Inclusive Pronoun
Pronoun |
Ze |
Hir |
Hirs |
Hirself |
Pronunciation |
zee |
here |
heres |
hereself |
Singular They |
Gender Neutral/Inclusive |
They attend Michigan Tech. |
Ze attends Michigan Tech. |
I saw them near the husky statue. |
I saw hir near the husky statue. |
Their major is Exercise Science. |
Hir major is Exercise Science. |
That book is theirs. |
That book is hirs. |
They like themselves. |
Ze likes hirself. |
Learn More About Gender and Pronouns
Gender refers to a culturally and historically specific understanding of what it means
to be feminine or masculine.
2
What are gender pronouns?
These are pronouns that indicate gender, such as she, her, hers and he, him, his.
They are heavily tied to assumptions about someone's femininity or masculinity. When
we use gender pronouns, we might be making an incorrect inference about someone's
gender that differs from their gender identity.
3
What is gender identity?
Gender identity is someone's internal sense of their gender, regardless of biological
makeup (sex), behavior and appearance (gender expression), or sexual orientation.
Most people identify as the gender that they were assigned at birth, which is called
being cisgender. Those whose gender identity does not correspond to the sex they were
assigned at birth, are transgender.
4
Is singular they grammatically correct?
Using they in a singular sense may be grammatically unfamiliar, but The American Dialect
Society proclaimed singular they as their 'Word of the Year' in 2015 and dating back
to the days of Shakespeare and Chaucer, singular they was perfectly acceptable. Consider
the fact that we frequently use singular they to refer to someone whose gender is
unknown. For example, "they look familiar" or "someone left their jacket on the floor."
5
Why are gender neutral/gender inclusive pronouns important?
It is a privilege to not have to worry about someone referring to you by the wrong
pronoun based on their perception of your gender. Many people go throughout their
day assuming people's pronouns without thinking about it, but you can't tell someone's
pronouns just by looking at them. When someone is referred to by the incorrect pronoun,
it can lead to feelings of dysphoria and invalidation.
6
How can I show respect for pronouns?
- Offer yours before asking someone else's.
- Hello, my name is Blizzard T. Husky, and I use they/them/theirs pronouns. How would
you like to be addressed?
- Ask everyone to participate in sharing their pronouns and offer yours.
- I'd like everyone to introduce themselves including your name and the pronouns you
use to identify yourself, like she/her/hers, he/him/his, or they/them/theirs. For
example, my name is Blizzard T. Husky and I use they/them/theirs pronouns.
- Ask everyone to participate in sharing their pronouns, offer yours, and elaborate
on the importance of pronouns.
- I'd like everyone to introduce themselves including your name and the pronouns you
use to identify yourself, like she/her/hers, he/him/his, or they/them/theirs. For
example, my name is Blizzard T. Husky and I use they/them/theirs pronouns.
- Give the option to share pronouns and ask that everyone use first names or "they"
pronouns.
- I'd like everyone to introduce themselves including your name. If you would like,
you may also share the pronouns you use to identify yourself, like she/her/hers, he/him/his,
or they/them/theirs. For example, my name is Blizzard T. Husky and I use they/them/theirs
pronouns.
We can't assume we know how someone identifies or what pronouns they use, just by
looking at them. To be respectful and inclusive, I ask that we all refer to one another
by first names, or, if you do not know someone's first name, use the gender neutral
they/them/theirs pronouns.
7
What if I accidentally use the wrong pronoun for someone?
It's okay to make a mistake. Here's what you can do if you accidently use the wrong
pronoun.
- Apologize.
- Use the correct pronoun.
- Commit to using the correct pronoun next time.
It's important to avoid making a big scene and carrying on with an elaborate apology.
This puts more of the focus on you and your feelings of embarrassment/guilt and draws
undue attention to the situation. Remember, it's not up to the person you misgendered
to make you feel better about your mistake.
8
What if I witness someone else using the wrong pronouns?
A swift but calm correction is often all it takes. For instance, "Blizzard actually
uses they/them/theirs pronouns."
However, some people may not want to draw attention to themselves or be comfortable
with anyone but you knowing their pronouns. Showing respect can come in the form of
asking the individual about their preferences separately, before addressing the situation
in a large group.
Remember, not everyone has the same relationship with their pronouns. What may be
comfortable for one person may not be comfortable for another. Share your pronouns,
keep an open mind, and do not make assumptions. Questions asked in a thoughtful and
respectful manner are usually appreciated more so than ignoring the realities of gender
perceptions and assumptions.
9
How to add my pronouns to my email signature with link?
When in your Gmail:
- Click the "cog" symbol on upper right side
- Go to "settings"
- Scroll down to your email signature
- Under your name/title type your pronouns
- i.e. Pronouns: he/him/his
- Highlight your pronouns and click the link icon in the email signature formatting
bar above
- Link to this website: https://www.mtu.edu/diversity-center/student-communities/lgbtqia/#pronouns
- Save changes at bottom of page