womens groups focus on OutBuro lgbtq social media online community network networking lesbians woman womxn wymon bisexual transgender queer

Groups Just for Women

We recently implemented the ability to categorize groups. Now at the top level, you can choose to go to the group list categorized for women.

  • search
  • chat
  • share
  • information
  • support
  • educate
  • engage
  • connect
  • meet
  • thrive together
  • Currently, there are over 240 groups on OutBüro. Each has been categorized
  • Search and join groups that interest you. Create groups and set the group tone
  • Delegate, assign other group members as moderators, as managers, and transfer group ownership

All while shaping your own OutBüro experience and the community. See the What can I do in Groups, and Control Your Experience articles. in the Knowledge Base.

Access to groups is now part of the Yearly/Monthly membership plans.

Here are a few ideas for groups you might create:

  • Lesbian Relationships
  • Lesbian Dating
  • Women’s Health
  • Women Entrepreneurs
  • Women In Sports
  • Lesbians in College
  • Lesbian Lawyers
  • Lesbian Realtors
  • Women in Science
  • Women in _________
  • Lesbian Travels
  • Lesbian Bikers
  • Drag Kings
  • Lesbians in Dallas
  • Lesbians in India
  • Lesbian Comedy
  • Lesbian Films/Shows
  • Lesbian Literature
  • Lesbian Surfers
  • Women Who Hike

etc… you get the idea.

If you create it, be direct or creative with the group name, avatar, and cover. Check out the Joining and Creating Groups Knowledge Base article.

Thriving together

We recently refocused the site and allowed active Yearly/Monthly members to optionally be affiliates/influencers and earn a residual income. Check out the Affiliate/Influencer Income Estimator.

Are you interested in the group because you are a writer or content creator? See Get Published on OutBüro.

7 steps to ensure being LGBTQ does not affect your job OutBuro professional community ratings reviews gay lesbian transgender queer bisexual

7 Steps to Ensure Being LGBTQ+ Does Not Affect Your Job

Over the past decade or two LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion has come a long way. In the United State, it is now illegal to discriminate against candidates and employees based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, that does not immediately erase years of learned conscious and unconscious prejudices and biases. Discrimination still exists and can affect your job search and life at work. If you want to make sure that you are well-protected, you’ll need to take the four steps below.

If Seeking a Job

If you are looking for a new career opportunity be sure to check out these resources:

Know the Employer’s Policies & Benefits

Be sure to review the employer policies related to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer employees. If seeking a new job, sometimes this information can be found on their careers portal. If they are a fortune 1000 level company they may be listed on the HRC Corporate Equality Index. Employers of any size may have their policy, benefits, and other information on the OutBüro (https://outburo.com) platform. If you currently are working, your employer should have all policies and benefits information available to you on their internal human resources portal or at minimal on paper for review. If they are not yet on OutBüro, you may add the employer listing for free with limited features and provide a rating/review. Introduce the site to the HR Director or the person in charge of diversity and inclusion.

You should review the following and have them stored digitally or on hand for future reference:

  • Domestic Partner Benefits
  • Anti-Discrimination Policy that specifically states sexual orientation and gender identity
  • See if any of their health plans cover transgender healthcare
  • Do they have employee resource groups and is one for LGBTQ+ employees. If so, join it. If not, consider starting it.
  • Have they done any LGBTQ+ inclusive talent recruiting
  • Have they done any LGBTQ+ inclusive customer marketing
  • Be aware of all policies including disciplinary policies and procedures, sexual harassment, and others.

Know Your Contract

So often, people don’t read contracts. Be sure to read your employment or consulting contract if any. Also, be aware of the employment laws of your state or country. In the US, some states like Florida are “employment at will” which means an employer may let an employee go at any time for no reason at all. Take a look at the various rules and procedures of your company, including why you can be fired and/or disciplined. It’s also important to know your company’s policies for dealing with problems and what steps have to be taken before dismissal. Your goal should be to know exactly how you should be treated according to the law and your contract before you start working. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be much more confident in reporting problems and taking steps to keep your job secure.

Build a Rapport with Human Resources

Building a professional and casual relationship with persons in the human resources department is a great idea. Have an established rapport with these individuals gives you someone to talk to if things go wrong and gives you the opportunity to share any concerns you might have. If an incident happens that you feel discriminated against or feel harassed it is a lot easier to report problems when you already established a friendly relationship with HR staff.

Document

Document everything on your own personal device. You likely have a smartphone, use the camera to take pictures or video, voice notation app, and notes app. Who, when, what, where are the key. Be as detailed as possible.

Your Voice has the Power to Create Change

Work with a Compensation or Employement Lawyer

While you don’t necessarily need to keep a lawyer on retainer all the time, it’s a good idea to speak to an attorney any time you feel like your job might be in danger. They can tell you if there’s a chance that something wrong is being done and will let you know what moves to make next. Sometimes it’s just helpful to get a neutral third-party view of what’s happening at your office and how you should reasonably react. If your city, state, or country has an LGBTQ Bar Association, contact them for a referral. In the US and Canada, there is a service called LegalShield where you pay a relatively low monthly subscription fee and gain access to lawyers of all types. In addition to employment lawyers, they can review rental agreements, create wills, living trusts, and much more. So if you think you might desire lawyers pretty much on call, that might be worth considering. This is not sponsored or an endorsement, but if you’d like to explore it, I know a couple of people who are LGBTQ+ I can get you in touch with to learn more.

Speak Up

Finally, it’s up to you to speak up when something goes wrong. If you feel like you are being discriminated against, you need to talk to someone in HR. Make sure that you are clear about your feelings and why the issue at hand is important. If you don’t speak up, things will get swept under the rug and your performance will deteriorate. Then you run the risk of being let go for that. Even if you’ve never spoken to HR before, you absolutely must speak up to protect your rights and to keep your workplace comfortable for you and others. During your conversation with HR, ask what the next steps are. Stay in contact with HR. If the situation continues or worsens

Unfortunately, it will generally be up to you to ensure the safety of your job and income. Talk to HR and lawyers, know your rights, and speak up for yourself and the safety of others. Discrimination has no place in the workplace, and you deserve the protections afforded to you by the law.

Resources for LGBTQ Immigration and Asylum Seekers - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Queer Bisexual Transgender

Resources for LGBTQ Immigration, Asylum Seekers, Refugees

Organization for Refugees Asylum and Migration – ORAM

ORAM protects and empowers LGBTIQ asylum seekers and refugees globally, creating sustainability and systemic change. In many countries around the world, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) individuals face severe discrimination and violence due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. 

ORAM - Organizaton for Refuee Asylum and Migration - OutBuro LGBTQ professionals entrepreneurs gay lesbian bisexual transgender queer online community

The Current Situation 

In approximately 70 countries, consensual same-sex relationships are criminalized, exposing millions of individuals to the risk of arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment – and even, in at least six countries, the death penalty.

The Reality  

Even in countries where homosexuality has been decriminalized, LGBTIQ people still face stigma and persecution. Many countries do not have specific laws targeting LGBTIQ individuals; however, they are often unwilling to protect LGBTIQ citizens whose human rights are being abused.

A Marginalized Group 

The persecution LGBTIQ individuals face can come from many different actors, including the state, community or family. Many LGBTIQ individuals often have no other choice but to flee their countries of origin in search for a safer and better life.

AsylumConnect

AsylumConnect (www.asylumconnect.org), a nonprofit helping LGBTQ asylum seekers locate verified resources, and One Degree (www.1degree.org), a technology-rich nonprofit that assists low-income households access resources to attain economic and social freedom, formed a partnership to construct a US nationwide version of the AsylumConnect catalog to enable greater access, growth, and uniformity.

Asylum Connect - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

“Together, both associations are breakingthe tradition of the nonprofit sector that’s rife with fractured and replicated solutions.

Countless LGBTQ immigrants and asylum seekers arrive at the United States annually fleeing persecution in their home countries due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. From years of oppression and fear many don’t actively seek assistance or don’t know where to turn for the help, they need to get established in their new home.

The AsylumConnect catalog fills this gap. This groundbreaking database enables LGBTQ asylum seekers to safely integrate in the U.S. by giving a platform to allow them to search and recrieve resource information and referrals to satisfy their requirements in key locations, such as:

  • Housing
  • Legal
  • Food
  • Healthcare
  • Mental/Psychological health
  • Social support
  • Employment
  • Education/Schooling
One Degree - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

To-date, the online catalog has garnered positive comments from LGBTQ asylum seekers and providers. Asylum seekers have commented that the catalog “highly recommended,” and “simple to use,” and noticed that they eagerly anticipate growth to other “local resources and areas/regions.”

“My office is thrilled to know that AsylumConnect is available,” commented an immigration and asylum lawyer focusing on LGBT/SOGI-minority claims. “So many asylum-seekers do not know where to turn and stress that seeking help will backfire on them.”

Building upon One Degree’s strong resource management and search system, AsylumConnect will scale its support to all major U.S. cities.

“With One Grade’s technical support services, the AsylumConnect catalog will have the ability to achieve its full potential,” explained Katie Sgarro, AsylumConnect Co-Founder and President. “Collectively, we can make sure that most of LGBTQ asylum seekers within and seeking to come to the U.S. possess the information that they need to live secure, wholesome, and thriving lives.”

The new resource catalog powered by One Grade will add U.S. cities, technical performance, as well as an improved better user experience for the LGBTQ asylum seekers and resource agencies. One Grade, will offer access to the open API to allow other organizations to tap into and feed the database.

Other LGBTQ Immigration and Asylum Resources

LGBT Asylum Project

The LGBT Asylum Project

Exclusively dedicated to providing accessible legal representation for LGBTQ+ and HIV+ asylum seekers. The Center for Immigrant Protection primarily delivers the LGBT Asylum Project. The LGBT Asylum Project was created due to a critical need for accessible legal representation among vulnerable immigrant populations escaping violence and persecution in their home countries because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The LGBT Asylum Project provides direct legal advice, counsel, and representation to immigrants that identify as LGBTQ+ and need assistance to submit and process their affirmative asylum application. 

LGBT Freedom and Asylum NetworkLGBT Freedom and Asylum Network - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

LGBT-FAN is an all-volunteer network of individuals and organizations, throughout the United States, who are dedicated to helping people who are seeking safety in the U.S. because of persecution of their sexual orientation or gender identity in their home countries.* We are asylum seekers and people who have already gained asylum, LGBT rights activists, faith leaders, LGBT community center staff, policy experts, scholars, and refugee resettlement workers. We seek to leverage the resources of our members to help each other with information and support.

Immigration EqualityImmigration Equality - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

Since 1994, Immigration Equality has been proud to advocate for and represent lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ), and HIV-positive immigrants seeking safety, fair treatment, and freedom. Immigration Equality’s work impacts both the individuals we serve and the immigration system as a whole. In over 80 countries around the world, it is a crime or fundamentally unsafe to beLGBTQ. For far too many people, it is impossible to be out and proud. For more than 20 years, we have been focused on providing free direct legal services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-positive immigrants, including:

  • Asylum seekers forced to flee to the U.S. to find safety
  • LGBTQ immigrant and binational couples and families separated by oceans
  • Detained people trapped in immigration jail facilities
  • Undocumented LGBTQ people living in the shadows inside the U.S
Rainbow Railroad lgbt asylum canada

Rainbow Railroad

Can you imagine living in fear of persecution, torture, or murder? Can you imagine going to jail for who you are or who you love?
That is a reality for so many LGBTQI individuals around the world. Since our founding in 2006, Rainbow Railroad has helped more than 800 individuals find a path to safety to start a new life — free from persecution.   

National Immigration Center

Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) is dedicated to ensuring human rights protections and access to justice for all immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. With offices in Chicago, Indiana, and Washington, D.C., NIJC provides direct legal services to and advocates for these populations through policy reform, impact litigation, and public education. Since its founding three decades ago, NIJC has been unique in blending individual client advocacy with broad-based systemic change.

Partnering with the legal community

Thanks to the support of hundreds ofpro bono (free) attorneys from the nation’s leading law firms, NIJC has made critical advances in the lives of hundreds of thousands of vulnerable immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. NIJC provides legal services to more than 10,000 individuals each year and maintains a success rate of 90 percent in obtaining asylum for those fleeing persecution in their home countries. NIJC and its pro bono attorneys have been on the vanguard of federal impact litigation and advocacy, setting positive precedents for those seeking human rights protections within our borders.

Along with Lambda Legal, these organizations offer education and advocacy specific to transgender immigrants. Resource listings

Transgender Law CenterTransgender Law Center - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

Nice resources describing rights and resources.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) immigrants often face unique challenges due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Some flee persecution in their home countries or have experienced discrimination and trauma in the United States. Others need assistance in changing their gender marker on official documents or navigating a family-based immigration case.

The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) provides training and resources to ensure that legal services address these complex issues and are provided in a culturally competent manner. Our manual, LGBTQ Immigration: Ensuring Equality for All, provides practice tips and legal guidance for service providers of all levels of experience. The ILRC is committed to advancing local and federal policies that are responsive to the experiences of all members of the immigrant community, including LGBT individuals.

LGBT Asylum Task ForceLGBT Asylum Task Force - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Asylum Task Force is a ministry of Hadwen Park Church and a community-based organization dedicated to supporting and empowering LGBTQI individuals who are seeking asylum in the United States.

ILGALGBT Freedom and Asylum Network - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

Countries other than the United States grant asylum to LGBT refugees. The group ILGA Europe offers extensive lists regarding LGBT asylum seekers legal status country-by-country. This list is offered for both European and non-European countries. Access that listing here >> http://www.lgbt-fan.org/orgs-resources/supplemental-information/

OutBuro where you belong lgbtq entrprenuers out gay business owers lesbian startups queer professionals employer ratings customer reviews bisexual transgender equality community 1
LGBTQ+ Terms and Definitions OutBuro professional online community gay lesbian bisexual transgender queer intersex asexual pansexual entrepreneurs networking

LGBTQ+ Glossary – 200+ Terms and Definitions

Below is a fairly comprehensive listing of terms used in the LGBTQ+ community although it is a growing list and therefore may not be complete. If you are aware of other terms that you feel should be included please use the Contact Us page, provide the term and your best effort at the definition for consideration to be added here. We appreciate your time and knowledge.

This is not intended to be terms and definitions related to sexual acts. If looking for the definition of “fellatio”, it is not included here.
If interested check out Wikipedia’s Sexual Slang and Glossary of BDSM.

While exploring be sure to check these resources out too:

Ability – uhbil-i-tee ] noun: The quality of having the means or skill to do something. Ability is not permanent, can fluctuate throughout one’s life, and is another aspect of diversity in our communities. Disabilities do not necessarily limit people unless society imposes assumptions that do not account for the variation in people’s abilities.

Ableism – ey-buh-liz-uhm ] noun: The pervasive system of discrimination and exclusion that oppresses people who are differently-abled, including differences in mental, cognitive, emotional, and/or physical abilities, through attitudes, actions, or institutional policies.

Abrosexual – [ ab-roh-sek-shoo-uhl ] adj.: Someone who is abrosexual has a fluid sexual orientation. They experience different sexual orientations over time.

Advocate – [ ad-vuh-keyt ] noun & verb: noun: a person who actively works to end intolerance, educate others, and support social equity for a marginalized group.  verb: to actively support or plea in favor of a particular cause, the action of working to end intolerance or educate others.

Ageism – ey-jiz-uhm ] noun: The pervasive system of prejudice and discrimination that marginalizes people based on their age. This can be perpetuated through stereotypes of youthfulness versus life at an older age and through oppressive policies that subordinate and exclude older folks. Ageism can impact different age groups besides older folks, such as children who are stereotyped as being unable to make big decisions.

Agender – [ ey-jen-der ] 1 adj.: a person with no (or very little) connection to the traditional system of gender, no personal alignment with the concepts of either man or woman, and/or someone who sees themselves as existing without gender. Sometimes called gender neutrois, gender-neutral, or genderless. 2 noun: a person who is agender.

Allosexism – [ al-uhseks-iz-uhm] noun: The pervasive system of discrimination and exclusion that oppresses asexual people built out of the assumption that everyone does and should experience sexual attraction.

Allosexual – [ al-uhsek-shoo-uhl ] adj.: refers to people who do not identify as asexual—that is, people who regularly experience sexual attraction, regardless of their sexual orientation. Asexual, in contrast, refers to people who experience no or little sexual attraction. As a counterpart to asexual, the word allosexual helps normalize and destigmatize asexuality in society.

Allistic – [ al-lis-tik ] adj.: describes a person who is not autistic and is often used to emphasize the privilege of people who are not on the autism spectrum.

Ally – [ al-ahy ] – noun: a (typically straight and/or cisgender) person who supports and respects members of the LGBTQ+ community. We consider people to be active allies who take meaningful action in support and respect.

Allyship – [ al-ahy ship ] – noun:  The action of working to end oppression through support of, and as an advocate with and for, a group other than one’s own

Androgyny – [ ăn-drŏjə-nē ] (androgynous) – 1 noun: a gender expression that has elements of both masculinity and femininity; 2 adj.: occasionally used in place of “intersex” to describe a person with both female and male anatomy, generally in the form “androgyne.”

Androsexual or androphilic – [ an-droh-sek-shoo-uhl ] adj.: being primarily sexually, romantically and/or emotionally attracted to men, males, and/or masculinity.

Aromantic /”ay-ro-man-tic”/ – adj.: experiencing little or no romantic attraction to others and/or has a lack of interest in romantic relationships/behavior. Aromanticism exists on a continuum from people who experience no romantic attraction or have any desire for romantic activities, to those who experience low levels, or romantic attraction only under specific conditions. Many of these different places on the continuum have their own identity labels (see demiromantic). Sometimes abbreviated to “aro” (pronounced like “arrow”).

Asexual – [ ey-sek-shoo-uhl ] adj.: experiencing little or no sexual attraction to others and/or a lack of interest in sexual relationships/behavior. Asexuality exists on a continuum from people who experience no sexual attraction or have any desire for sex, to those who experience low levels, or sexual attraction only under specific conditions. Many of these different places on the continuum have their own identity labels (see demisexual). Sometimes abbreviated to “ace.”

Autism –  aw-tiz-uhm ] (no longer in clinical use) a pervasive developmental disorder that commonly manifests in early childhood, characterized by impaired communication, excessive rigidity, and emotional detachment: now considered one of the autism spectrum disorders described as any of various disorders, as autism and Asperger syndrome, commonly manifesting in early childhood and characterized by impaired social or communication skills, repetitive behaviors, or a restricted range of interests.

Autoromantic – [aw-toh-roh-man-tik] adj.: a term for the experience of romantic attraction to oneself. Its sexual counterpart is autosexual.

Autosexual – [aw-toh-sek-shoo-uhl] adj.: a term for sexual attraction to oneself, especially a preference for masturbation over sexual intercourse. Experiencing romantic feelings towards oneself is called autoromantic.

BDSM – Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism. BDSM refers to a wide spectrum of activities and forms of interpersonal relationships. While not always overtly sexual in nature, the activities and relationships within a BDSM context are almost always eroticized by the participants in some fashion. Many of these practices fall outside of commonly held social norms regarding sexuality and human relationships.

Bear Community: – a part of the queer community composed of queer men similar in looks and interests, most of them big, hairy, friendly and affectionate speaking sterotypically.  The community aims to provide spaces where one feels wanted, desired, and liked. It nourishes and values an individual’s process of making friends and learning self-care and self-love through the unity and support of the community.  Bears, Cubs, Otters, Wolves, Chasers, Admirers and other wildlife comprise what has come to be known as the Brotherhood of Bears and/or the Bear community. See also: Ursula

Bi erasure – [bahy ih-rey-sher] a short form of bisexual erasure, is the act of ignoring, explaining away, or otherwise dismissing bisexuality in culture, media, or history.

Bicurious – [ bahy-kyoor-ee-uhs ] adj.: a curiosity toward experiencing attraction to people of the same gender/sex (similar to questioning).

Bigender – [ bahy-jen-der ] adj.: a person who fluctuates between traditionally “woman” and “man” gender-based behavior and identities, identifying with two genders (or sometimes identifying with either man or woman, as well as a third, different gender).

Binder/binding – [ bahyn-der ] / [ bahyn-ding ] noun: an undergarment used to alter or reduce the appearance of one’s breasts (worn similarly to how one wears a sports bra).  Binding – verb: the (sometimes daily) process of wearing a binder. Binding is often used to change the way other’s read/perceive one’s anatomical sex characteristics, and/or as a form of gender expression.

Biological sex – [ bahy-uhloj-i-kuhl ] [ seks ] noun: a medical term used to refer to the chromosomal, hormonal and anatomical characteristics that are used to classify an individual as female or male or intersex. Often referred to as simply “sex,” “physical sex,” “anatomical sex,” or specifically as “sex assigned at birth.”

Biphobia – [ bahy-foh-bee-uh ] noun: a range of negative attitudes (e.g., fear, anger, intolerance, invisibility, resentment, erasure, or discomfort) that one may have or express toward bisexual individuals. Biphobia can come from and be seen within the LGBTQ community as well as straight society. biphobic – adj. : a word used to describe actions, behaviors, or individuals who demonstrate elements of this range of negative attitudes toward bisexual people.

Bisexual – [ bahy-sek-shoo-uhl ] 1 noun: a person who experiences attraction to some men and women. 2 adj.: a person who experiences attraction to some people of their gender and another gender. Bisexual attraction does not have to be equally split or indicate a level of interest that is the same across the genders an individual may be attracted to. Often used interchangeably with “pansexual”.

BlaQ/BlaQueer – [ blak ] / [ bla-kweer ] Persons of Black/African descent and/or from the African diaspora who recognize their queerness/LGBTQIA identity as a salient identity attached to their Blackness and vice versa.

Body Image – [ bod-ee ] [ im-ij ] adj.: how a person feels, acts and thinks about their body. Attitudes about our own bodies, in general, are shaped by our communities, families, cultures, media, and our own perceptions. 

Body Policing – [ bod-ee ] [ puhlees-ing ] adj.: any behavior which (indirectly or directly, intentionally or unintentionally) attempts to correct or control a person’s actions regarding their own physical body, frequently with regards to gender expression or size.

Butch – [ booch ] noun & adj.: a person who identifies themselves as masculine, whether it be physically, mentally, or emotionally. ‘Butch’ is sometimes used as a derogatory term for lesbians, but is also be claimed as an affirmative identity label.

Ceterosexual – [ set-er-oh-sek-shoo-uhl ] adj.: Someone who is ceterosexual is a nonbinary person who is primarily sexually attracted to other nonbinary people.

Cis – [ sis ] adj. & noun: short for cisgender, which refers to when a person’s gender identity corresponds to their sex as assigned at birth. Cisgender is the opposite of transgender.

Cisgender – [ sisjen-der ] adj. & noun: 1. agj. a gender description for when someone’s sex assigned at birth and gender identity correspond in an expected way (e.g., someone who was assigned male at birth, and identifies as a man). A simple way to think about it is if a person is not transgender, they are cisgender. The word cisgender can also be shortened to “cis.” 2. noun: a person who is cisgender

Cisnormativity – [ sis-nawr-muh-tiv-i-tee ] noun: the assumption, in individuals and in institutions, that everyone is cisgender, and that cisgender identities are superior to trans* identities and people. Leads to the invisibility of non-cisgender identities. –

Cissexism – [ sis-sek-siz-uhm ] noun: behavior that grants preferential treatment to cisgender people, reinforces the idea that being cisgender is somehow better or more “right” than being transgender, and/or makes other genders invisible.

Closeted – [ kloz-i-tid ] adj.: an individual who is not open to themselves or others about their (queer) sexuality or gender identity. This may be by choice and/or for other reasons such as fear for one’s safety, peer or family rejection, or disapproval and/or loss of housing, job, etc. Also known as being “in the closet.” When someone chooses to break this silence they “come out” of the closet. (see coming out)

Coming out – [ kuhm-ing out ] noun: the process by which one accepts and/or comes to identify one’s own sexuality or gender identity (to “come out” to oneself). verb: the process by which one shares one’s sexuality or gender identity with others.

Constellation – [ kon-stuhley-shuhn ] noun: a way to describe the arrangement or structure of a polyamorous relationship.

Cross-dresser – [ kraws-dres-er ] noun: someone who wears clothes of another gender/sex. Carries no implications of sexual orientation. 

Culture – [ kuhl-cher ] noun: A learned set of values, beliefs, customs, norms, and perceptions shared by a group of people that provide a general design for living and patterns for interpreting life.

Cultural Humility – [ kuhlcher ] [ hyoo-mil-i-tee ] noun: An approach to engagement across differences that acknowledges systems of oppression and embodies the following key practices: 1. a lifelong commitment to self-evaluation and self-critique, 2. a desire to fix power imbalances where none ought to exist, and 3. aspiring to develop partnerships with people and groups who advocate for others on a systemic level. 

Demigirl – [dem-ee-gurl] noun: a gender where a person partially identifies as a woman or with feminine characteristics.

Demiboy/demiguy – [dem-ee-boi] [dem-ee-gahy] noun: a gender where a person partially identifies as a man or with masculine characteristics.

Demiromantic – [ dem-ee-roh-man-tik ] adj.: little or no capacity to experience romantic attraction until a strong sexual connection is formed with someone, often within a sexual relationship.

Demisexual – [dem-ee-sek-shoo-al] adj.: little or no capacity to experience sexual attraction until a strong romantic connection is formed with someone, often within a romantic relationship.

Disability/(Dis)ability/Dis/ability:  [ dis-uhbil-i-tee ]noun: A social construct that identifies any restriction or lack of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered “typical” for a human being given environments that are constructed for and by the dominant or “typical” person.

Discrimination – [ dih-skrim-uh-ney-shuhn ] noun: Inequitable actions carried out by members of a dominant group or its representatives against members of a marginalized or minoritized group.

Down low – [ doun-loh ] adj.: typically referring to men who identify as straight but who secretly have sex with men. Down low (or DL) originated in, and is most commonly used by, communities of color.

Drag king – [ drag-king ] noun: someone who performs (hyper-) masculinity theatrically.

Drag queen – [ drag-kween ] noun: someone who performs (hyper-) femininity theatrically.

DSG – abv.: is Diverse Sexualities and Genders

Dyke – [ dahyk ] noun: referring to a masculine-presenting lesbian. While often used derogatorily, it is also reclaimed affirmatively by some lesbians and gay women as a positive self-identity term.

Emotional attraction – [ ih-moh-shuh-nl ] [ uhtrak-shuhn ] noun: a capacity that evokes the want to engage in emotionally intimate behavior (e.g., sharing, confiding, trusting, inter-depending), experienced in varying degrees (from little-to-none to intense). Often conflated with sexual attraction, romantic attraction, and/or spiritual attraction.

Enby – [en-bee] adj.: an enby is a nonbinary person. It’s a phonetic pronunciation of NB, short for nonbinary, or people who do not identify their gender as male or female.

Ethnicity – [ eth-nis-i-tee ] noun: A social construct that divides people into smaller social groups based on characteristics such as shared sense of group membership, values, behavioral patterns, language, political and economic interests, history and ancestral geographical base.

Fag/Faggot – [ fag ] [ faguht ] noun: a derogatory term referring to a gay person, or someone perceived as queer. While often used derogatorily, it is also used reclaimed by some gay people (often gay men) as a positive in-group term.

Femboy – [ fem-boi ] adj.: a slang term for a young, usually cisgender male who displays traditionally feminine characteristics. While the term can be used as an insult, some in the LGBTQ community use the term positively to name forms of gender expression.

Feminine-of-center; masculine-of-centeradj.: a phrase that indicates a range in terms of gender identity and expression for people who present, understand themselves, and/or relate to others in a generally more feminine/masculine way, but doesn’t necessarily identify as women or men. Feminine-of-center individuals may also identify as “femme,” “submissive,” “transfeminine,” etc.; masculine-of-center individuals may also often identify as “butch,” “stud,” “aggressive,” “boi,” “transmasculine,” etc.

Feminine-presenting; masculine-presentingadj.: a way to describe someone who expresses gender in a more feminine/masculine way. Often confused with feminine-of-center/masculine-of-center, which generally include a focus on identity as well as expression. –

Femme – [ fem ] noun & adj.: someone who identifies themselves as feminine, whether it be physically, mentally or emotionally. Often used to refer to a feminine-presenting queer woman or people.

Fetish – [ fet-ish ] noun & adj.: In common use, the word fetish is used to refer to any sexually arousing stimuli typically not mainstream viewed outside the common norm. This broader usage of fetish covers parts or features of the body (including obesity and body modifications), objects, situations (role play), and activities (such as smoking or BDSM). For more terms with definitions related to Fetish check out this Wikipedia page. Glossary of BDSM

Fluid/fluidity – [ floo-id ] [ floo-id-i-tee ] adj.: generally with another term attached, like gender-fluid or fluid-sexuality, fluid/fluidity describes an identity that may change or shift over time between or within the mix of the options available (e.g., man and woman, bi and straight).

Folx – [fohks] noun: A variation on the word folksfolx is meant to be a gender-neutral way to refer to members of or signal identity in the LGBTQ community. Because “Folks” is gendered? This one id don’t understand, but it is lut there so presenting here.

FtM / F2M; MtF / M2Fabbr.: female-to-male transgender or transsexual person; male-to-female transgender or transsexual person.

Gay – [ gey ] 1 adj.: experiencing attraction solely (or primarily) to some members of the same gender. Can be used to refer to men who are attracted to other men and women who are attracted to women. 2 adj. : an umbrella term used to refer to the queer community as a whole, or as an individual identity label for anyone who is not straight (see LGBTQ and queer)

Gender – jen-der ] noun: A social construct used to classify a person as a man, woman, or some other identity. Fundamentally different from the sex one is assigned at birth.

Gender binary – [ jen-der bahy-nuh-ree ] noun: the idea that there are only two genders and that every person is one of those two.

Gender expansive – [ jen-der ik-span-siv ] noun: An umbrella term used for individuals who broaden their own culture’s commonly held definitions of gender, including expectations for its expression, identities, roles, and/or other perceived gender norms. Gender expansive individuals include those who identify as transgender, as well as anyone else whose gender in some way is seen to be broadening the surrounding society’s notion of gender.

Gender expression – [ jen-der ik-spreshuhn ] noun: the external display of one’s gender, through a combination of clothing, grooming, demeanor, social behavior, and other factors, generally made sense of on scales of masculinity and femininity. Also referred to as “gender presentation.”

Gender fluid – [ jen-der floo-id ] adj.: a gender identity best described as a dynamic mix of boy and girl. A person who is gender fluid may always feel like a mix of the two traditional genders but may feel more man some days, and more woman other days.

Genderflux – [jen-der-fluhks] adj.: A person who is genderflux experiences a range of intensity within a gender identity.  For example, a person who is boyflux may identify as fully masculine to partially masculine (demiboy) and slightly masculine (libramasculine) to fully agender. 

Genderflux is also used by some as a synonym for gender-fluid more generally

Genderfuck – [jen-der-fuhk] adj.: seeks to subvert traditional gender binary by mixing or bending one’s gender expression, identity, or presentation (e.g., a transgender woman wearing a dress and having a beard may considered genderfuck or engaging in genderfucking).

Gender identity – [ jen-der ahy-den-ti-tee ] noun: the internal perception of one’s gender, and how they label themselves, based on how much they align or don’t align with what they understand their options for gender to be. Often conflated with biological sex, or sex assigned at birth.

Gender-neutral pronouns – are pronouns which don’t carry any kind of association with a particular gender, such as they, sie, or ze. In English, the term gender-neutral pronouns usually refers to third-person pronouns (generally alternatives to he and she), since there are no gendered first- or second-person pronouns (I and you are ungendered).

Gender neutrois – [ jen-der noo-troiz] adj.: see agender

Gender non-conforming1 adj.: a gender expression descriptor that indicates a non-traditional gender presentation (masculine woman or feminine man). 2 adj.: a gender identity label that indicates a person who identifies outside of the gender binary. Often abbreviated as “GNC” not to be confused with the nutritional supplement chain store in the USA.

Gender normative / gender straightadj.: someone whose gender presentation, whether by nature or by choice, aligns with society’s gender-based expectations.

Gender outlaw –jen-der-out-law ] nounA person who refuses to be defined by conventional definitions of male and female.

Gender variant – [ jen-der-vair-ee-uhnt ] adj.: someone who either by nature or by choice does not conform to gender-based expectations of society (e.g. transgender, transsexual, intersex, genderqueer, cross-dresser, etc).

Gendervoid of voidgender [jen-der-void] or [void-jen-der] adj.: a gender expression or identity defined by the lack of an experience of any gender.

Genderism/Cissexism – [ jen-der-iz-uhm ] noun: Is the belief that there are, and should be, only two genders & that one’s gender or most aspects of it, are inevitably tied to assigned sex. In a genderist/cissexist construct, cisgender people are the dominant/agent group and trans/ gender non-conforming people are the oppressed/target group.

Genderqueer – [ jen-der-kweer ] 1 adj.: a gender identity label often used by people who do not identify with the binary of man/woman. 2 adj.: an umbrella term for many gender non-conforming or non-binary identities (e.g., agender, bigender, genderfluid).

Grey-a – [grey-ey] adj.: As with many things in life, sexuality isn’t black and white. Grey-a, or grey-asexuality, refers to sexual identities along a spectrum of asexuality and sexuality. Those who identify as grey-a experience sexual attraction or desire sex only rarely or under certain conditions. People of a variety of gender identities can be grey-a.

GSM – abv: GSM is Gender and Sexual Minorities

Gynesexual/gynephilic – [ guy-nuh-seks-shu-uhl ] adj.: being primarily sexually, romantically and/or emotionally attracted to woman, females, and/or femininity.

Hermaphrodite – [ hur-maf-ruh-dahyt ] noun: an outdated medical term previously used to refer to someone who was born with some combination of typically-male and typically-female sex characteristics. It’s considered stigmatizing and inaccurate. See intersex.

Heteronormativity – [ het-er-uhnawr-muh-tiv ] noun: the assumption, in individuals and/or in institutions, that everyone is heterosexual and that heterosexuality is superior to all other sexualities. Leads to invisibility and stigmatizing of other sexualities: when learning a woman is married, asking her what her husband’s name is. Heteronormativity also leads us to assume that only masculine men and feminine women are straight.

Heterosexism – [ het-er-uhsek-siz-uhm ] noun: behavior that grants preferential treatment to heterosexual people, reinforces the idea that heterosexuality is somehow better or more “right” than queerness, and/or makes other sexualities invisible.

Heterosexual / straight – [ het-er-uhsek-shoo-uhl ] adj.: experiencing attraction solely (or primarily) to some members of a different gender.

Homophobia – [ hoh-muhfoh-bee-uh ] noun: an umbrella term for a range of negative attitudes (e.g., fear, anger, intolerance, resentment, erasure, or discomfort) that one may have toward LGBTQ people. The term can also connote a fear, disgust, or dislike of being perceived as LGBTQ. homophobic – adj. : a word used to describe actions, behaviors, or individuals who demonstrate elements of this range of negative attitudes toward LGBTQ people.

Homosexual/Homosexuality – [ hoh-muhsek-shoo-uhl ] [ hoh-muh-sek-shoo-al-i-tee] adj. & noun: a person primarily emotionally, physically, and/or sexually attracted to members of the same sex/gender. This [medical] term is considered stigmatizing (particularly as a noun) due to its history as a category of mental illness and is discouraged for common use (use gay or lesbian instead).

Internalized oppression – [ in-tur-nl-ahyz-d uhpreshuhn ] noun: The fear and self-hate of one or more of a person’s own identities that occurs for many individuals who have learned negative ideas about their identities throughout childhood. One form of internalized oppression is the acceptance of the myths and stereotypes applied to the oppressed group. 

Intersectionality – [ in-ter-sek-shuhnal-i-tee ] noun: A term coined by law professor Kimberlé Crenshaw in the 1980s to describe the way that multiple systems of oppression interact in the lives of those with multiple marginalized identities.  Intersectionality looks at the relationships between multiple marginalized identities and allows us to analyze social problems more fully, shape more effective interventions, and promote more inclusive advocacy amongst communities.

Intersex – [ in-ter-seks ] adj.: term for a combination of chromosomes, gonads, hormones, internal sex organs, and genitals that differs from the two expected patterns of male or female. Formerly known as hermaphrodite (or hermaphroditic), but these terms are now outdated and derogatory.

Juxera – [juhks-eeruh] ajj.: a gender identity created on the app Tumblr. It can be described as being feminine but not a female, like a girl but not a girl.

Kink(Kinky, Kinkiness) adj.: consensual, non-traditional sexual, sensual, and intimate behaviors such as sadomasochism, domination and submission, erotic roleplaying, fetishism, and erotic forms of discipline.

Latinx – [ La-TEEN-ex ] noun: is a non-gender specific way of referring to people of Latin American descent. The term Latinx, unlike terms such as Latino/a and Latin@, does not assume a gender binary and includes nonbinary folks.

Lavender ceilings – [ lavuhn-der see-ling ] noun: a glass ceiling specifically imposed on LGBTQ people: an unofficial upper limit to their professional advancement and are the result of systemic bias and discrimination against LGBTQ people in the workplace and in society more broadly.

Leather community: A community that encompasses those who enjoy sexual activities involving leather, including leather uniforms or cowboy outfits, and is related to similar fetish-based communities such as sadomasochism, bondage and domination, and rubber. Although the leather community is often associated with the queer community, it can and does include heterosexuals.

Lesbian – [ lez-bee-uhn ] noun & adj.: women who are primarily attracted romantically, erotically, and/or emotionally to other women.

Lesbian-baiting – [lez-bee-uh n beyt-ing] adj.:is the sexist and homophobic practice of labeling women (especially feminists and women whose behavior doesn’t reinforce traditional gender stereotypes) as lesbian in an effort to slur or diminish them.

LGBTQabbr.: shorthand or umbrella t erms for all folks who have a non-normative (or queer) gender or sexuality, there are many different initialisms people prefer. LGBTQ is Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer and/or Questioning (sometimes people at a + at the end in an effort to be more inclusive); see What Does LGBTQ Mean for a robust list of its many variations.

Lipstick lesbiannoun: Usually refers to a lesbian with feminine gender expression. Can be used in a positive or a derogatory way. Is sometimes also used to refer to a lesbian who is assumed to be (or passes for) straight.

Metrosexual adj.: a man with a strong aesthetic sense who spends more time, energy, or money on his appearance and grooming than is considered gender normative.

Masculine of Center (MOC) – A term coined by B. Cole of the Brown Boi Project to describe folks, including lesbian/queer womyn and trans folks, who lean towards the masculine side of the gender spectrum. These can include a wide range of identities such as butch, stud, aggressive/AG, dom, macha, tomboi, trans-masculine, etc.

#MeToo – noun: a social movement originating among women, advocating for survivors of sexual harassment or violence to speak out about their experiences in order to expose and combat various forms of sexual misconduct. In most cases it ignores boys and men who have faced the same situations.

Microaggressions – Brief and subtle behaviors, whether intentional or not, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages of commonly oppressed identities. These actions cause harm through the invalidation of the target person’s identity and may reinforce stereotypes. Examples of microaggressions include a person who is not white being told they speak “good English” or someone saying something is “gay” to mean they think something is bad.

Misgendering – Attributing a gender to someone that is incorrect/does not align with their gender identity.  Can occur when using pronouns, gendered language (i.e. “Hello ladies!” “Hey guys”), or assigning genders to people without knowing how they identify (i.e. “Well, since we’re all women in this room, we understand…”).

MLM – an abbreviation for men who love men, which includes gay men as well as men who are attracted to men and people of other genders.

Monogamy – Having only one intimate partner at any one time; also known as serial monogamy, since “true” monogamy refers to the practice of having only one partner for life (such as in some animal species).

Monosexism – The belief in and systematic privileging of monosexuality as superior, and the systematic oppression of non-monosexuality.

Monosexual: People who have romantic, sexual, or affectional desire for one gender only. Heterosexuality and homosexuality are the most well-known forms of monosexuality.

MSM – an abbreviation for men who have sex with men; they may or may not identify as gay.

MSM / WSWabbr.: men who have sex with men or women who have sex with women, to distinguish sexual behaviors from sexual identities: because a man is straight, it doesn’t mean he’s not having sex with men. Often used in the field of HIV/Aids education, prevention, and treatment.

Multisexual – An umbrella term to describe attraction to more than one gender. It can include sexual attractions like bisexual, polysexual, omnisexual, and others. The aforementioned terms are used by some interchangeably and for others the subtle differences among them are important.

Mx. – / “mix” or “schwa” / – noun: an honorific (e.g. Mr., Ms., Mrs., etc.) that is gender-neutral. It is often the option of choice for folks who do not identify within the gender binary: Mx. Smith is a great teacher.

Neurodiversity – Neurodiversity refers to the natural and important variations in how human minds think. These differences can include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyspraxia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, Tourette Syndrome, and others. Like other variable human traits like race, gender, sexuality, or culture, there is no right or wrong form of diversity. The social dynamics that exert power over other forms of diversity also impact neurodivergent people. Neurodiversity is not something to be cured or corrected to fit some social norm – rather, we should celebrate different forms of communication and self-expression and promote support systems to allow neurodivergent people to thrive. (Neurocosmopolitanism, The National Symposium on Neurodiversity)

Neurodivergent –  “Neurodivergent, sometimes abbreviated as ND, means having a brain that functions in ways that diverge significantly from the dominant societal standards of “normal.” A person whose neurocognitive functioning diverges from dominant societal norms in multiple ways – for instance, a person who is Autistic, has dyslexia, and has epilepsy – can be described as multiply neurodivergent. The terms neurodivergent and neurodivergence were coined by Kassiane Asasumasu, a multiply neurodivergent neurodiversity activist.” (Neurocosmopolitanism)

Neuroqueer – agj & verb- “neuro-” a combining form meaning “nerve,” “nerves,” “nervous system,” used in the formation of compound words. “queer” a term used to refer to a person who is gay which was derogatory yet in recent years reclaimed by the LGBTQ+ community to be a postive inclusive term.

Neuroqueer is both an identity and an ethos, an adjective and a verb. Its meanings are varied, but all converge around an intersection of neurodivergent theory and queer theory.

In the same ways that queer theory is opposed to cisheteronormativity, neuroqueer theory appears to oppose neuronormativity (the societal forces that privilege neurotypicality over neurodivergence).

Neurotypical – “Neurotypical, often abbreviated as NT, means having a style of neurocognitive functioning that falls within the dominant societal standards of “normal.” Neurotypical can be used as either an adjective (“He’s neurotypical”) or a noun (“He’s a neurotypical”).” (Neurocosmopolitanism)

Neutrois – A non-binary gender identity that falls under the genderqueer or transgender umbrellas. There is no one definition of Neutrois, since each person that self-identifies as such experiences their gender differently. The most common ones are: Neutral-gender, Null-gender, Neither male nor female, Genderless and/or Agender. (Neutrois.com)

Non binary/Nonbinary/Non-binary – A gender identity and experience that embraces a full universe of expressions and ways of being that resonate for an individual, moving beyond the male/female gender binary. It may be an active resistance to binary gender expectations and/or an intentional creation of new unbounded ideas of self within the world. For some people who identify as non binary there may be overlap with other concepts and identities like gender expansive and gender non-conforming.

Novosexual – [ noh-voh-sek-shoo-uhl ] adj.: When a person is novosexual, their sexual orientation changes as they experience a change in their gender identity. Both their sexual orientation and gender identity are fluid together. For example, a novosexual person may identify as a gay when they are a man but pansexual when they are nonbinary.

Outing verb: involuntary or unwanted disclosure of another person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status.

Omnigender – Possessing all genders. The term is used specifically to refute the concept of only two genders.

Omnisexual – [ om-nuhsek-shoo-uhl ] noun: refers to someone who is romantically, emotionally, or sexually attracted to persons of all genders and orientations. The term is often used interchangeably with pansexual.

Oppression – exists when one social group, whether knowingly or unconsciously, exploits another social group for its own benefit.

  • Individual Level – a person’s beliefs or behaviors that consciously or subconsciously work to perpetuate actions and attitudes of oppression (See internalized oppression)
  • Institutional Level – Institutions such as family, government, industry, education, and religion have policies and procedures that can promote systems of oppression.
  • Societal/Cultural Level – community norms that perpetuate implicit and explicit values that bind institutions and individuals; social norms on what is valued, accepted, or desirable give the individual and institutional levels the justification for systemic oppression.

Orientation – [ ohr-ee-uhn-tey-shuhn ] noun: Orientation is one’s attraction or non-attraction to other people.  An individual’s orientation can be fluid and people use a variety of labels to describe their orientation.  Some, but not all, types of attraction or orientation include: romantic, sexual, sensual, aesthetic, intellectual and platonic.

Pangender – [ pan-jen-der ] adj.: refers to a person whose gender identity that is not limited to one gender and may encompass all genders at once.

Pansexual – [pan-sek-shoo-uh l] adj.: a person who experiences sexual, romantic, physical, and/or spiritual attraction for members of all gender identities/expressions. Often shortened to “pan.”

Pansexual, Omnisexual: Terms used to describe people who have romantic, sexual or affectional desire for people of all genders and sexes. Has some overlap with bisexuality and polysexuality (not to be confused with polyamory).

Phobia – In mental and emotional wellness, a phobia is a marked and persistent fear that is excessive in proportion to the actual threat or danger the situation presents.  Historically, this term has been used inaccurately to refer to systems of oppression (i.e. homophobia has been used to refer to heterosexism.) As a staff, we’ve been intentionally moving away from using words like “transphobic,” “homophobic,” and “biphobic” because they inaccurately describe systems of oppression as irrational fears, and, for some people, phobias are a very distressing part of their lived experience and co-opting this language is disrespectful to their experiences and perpetuates ableism.  

Passing – [ pas-ing, pah-sing ] 1 adj. & verb: trans* people being accepted as, or able to “pass for,” a member of their self-identified gender identity (regardless of sex assigned at birth) without being identified as trans*.  2 adj.: an LGB/queer individual who is believed to be or perceived as straight.

PGPs abbr.: preferred gender pronouns. Often used during introductions, becoming more common as a standard practice. Many suggest removing the “preferred,” because it indicates flexibility and/or the power for the speaker to decide which pronouns to use for someone else.

Pink Tax – [ pingk taks ] noun: Often, products marketed to women cost more than the same ones for men. This gender-based price discrepancy is known as the pink tax.

Pinkwashing or Pink Washing – [ pingk-wosh-ing, pingk-waw-shing ] noun: See article: is a term used by feminist theorists to describe the action of using queer rights to distract from violence or oppression by a country, government, or organization. In the context of LGBT rights, it is used to describe a variety of marketing and political strategies aimed at promoting products, countries, people, or entities through an appeal to gay-friendliness, in order to be perceived as progressive, modern and tolerant normally without substance.

Polyamory / Polyamorous – [ pol-ee-am-er-ee ] [ pol-ee-am-er-uhs ] noun: refers to the practice of, desire for, or orientation toward having ethical, honest, and consensual non-monogamous relationships (i.e. relationships that may include multiple partners). Often shortened to “poly.”

Polycule[pol-ee-kyool] noun.: in the polyamory and BDSM communities, is a word that refers to all the people in a network of non-monogamous relationships (not being committed to one person at a time). Polycule can also refer to diagrams of these relationship networks.

Polysexual – [ pol-ee-sek-shoo-uh l] adj.: People who have a romantic, sexual, or affectional desire for more than one gender. Not to be confused with polyamory (above). Has some overlap with bisexuality and pansexuality.

Positionality – [puh-zish-uhnal-i-tee] noun: is the social and political context that creates your identity in terms of race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability status. Positionality also describes how your identity influences, and potentially biases, your understanding of and outlook on the world.

Privilege – [ privuh-lij, priv-lij ] noun: a set of unearned benefits given to people who fit into a specific social group.  The concept has roots in WEB DuBois’ work on “psychological wage” and white people’s feelings of superiority over Black people.  Peggy McIntosh wrote about privilege as a white woman and developed an inventory of unearned privileges that she experienced in daily life because of her whiteness.

Pronouns – proh-noun ] noun in grammar: Linguistic tools used to refer to someone in the third person.  Examples are they/them/theirs, ze/hir/hirs, she/her/hers, he/him/his.  In English and some other languages, pronouns have been tied to gender and are a common site of misgendering (attributing a gender to someone that is incorrect.)

Proxvir – [proks-veer] adj.: is a gender created on Tumblr. It’s similar to boy and isn’t connected to the binary, standing by itself. It can be encapsulated in the phrases “boyish, but not boy” and “masculine, but not male.”

Quoisexual – [kwa-sek-shoo-uh l] adj.: a sexual orientation on the asexuality spectrum. It can refer to a person who doesn’t relate to or understand experiences or concepts of sexual attraction and orientation. It can also refer to someone who feels confused about their own feelings of sexual attraction and orientation.

Queer 1 adj.: an umbrella term to describe individuals who don’t identify as straight and/or cisgender. 2 noun: a slur used to refer to someone who isn’t straight and/or cisgender. Due to its historical use as a derogatory term, and how it is still used as a slur many communities, it is not embraced or used by all LGBTQ people. The term “queer” can often be used interchangeably with LGBTQ (e.g., “queer people” instead of “LGBTQ people”).

Questioningverb, adj.: an individual who or time when someone is unsure about or exploring their own sexual orientation or gender identity.Quoisexual is a sexual orientation on the asexuality spectrum. It can refer to a person who doesn’t relate to or understand experiences or concepts of sexual attraction and orientation. It can also refer to someone who feels confusion about their own feelings of sexual attraction and orientation.

QPOC / QTPOC – abbr.: initialisms that stand for queer people of color and queer and/or trans people of color.

Race – A social construct that divides people into distinct groups based on characteristics such as physical appearance, ancestral heritage, cultural affiliation, cultural history, ethnic classification, based on the social, economic, and political context of a society at a given period of time. (Racial Equity Resource Guide)

Racism – The systematic subordination of people from marginalized racial groups based on their physical appearance, ethnic or ancestral history, or cultural affiliation. Racism is considered a deeply pervasive, systemic issue perpetuated by members of the privileged racial group holding dominant social power over others. Discrimination, prejudice, or xenophobia may be more accurate terms for describing individual acts of oppression. While these individual acts likely stem from systemic racism, at the individual level the power dynamics that enable racism are not at play in the same way.

Religion – A personal or institutionalized system of beliefs and practices concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, often grounded in belief in and reverence for some supernatural power or powers; often involves devotional and ritual observances and contains a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

Romantic attractionnoun: a capacity that evokes the want to engage in romantic intimate behavior (e.g., dating, relationships, marriage), experienced in varying degrees (from little-to-none, to intense). Often conflated with sexual attraction, emotional attraction, and/or spiritual attraction.

Romantic Orientation – Romantic Orientation is attraction or non-attraction to other people characterized by the expression or non-expression of love.  Romantic orientation can be fluid and people use a variety of labels to describe their romantic orientation. See also Orientation.

Same-gender loving (SGL) – [seym jen-der luhv-ing] or [es-jee-el] adj.: sometimes used by some members of the African-American or Black community to express a non-straight sexual orientation without relying on terms and symbols of European descent.

Sex – a medically constructed categorization. Sex is often assigned based on the appearance of the genitalia, either in ultrasound or at birth.

Sexism – The cultural, institutional, and individual set of beliefs and practices that privilege men, subordinate women, and devalue ways of being that are associated with women.

Sex assigned at birth (SAAB)abbr.: a phrase used to intentionally recognize a person’s assigned sex (not gender identity). Sometimes called “designated sex at birth” (DSAB) or “sex coercively assigned at birth” (SCAB), or specifically used as “assigned male at birth” (AMAB) or “assigned female at birth” (AFAB): Jenny was assigned male at birth, but identifies as a woman.

Sexual attractionnoun: a capacity that evokes the want to engage in physically intimate behavior (e.g., kissing, touching, intercourse), experienced in varying degrees (from little-to-none to intense). Often conflated with romantic attraction, emotional attraction, and/or spiritual attraction.

Sexuality:  The components of a person that include their biological sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual practices, etc.

Sexual orientation noun: the type of sexual, romantic, emotional/spiritual attraction one has the capacity to feel for some others, generally labeled based on the gender relationship between the person and the people they are attracted to. Often confused with sexual preference.

Sexual preferencenoun: the types of sexual intercourse, stimulation, and gratification one likes to receive and participate in. Generally, when this term is used, it is being mistakenly interchanged with “sexual orientation,” creating an illusion that one has a choice (or “preference”) in who they are attracted to.

Sex reassignment surgery (SRS)noun: used by some medical professionals to refer to a group of surgical options that alter a person’s biological sex. “Gender confirmation surgery” is considered by many to be a more affirming term. In most cases, one or multiple surgeries are required to achieve legal recognition of gender variance. Some refer to different surgical procedures as “top” surgery and “bottom” surgery to discuss what type of surgery they are having without having to be more explicit.

Sizeism – The pervasive system of discrimination and exclusion that oppresses people who have bodies that society has labeled as “overweight,” as well as people of short stature. Hxstorically speaking, fat people’s bodies have been labeled as unhealthy, undesirable, and lazy; this fails to complicate narratives around health and healthy living. This form of oppression has been referred to as fatphobia. 

Skoliosexual – [skoh-lee-oh-sex-shoo-uh l] adj.: being primarily sexually, romantically and/or emotionally attracted to some genderqueer, transgender, transsexual, and/or non-binary people.

Social Identities – Social identity groups are based on the physical, social, and mental characteristics of individuals. They are sometimes obvious and clear, sometimes not obvious and unclear, often self-claimed and frequently ascribed by others.

Socialization – The process by which societal norms influence a number of aspects that frame how members of a community live – including how they might think, behave, and hold certain values. Socialization can reinforce assumptions or expectations that give power to systems of oppression.

Social Justice – A goal and a process in which the distribution of resources is equitable and all members are physically and psychologically safe and secure.  Begins with an acknowledgement that oppression and inequity exist and must be actively dismantled on all levels. (Adams, Bell, & Griffin.)

Socioeconomic Class – Social group membership based on a combination of factors including income, education level, occupation, and social status in the community, such as contacts within the community, group associations, and the community’s perception of the family or individual.

SOGIE – An acronym that stands for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression. Is used by some in a similar way to the umbrella acronym: LGBTQIA.

Spectrum –  a range or sliding scale. Aspects of one’s identity like sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression exist on a spectrum. For example, with sexual orientation, the attraction to men, women, or someone of another gender all exist on separate spectrums. Someone might feel a little attracted to men, very much attracted to women, and moderate attraction to people outside this binary. Please also see the Gender Unicorn to learn more about these aspects of identity.

Spiritual attractionnoun: a capacity that evokes the want to engage in intimate behavior based on one’s experience with, interpretation of, or belief in the supernatural (e.g., religious teachings, messages from a deity), experienced in varying degrees (from little-to-none, to intense). Often conflated with sexual attraction, romantic attraction, and/or emotional attraction.

Spirituality – Having to do with deep feelings and convictions, including a person’s sense of peace, purpose, connection to others, and understanding of the meaning and value of life; may or may not be associated with a particular set of beliefs or practices.

Stealth adj.: a trans person who is not “out” as trans, and is perceived/known by others as cisgender.

Stereotype – A generalization applied to every person in a cultural group; a fixed conception of a group without allowing for individuality. When we believe our stereotypes, we tend to ignore characteristics that don’t conform to our stereotype, rationalize what we see to fit our stereotype, see those who do not conform as “exceptions,” and find ways to create the expected characteristics.

Straight adj.: a person primarily emotionally, physically, and/or sexually attracted to some people who are not their same-sex/gender. A more colloquial term for the word heterosexual.

Stud – noun: most commonly used to indicate a Black/African-American and/or Latina, masculine, lesbian/queer woman. Also known as ‘butch’ or ‘aggressive’

T-girl – [ tee-gurl ] adj.: a term for a transgender girl or woman. While some in the LGBTQ community embrace the term, others find it offensive.

TERF – abbr.: Transgener Exclusionary Radical Feminist/Feminism, so people fighting for women’s rights while deliberately excluding persons of trans experience.

TGNCabbr.: TGNC is Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming (sometimes you’ll see “NB” added for non-binary)

Third gendernoun: for a person who does not identify with either man or woman, but identifies with another gender. This gender category is used by societies that recognize three or more genders, both contemporary and historic, and is also a conceptual term meaning different things to different people who use it, as a way to move beyond the gender binary.

Top surgerynoun: this term refers to surgery for the construction of a male-type chest or breast augmentation for a female-type chest.

Transadj.: an umbrella term covering a range of identities that transgress socially-defined gender norms. Trans with an asterisk is often used in written forms (not spoken) to indicate that you are referring to the larger group nature of the term, and specifically including non-binary identities, as well as transgender men (transmen) and transgender women (transwomen).

Trans man – A person may choose to identify this way to capture their gender identity as well as their lived experience as a transgender person.  

Trans woman – A person may choose to identify this way to capture their gender identity as well as their lived experience as a transgender person.  

Transman/transwomannoun: a man/woman who was not assigned that gender via sex at birth, and transitioned (socially, medically, and/or legally) from that assignment to their gender identity, signified by the second part of the term (i.e., -man, -woman). Also referred to as men and women (though some/many trans people prefer to keep the prefix “trans-” in their identity label).

Transgender 1 adj.: a gender description for someone who has transitioned (or is transitioning) from living as one gender to another. 2 adj.: an umbrella term for anyone whose sex assigned at birth and gender identity do not correspond in an expected way (e.g., someone who was assigned male at birth, but does not identify as a man).

Transition/transitioning noun; verb: referring to the process of a transgender person changing aspects of themselves (e.g., their appearance, name, pronouns, or making physical changes to their body) to be more congruent with the gender they know themselves to be (as opposed to the gender they lived as pre-transitioning).

Transphobianoun: the fear of, discrimination against, or hatred of trans* people, the trans* community, or gender ambiguity. Transphobia can be seen within the queer community, as well as in general society. Transphobic – adj. : a word used to describe an individual who harbors some elements of this range of negative attitudes, thoughts, intents, towards trans* people.

Transsexualnoun & adj.; a person who identifies psychologically as a gender/sex other than the one to which they were assigned at birth. Transsexuals often wish to transform their bodies hormonally and surgically to match their inner sense of gender/sex.

Transvestitenoun: a person who dresses as the binary opposite gender expression (“cross-dresses”) for many reasons, including relaxation, fun, and sexual gratification (often called a “cross-dresser,” and should not be confused with transsexual).

Twink – adj.: is gay slang for a young man in his late teens to early twenties whose traits may include: general physical attractiveness; little to no body or facial hair; a slim to average build; and a youthful appearance

Two-spiritnoun: is an umbrella term traditionally within Native American communities to recognize individuals who possess qualities or fulfill roles of both feminine and masculine genders.

Undocumented – People are who are born outside of the country to which they immigrated, who do not have documentation that grants legal rights related to residency and/or citizenship.

Ursula: Some lesbians, particularly butch dykes, also participate in Bear culture referring to themselves with the distinct label Ursula.

White feminism – [wahyt fem-uh-niz-uh m] adj.: the label given to feminist efforts and actions that uplift white women but that exclude or otherwise fail to address issues faced by minority groups, especially women of color and LGBTQ women.

Womxn – some womxn spell the word with an “x” as a form of empowerment to move away from the “men” in the “traditional” spelling of women.

Womyn – [wim-in] an alternative way of spelling women, used by some feminists to avoid the perceived sexism in the suffix “-men”.

Ze – / zir/ “zee”, “zerr” or “zeer”/ – alternate pronouns that are gender neutral and preferred by some trans* people. They replace “he” and “she” and “his” and “hers” respectively. Alternatively some people who are not comfortable/do not embrace he/she use the plural pronoun “they/their” as a gender neutral singular pronoun.

Support LGBTQ corporate equality contact info OutBuro - Workplace LGBT Employer Ratings Reviews Monitoring Company Employee Recruiting Diversity Inclusion

Support LGBTQ corporate equality – provide employer contact info

We need your help to identify the employer decision making contacts to demonstrate their LGBTQ corporate equality efforts through employer branding.

You and the entire LGBTQ community are so important. We are striving to make a huge shift in how LGBTQ employers measure their efforts on Corporate Equality – with YOUR anonymous voice providing ratings/reviews.

We need your help to identify the decision making contact persons in employers so they can demonstrate their LGBTQ diversity, inclusion and welcoming employer brand. We’ll use this confidentially provided information to reach out and make them aware of the OutBüro platform and how they can leverage it as part of their current or growing LGBTQ corporate equality efforts. OutBüro’s platform allows the employer of any size and any location to take consolidate a robust LGBTQ employer branding message and monitor their LGBTQ employee ratings/reviews on the platform interacting with the anonymous ratings/review providers.

If you’d like to receive credit for a portion of income when they come on board, then check out the Ambassador program. This would not be confidential in the sense that you’d take an active role in making the introductions at a minimum. If you want to be part of the initial process, check the Ambassador box when submitting and then we’ll reach out to you to strategize on how to best move forward. We respect and appreciate your connections.

Please complete the form below.

Either way is super fantastic with OutBüro

[gravityform id=”4″ title=”true” description=”true” ajax=”true”]

How to Make Your [Gay] Money Work as Hard as You Do - LGBTQ Personal Finance Education Debt Reduction - OutBuro - bisexual queer lesbian transgender

How to Make Your [Gay] Money Work as Hard as You Do

Do you all too often have more month left over at the end of your money? Do you work hard for your paycheck only to watch it go out faster than it comes in? Do you ever wonder how you’ll put your children through school?

You’re not alone. The truth is that even though “gays are fabulous” (and we are), most of our community is struggling financially.

And we can relate.

Learn more about the Debt Free Guys’ LGBTQ Personal Financial Freedom course and resources.

Who are we?

We are John and David. After dating for 18 months, we came out of the closet to each other about our money, and it wasn’t pretty. We were $51,000 in credit card debt. Ouch! Sure, everything looked good on the outside. But we were hurting on the inside.

We were the gay cliché of being fabulous but fabulously broke. Ever feel this way?

You see, coming from times and places when it wasn’t okay to be gay, we were both bullied, picked and treated differently because we were – well – different. We grew up feeling like we weren’t as good as the other kids. Can you relate?

Then, when we found the courage to come out of the closet and moved away from our families to find other people like us, we were so insecure and wanted so desperately to fit in with the other gays, that we thought we needed all the right things – clothes, home, travel, careers, partners, stuff – all the right outward appearances – so we wouldn’t be bothered by another community. Our community. Sound familiar?

We paid off that credit card debt in less than three years! It took a lot of soul-searching, and we attribute that success to figuring out what was most important to us. Sixteen years later, today, we’re helping other queer people achieve the same financial security.

Are you living fabulously broke - Learn to be debt free with the DebtFreeGuy

Is queer money different than straight money?

If you thought you (and now us) were alone in this struggle, did you know that:

  • same-sex couples with at least one child under the age of 18 have 20% more credit card debt than their straight peers and have almost 90% more student loan debt?
  • queer college graduates have 16% more student loan debt than non-queer graduates?
  • 57% of our community says their current financial condition harms their mental health?

So, no, you’re not alone. Yes, our community has systematic and personal struggles with money. Yes, there’s something we can do about it but knowing there’s a problem isn’t enough.

learn more button
37 LinkedIn Profile Tips for Queer Networkers and Job Seekers - LGBT Employees Rate Employer Review Company Employee Branding OutBuro - Corporate Workplace Equality Gay Lesbian Queer Diversity Inclusion

37 LinkedIn Profile Tips for Queer Networkers and Job Seekers

To discuss your LinkedIn profile as a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer professional, we first must cover some basics because as an LGBTQ professional we have a bit of a challenge in comparison to heterosexuals which can make networking and hunting for your next career move a bit daunting.  Like 72% of LGBTQ professionals, you may have experienced discrimination and harassment on the job at your current or past employers. This can make you feel a bit of trepidation when hunting for a new job wondering, “should I stay and endure or should I go to a hopefully better more LGBTQ inclusive and welcoming work environment.”

All around the world, LGBTQ people still face legal discrimination including in nearly half the U.S. states that do not offer full protection for LGBTQ people on employment rights. You also have to consider how OUT you are comfortable with being on your resume and therefore also your LinkedIn profile. Studies have found that even being just perceived as LGBTQ can result in not being hired, not promoted and less pay compared to being perceived as heterosexual.  But change happens because we take a stand.

Luckily, many companies have realized that being diversity open and welcoming toward LGBTQ employees by providing LGBTQ friendly and equal benefits and policies literally provide the company with huge benefits culturally and financially.  Corporations and organizations can be the bridge to equality even during turbulent waters of an unfriendly political administration. If applying for a new job at a Fortune 1000 level company be sure to check out the latest HRC Corporate Equality Index for a listing of companies and their LGBTQ employee friendly HRC score. But, companies of all sizes all over the world are waking up to this and providing LGBTQ friendly benefits and policies. Some large companies today even have a diversity and inclusion HR recruiter dedicated to recruiting great LGBTQ talent. Be sure to check out our article on job seeking as an LGBTQ employee for additional tips.

Whether you are currently actively looking for a new job or passively open to being contacted by recruiters with potential opportunities, in addition to LinkedIn consider joining the growing site of OutBüro and add your resume to the searchable database.  It is rapidly growing and adding new companies, diversity recruiters, information and features to better serve you and the global LGBTQ professional and entrepreneur community.

On OutBüro you can add your recent past and current employer of any size and any location in the world to the Company Rating area and provide a company review anonymously from your LGBTQ employee perspective.

OutBuro where you belong lgbtq entrprenuers out gay business owers lesbian startups queer professionals employer ratings customer reviews bisexual transgender equality community 1

Build your LinkedIn profile and network before you need it

Follow the guideline tips below to jump-start your gay professional networking and job search. When you’re not looking for a job, it can be all to easy to ignore your LinkedIn. In conversations, I’ve heard so many people say, “I’m not searching for a job right now so I never go onto LinkedIn.” MISTAKE. You don’t show up for a first date and before server asks for your drink order ask your date to marry you and move in – right? I hope not else your dating life is dismal. Professional networking is the same. You need to build the relationships and nurture them. That starts with having a fabulous profile.

Here, I’ve pulled together what you need to know about making your LinkedIn profile sparkle and dazzle.

LinkedIn profile tips for the queer professional

1. Don’t be stale

Before moving on to creating your awesome LinkedIn profile, take a day or so to review and update your resume.

2. Be verbally creative

The most overused buzzwords on resumes and profiles are responsible, creative, effective, analytical, strategic, patient, expert, organizational, driven, and innovative. Drop all the overly used common words and make your resume and profile stand out with fabulous action verbs that make you look like a superhero in your field.  Also, consider using a grammar app like Grammarly.com. I love that tool.

3. Resistance is futile

Keep in mind that today large companies use artificial intelligence to search their database and the internet for resumes with key terms in complex formats. So you need to cover the skills simply, directly and in plain language.

4. Get past the first rung

Remembering that often the first actual person who sees your resume or assessing your LinkedIn profile will likely be a junior recruiter who likely has zero knowledge of the industry and your skills. They are looking to see if your resume has all boxes checked before moving it along to the next review step.  Many junior recruiters are fresh out of college.  Keep it simple and clear while still being complete.

5. Job Duties – ditch ‘em

As you review and update your resume be sure to say bye-bye Felicia to job duties on your resume.  Showcase your achievements to demonstrate that you’re a high performer.  This will translate to your LinkedIn Profile too where it will catch the attention of recruiters.

6. Snap that pic

Like a good queer in the digital age, you know your profile picture will be the first thing that grabs attention on a site or app.  LinkedIn is really no different – except it’s professional only. If starting a new LinkedIn profile. It can be casual and even goofy but keep it corporate office friendly. If you are not a professional fitness coach, keep the shirt on. I love a hot torso shot like the next gay guy, but LinkedIn is not the place for that unless it directly relates to your work.

Have a little fun trying different shirts, poses, backgrounds and more. Just give a smile, be sure it’s clear, friendly and appropriate for your industry and level in your career. Even if you have to wear a suit and tie it can still be professional yet show some personality.

7. Don’t be a mystery

Complete your profile to it’s fullest. The more content the better chances a recruiter will come across it in their searches. Touch and add to every section of the profile, from title, summery, employment history, skills, get endorsements and so forth. LinkedIn actually automatically suggests profiles areas you have not completed. Take note and complete them if appropriate. Think of it this way, have you ever been on a “dating” app and you see a great profile pic then click through and there’s absolutely no profile info? Makes ya wonder. Don’t expect recruiters to think you’re so hot in your photo that they send you a message saying, “Hey, what’s up? What skills do you have and are you available now?” They won’t. They’ll just ignore you and move on.

8. Custom URL – no it’s not vanity

Having a custom URL makes sharing it so much easier. But don’t get cute with stuff like “AwesomeGuy” or “AmazingProgramer”. Keep it simple and professional. The best is www.linkedin.com/in/yourname See instructions from LinkedIn here

9. Make your profile headline awesome

Your job title and company really shouldn’t be your profile headline. Think of this as your self-marketing tagline. Check out our list of fabulous action verbs to be on message while conveying action. What is it about you that sets you apart? Maybe highlight very briefly your biggest kick-butt thing you accomplished in your last role. Look at other profiles in your industry. Do you see a common theme? If so, don’t be a sheep following the masses. Make your’s stand out as unique showcasing your value proposition.  This headline will be constantly visible as you participate in groups, like and share content as well as visible in recruiter search results and when potential contacts are making a quick decision to invite you to connect or accept your invitation to connect.

10 Craft it based on job descriptions

Review several job descriptions from companies you are targeting. Notice keywords and phrases that appear often in some or all and ensure those same words are scattered throughout your profile and summary. Not as duties as mentioned earlier, but within your accomplishments. You can bet that recruiters are using those same keywords when searching for their next candidate.

11. Leverage the summary space

Your profile summary should be just a short overview of your top skills and qualification and maybe include a list of the top few industries you’ve worked in that is also your target ideal job. Keep it short. Usually 3-4 few sentence paragraphs is idea and if you can work in a short bulleted list. This is meant to give the viewer enough information to want to know more.

12. Numbers are good

Include quantifiable numbers in your resume and LinkedIn profile. It can convey your value and credibility. For example, “Founded, built and moderate LinkedIn’s largest LGBT professional networking group with currently 45,000 global members” or “Reduce IT software annual maintenance agreements by 28% within 6 months in Fortune 1000 level financial service firm”.

13. Show personality

Your LinkedIn profile summary is your chance to shine and stand out. Be professional yet write in with a little personality too like you are having a conversation. It’s a brief opportunity for the viewer to get to know you and tell if you might be a good fit for their work culture.

14. Don’t be a queen

England’s queen can get away with talking in 3rd person. No one is going to believe someone else other than yourself completed your profile. So use language as if you are directly speaking to someone, not like it’s a Forbes article a journalist wrote about you. So when appropriate use “I am passionate ____”. This is one area where your resume and LinkedIn profile differs.

15. Be current

Sure you have to list all the relative jobs with the amazing experience you’ve had in the past, but what if you are currently unemployed or reentering the job market? On your LinkedIn profile, you need to enter something with a “current” date. Why? Most recruiters almost always use your current title and description in their searches. They then look beyond that if it captures their attention. If needed create a dummy job listing and use this to list all related experience you have marketing toward your ideal job. Use the job title for that and if not currently employed consider adding “Seeking” as the company.

16. Contact info

Be sure you add at minimum your email address and phone number to your profile. Also add any other social media accounts you are comfortable with being found by and looked at.

17. Add a website

If you currently do not have a portfolio or about me website, strongly consider creating one. It can complement your resume and LinkedIn profile. If you aren’t technical there are many platforms available to get it up easily such as Wix and others. Also for under $10 you can obtain a URL from sites like Domain.com. On this personal branding website showcase all the work and projects that make you stand out. It’s a great way to move beyond the confines of a resume or LinkedIn profile to communicate your talents and value while presenting a little personality and flair. Naturally, for entrepreneurs, it will be your company website. When completed add the website to your LinkedIn profile.

18. Jazz up your summary with multimedia

On your summary, you are able to addWord documents, Excel files, PowerPoint presentations, pictures, screenshots, video, pdf’s and other electronic files. Maybe add your full resume do it’s accessible for recruiters to download. Perhaps it’s company brochures or branding images. You may want to consider hosting these files on Google Drive.

19. Add certifications

Adding certifications to your profile is a great way to showcase your knowledge and achievements.You may consider adding the text in your summary or job experience. However, adding the actual certification section, via Achievements to your profile will allow recruiters who are looking for a candidate with a certain certification to find you who leverage the specific fields meant for that content.

20. Add projects

You can leverage the projects feature to further build your profile allowing a greater range of skills, talents, and accomplishments to be featured making all the content search-able to find you.

21. Add volunteer experience

Have you gained some great experience volunteering? Add it to your profile in the Volunteer Experience section of your profile. Maybe you didn’t gain work-related skills serving food to disabled veterans or cleaning kennels at your local animal shelter, but adding it to your profile demonstrates that you are a well-rounded person who is involved in your community. It could make you stand out as just the right candidate.

22. Add languages

Do you speak French, German or Mandarin? Adding the languages you speak can be a great way to differentiate yourself on your resume and LinkedIn profile.

23. Get LinkedIn endorsements regularly

When you hear, “you did an amazing job”, ask the person to provide you an endorsement on LinkedIn. Don’t be bashful about specifying what you would like them to say. You might even consider drafting the endorsement based on what they said, naturally suggesting they edit it as they see fit before posting. In that provide a link to your LinkedIn profile. Both these actions will make it super easy increasing the odds that they will follow through with doing it.

24. Delete/hide a recommendation

It’s great that someone had the thought and took the time to provide you an endorsement, but every now and then you might receive one that is not aligned with the direction of your career. It could be in your best interest to delete/hide it from your profile.

25. Keep it clean

With all the options you have to add content to your profile on LinkedIn, I’ll also say, “Don’t feel you have to fill in every single thing.” Just because you can, does not mean you must or should. Keep your profile clean and as minimal as possible while conveying your professional experience and direction. I for example with my new direction in life removed absolutely all of my past technology project management entries. Why? Because it’s not where I’m going. If you worked at McDonald’s 8 years ago and it’s not relevant to where you are now and where you are going – don’t add it or remove it now.

Also, be brief with just enough nuggets of information to make your profile show up in the searches and WOW the recruiter or prospective client. The profile is not an essay. If you want to add more content check out the below tip of adding articles.

Profile all Set – get social

26. Update Your Status

LinkedIn is not the place to post what you ate for lunch. Keep yourself visible in the activity stream by updating your status. Just keep it professional and ideally focused on your industry. Share industry articles, news and company updates.

27. Be social

As you see content from others, like, share and make thoughtful comments on what others post.

28. Follow topics & use hashtags

LinkedIn recently implemented hashtags which now provides you the opportunity to follow them as topics as well as put them in your status updates/postings and comments to push your stuff into those same topics for others to discover beyond those you are connected directly to.

29. Follow companies and people’s

If you are just starting out on LinkedIn your news activity stream will be a ghost town. You need to jump into liking and commenting thoughtfully on what others post. This will be visible in your activity and can boost your exposure. So, judiciously follow industry leaders and companies that you are interested in. You can follow people that you are not directly connected to. From their profile choose the more  “…” and then select “follow”. Visit company pages and select the “follow company” button. If you go a little gangbusters at first you can always unfollow them in the future. They won’t get notified if you unfollow – so no feelings hurt.

30. Write article content

Anyone can publish an article on LinkedIn.If you already have a blog it’s a great way to repost your content, building your personal brand and increasing the content associated with your profile thus improving your visibility in searches. Be sure to explore all the LinkedIn Article features. For examples check out articles I’ve posted via my own profile. Use hashtags in your article to increase its exposure. Ideally, you’ll add a featured image and call to action images in your article (search the internet for “free images” – never just download something you see on another website – not cool).  Cover the topic and show a little personality while remaining professional.

31. Be a groovy groupie

LinkedIn Groups can be an indispensable resource. Just like your general site activity, the more active you are in a group the more exposure you will have and build a branded reputation as a thought leader, a nice person and an interesting conversationalist. There are thousands of groups on LinkedIn. Choose wisely. Search for your industry and topics of interest, such as OutBüro on LinkedIn which is the oldest, largest, most active and moderated LGBTQ professional networking group with, as of this writing, 45,000 global members.

Via your group settings, you can control the communications from the group as well as hide a group from your public profile. You may also directly message any other group member so that increases your reach on LinkedIn. You may find another group member works for a target company you seek to work at or do business with and have the group as a conversation opener. Keep your group posting and commenting activity focused on the group topic.

OutBuro on LinkedIn - Largest LGBT Professional Entrepreneur Networking Community Group Gay Lesbian Bisexual Queer Transgender Network

32. Connect with others

You may have come across other articles about LinkedIn that say to only invite people to directly connect with you that you actually know. Okay, that is the premise of LinkedIn. But would you attend a local in-person business networking event only to grab a few snacks, maybe have a beer and talk with ONLY the people you already know? If so, you just should have invited those friends over for a BBQ in your backyard. What was your point of attending the networking event if not to meet NEW people? Right?

LinkedIn should be no different. It is about expanding your reach and exposure.

I’ll admit, I’m a prolific connector. It has paid off and will continue to bring new opportunities in many ways.

If you are new to LinkedIn, I won’t put a number on how many connections you should have. But think of this. If seeking a new job or reaching out to new client potentials and your LinkedIn profile as next to no other connections, what will a recruiter or prospect think?

  • This person has been living under a rock.
  • This person obviously has no value to bring me since others don’t find value in connecting with them.
  • This person scared of social media and maybe technology as a whole.
  • This person is not dynamic enough.
  • This person will not fit into our work culture.

Do not be that person. You are welcome to invite me to connect to get your connecting on a strong path. I’ve been on LinkedIn for 17 years – way before it was much – and have over 24,000 1st degree connections which will then be your 2nd-degree connections. My connections span the globe and industries.

33. Search privately

Via your LinkedIn privacy settings, you can choose the way your profile appears when you are checking out other profiles. You may not want every person to know you visited their profile. Not a problem. Set your privacy settings and jump in with no trails left behind.

34. Job hunting secretly

If you are seeking a new job yet currently employed, you may not want the current employer to be aware you are looking for greener pastures. No worries, in your LinkedIn privacy settings set your “Job seeking preference.”

35. Send a message

When you are asking to connect with someone on LinkedIn, don’t just click “connect”. You receive a much better acceptance rate if you choose the “send a message” feature. Take moment and check out their profile to see where you have commonalities and personalize the very short message. It might read, “Hi Bob, I see you’re the director of the Dallas LGBT center. My work focuses on providing information and resources to LGBQ professionals and entrepreneurs. I’d love to connect on here.”

36. Engage, ask and thank

After someone accepts your connection or you accept theirs, reach back out with a short “Appreciate the connection” message. If you think there’s a good reason to, ask for a short introduction phone call. Do NOT just start spamming the person with over received “offers” to improve their website and SEO. I get those several times a week. I just hit delete and then assess if I really want that person in my network

37. It’s not a dating site

Could there be a chance of meeting someone via LinkedIn for dating? Maybe. I’m guilty of receiving a connection request, checking out the profile and thinking, “Holy crap, he’s hot as f*(k !!” But that’s not the intent of the site. And personally, if not local, what’s the point of that train of thought? I’ve read about a woman using it as a dating site. Normally, most frown upon that approach on LinkedIn.


Do you have tips on what’s been successful for you in your use of LinkedIn? Use the comments below to share your ideas, tips, and tricks for us all to grow together.

OutBuro where you belong lgbtq entrprenuers out gay business owers lesbian startups queer professionals employer ratings customer reviews bisexual transgender equality community 1
Debt Free Guys - LGBT Personal Finance OutBuro LGBT Business Owner GLBT Entreprener Community Network News Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Queer Bisexual Transgender

Debt Free Guys – Award Winning Personal Finance Blog Specifically for the LGBTQ Community

The personal finance industry has taken notice of the award-winning highly informative personal finance by the Debt Free Guys who focus on for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer community as their target underserved audience.  Debt Free Guys is the passionate and often funny collaboration of  David Auten and John Schneider III who share their story of how as a gay couple they use to live beyond their previous means and accumulated $51,000 of consumer debt.  They woke up to the disadvantage that put them in and decided to do something about it.  They strategized together a plan to pay off that $51,000 and as a result Debt Free Guys was born.  In addition to writing they host audio and video interviews of experts in an array of fields that also focus personal finance in its many forms from managing your money to career tips that help you earn more too.

Debt Free Guys - OutBuro LGBT Business Reviews Rating Gay entrepreneur community Professional Network Lesbian startup Networking Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

They have a solid understanding that there’s more to life than money.  They share that you need to give money the importance it deserves, but warn that you should not make it more important than it actually is.  Your freedom from debt provides financial freedom to do more with what you have.  After paying of debt and living within your means – it’s like getting a raise.  You have more money to invest in your long-term financial health providing you security and peace of mind.  Having fun is critical to a balanced life and paying for that fun should be balanced as well.

David Auten - John Schneider - Debt Free Guys - LGBT Queer Personal Finance - OutBuro Gay Business Network Community Owner Entrepreneurs Lesbian Leaders

A few selected past advice interviews they have completed are:

David and John have built a credible resource and have been referenced in Business Insider, US News, Market Watch (and here), TIME, The Motley Fool, MSN Money, The Huffington Post, and more.  Further, their rich and thoughtful content caught the eye of Forbes.com where they were invited to become regular content contributors.

A little about David and John:

  • Nationally recognized experts on queer and straight personal finance
  • Authority on debt fee living, investing and financial independence
  • Speaker at FinCon 2017 and on Prudential’s 2016 LGBT Financial Experience Tour and 2017 LGBT Financial Experience Symposium
  • Brand ambassador and partner for MassMutual, Prudential and Capital One
  • Online contributor for Forbes, The Motley Fool, YahooFinance, Business Insider, MSN Money & Time
  • 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 Plutus Award Nominee and winners of Best Personal Finance Blog in 2018
  • Co-authors of the hard-copy book, 4: The Four Principles of a Debt Free Life
  • Co-authors of the eBooks: Money Conscious Student, Money Conscious Financial Planning Guide & Do You Know How to Be Money Conscious
  • Over 20,000 social media followers on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest & YouTube

Are you aware of an LGBT owned business or community non-profit we should inform our readers about?  Contact us with an LGBT owned business lead or news tip.

OutBuro where you belong lgbtq entrprenuers out gay business owers lesbian startups queer professionals employer ratings customer reviews bisexual transgender equality community 1
Press Release Tips LGBT Entrepreneur Non Profits OutBuro GLBT OrganizationGay Business Owner Lesbian Startup Bisexual Transgender Queer Marketing Professional Community

Press Release Tips for the LGBT Entrepreneur and Non-Profits

Every business needs exposure and that’s no different for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer business owners, startups and non-profit organizations. You can send your press release out via a wire service and hope for the best. In addition to that approach, you should seek out every media outlet possible and create direct relationships to help get your new announcement published. One such site focusing on LGBTQ business owners and non-profits news is OutBüro – The LGBTQ Employer Reviews/Ratings, Job Portal, and Professional & Entrepreneur Networking Community. For more information on self-publishing your press release for free or being interviewed and featured by OutBüro check out the article titled “LGBT Business and Non-Profit Leaders: Create Buzz and SEO Love”.

Benefits of a Press Releases

Organizations of all sizes use press releases to:

  • To attempt to gain media coverage. This would be when your company releases a new product or feature.
  • To improve search engine optimization. Content about your company out on the web people can find you with your company and industry keywords will make your press release shareable. The backlinks provide SEO uplift to your own site. That ensures your release will be searchable and found online and can create buzz with target audiences you want to reach expanding your own direct efforts.
  • To build your company brand recognition and reputation. Repeat, repeat, repeat. The more your brand is visible the more it will stick in the minds of your target audience. Maybe you are launching your business, or expanding your services. Maybe you completed a great client project or won an award. There are so many reasons to make a press release announcements.
  • To have a proactive voice. When things go wrong, it’s often beneficial to break the story yourself first.
  • It is a fairly low-cost way to market your company/organization. A well-written press release can help gain public attention through news coverage.
  • To build solid relationships. Journalists and influencers are always looking to make connections with companies and organizations as sources of news. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship. A good press release will capture their attention and have them eager to share the story with their audience.

The Basics

  • You need to answer why the reader should care and why this is news in the first couple of sentences.
  • The first line of the release should answer concisely the who is it about and who is your target audience if you can and why it is pertinent to them.
  • As an LGBTQ business owner, your business may focus on the LGBTQ community or not. If everyone is a potential client/customer then consider multiple press releases targeting different audiences. LGBTQ people like to patron LGBTQ owned businesses, so having LGBTQ language in your press release helps that community find and identify with your company/organization.
  • What it is about? What is new? Has the company/organization reached a milestone or hosting an education event? Ensure you cover where including an address, city, region county, global or online that helps Google serve up local news.
  • If it is an event or a promotion state when it is or the time frame of the action just as “completed a client project in June,” or “Labor Day weekend special.”
  • Lastly but not least cover the how. How does or did this benefit the client or community? How to get in contact with you and so forth.
  • Every press release should fit on an 8½-by-11 sheet of paper
  • Contact Information is best at the top. Include the appropriate contact name, phone number, and email address.
  • Pick Your Keywords – Ask yourself what are the main topics covered by your press release? Think about how the average person who may not understand your business or industry think about it. What search terms might they use?

Are Your Press Releases Getting Ignored?

If journalists or media outlet are ignoring your press releases there’s a good chance it’s because you have not answered the above basics or have it scattered throughout your press release making them hunt for it. Make it easy and follow the basics. Additionally, seek out media site such as OutBüro where you can post your press release yourself – and for free. OutBüro wants your LGBTQ owned business news and announcements that are office environment safe. Be sure to check out our article titled “LGBT Business and Non-Profit Leaders: Create Buzz and SEO Love”.

Videos have been hot on the internet and continue to be preferred form of information consumption. With a little preparation, you can make quick and easy short videos even right from your smartphone to share on your site, around the web, and in your press releases. Videos are shared more often on social media.

Adding an extra image or even a video is worth it. According to PR Newswire research adding an extra image(s) and/or video can increase your press release visibility by 552 percent.

Common Mistakes in a Press Release

Press releases are meant to increase media outreach, improve brand awareness and share important company/organization news. None of those goals can be achieved if your press release has common marketing mistakes.

Try to avoid:

  1. Using boring headlines. Keep it short and make every word work for you.
  2. Forgetting a call to action. Direct the reader to you a specific page on your website for example.
  3. Not Including images and video that bring the press release to life – if possible use original images to reduce stock image burn out.
  4. Sounding too much like sales pitch spam
  5. Spelling and grammar errors – we love Grammarly

Getting Started

The best length of a press release is about 300-400 words. That’s only three or four short paragraphs coupled with a few quotes. To get started, jot down a 3-4 section outline of the story and then write one or two sentences for each. Bullet points are your friend – they make your story easier to skim and make important points stand out.

Leverage Quotes

Good quotes to elevate your copy. Depending on the publication, the quote might be the only portion that gets picked up, printed or cited. This means it needs to be clear, on message and essential.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when making your quotes stand out:

  • Don’t use words just for fluff. Be strategic and use buzzwords that will have a deeper meaning of what you are trying to say.
  • Don’t use industry jargon. Use language that sounds conversational to professionals and brands.
  • Each quote in the release should have a message supporting your brand and have a little WOW factor to entice the reader to learn more.

Use Data to Improve your Press Release

Having hard statistics and data to build trust between your company/organization and customers/clients.

  • Look for patterns in customer reviews: What are your customers saying about your company/organization and how can you use those reviews for your story?
  • Data gives your press release substance.
  • Did you know that 42 percent of all statistics are completely full of crap because people never cite sources? See what we did there? Many PRs do that as well, only they don’t mean to. Journalists read your baffling statistics and immediately search for the source. Without them, you have no credibility. Without that, you have no story… 100 percent of the time.

Go Beyond Large Wire Services

Don’t call it a day after you’ve sent out your release over the wire. Reach out to a few of the journalists or influencers, such as OutBüro, you’ve identified and built a relationship. If you can schedule a call with them to learn more about their target audience and share how your news fits their audience. Follow up with them occasionally even when you don’t have a press release to send. Be authentic and if there’s not a match, be honest. Every media outlet has their niche focus. Then ensure your press release is geared toward that media outlet and its audience. GayStarNew, Queerty, and OutBüro have some overlapping similarities yet are very different from one another.

OutBuro where you belong lgbtq entrprenuers out gay business owers lesbian startups queer professionals employer ratings customer reviews bisexual transgender equality community 1
LGBT Professional Associations - LGBT Employees Rate Employer Review Company Employee Branding OutBuro - Corporate Workplace Equality Gay Lesbian Queer Diversity Inclusion

LGBT Professional Associations

As in any profession, it is a good idea to be active in industry associations to further your education and networking for business and career advancement opportunities.  Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer persons can feel left out, discriminated against and sometimes shunned within mainstream associations.  LGBT professional associations step in to provide great peer networking, career, and business support, education, connect within the professional field and greater community and may lead to new opportunities.  Naturally, you should also strive to participate in the mainstream associations to ensure the best exposure and access to resources that the LGBT association may not have the ability to provide.  Typically the LGBT professional associations are in addition to the mainstream associations.

We’d like to consider this an active and growing list. If you are aware of an LGBT Professional Association not found below, we’d appreciate you using the Contact Us form and provide a link to their primary website so that we may review their info and potentially add them the resource list below.  As more organizations are identified and added from around the world be it local, state, national and global we will update the list format for navigation as it grows.

If you are an entrepreneur also check out LGBT Chambers of Commerce.


Global


National Gay Pilots AssociationNational Gay Pilots Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

Over twenty-five years ago, our first event was held in Provincetown, Mass., and it included a handful of gay pilots who communicated by telephone and were discreetly identified by sporting an airplane on their shirts. At the time, members risked losing their job or being dishonorably discharged from the military if they were outed as gay. From that group, a national organization has evolved. Today, we reach over 4,000 members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community worldwide. Our members include recreational and commercial pilots, flight instructors, air traffic controllers, mechanics, airport managers, and other aviation professionals and enthusiasts from the United States and abroad. Annually, we organize for members two major social events, the second-largest pilots recruiting and hiring exposition in the U.S., as well as bring visibility and support to various Pride events across the country. The National Gay Pilots Association is the largest organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pilots, aviation professionals, and enthusiasts from around the world.

The NGPA mission statement is to build, support, and unite the global LGBT aviation community.
Through education, social events, and outreach programs we promote our primary organizational goals.
• ENCOURAGE members of the LGBT community to begin piloting careers.
      • FOSTER equal treatment of LGBT aviators through advocacy and outreach.
      • PROMOTE aviation safety.
      • PROVIDE an affirming social and professional network for LGBT aviators.
We host three major events each year that are attended by airlines scouting new talent

American College Personnel Association –
Coalition for Sexual and Gender Minorities
American College Personnel Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

The Coalition for Sexuality and Gender Identities (CSGI) is one of the Entity Groups within ACPA charged to increase awareness, eliminate oppression, and provide support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in higher education, for faculty, students, and staff. We strive to further professional competencies related to topics as campus climate, equity, identity development, research & scholarship, and program development for the LGBTQ community.

Core Values

Education- raising awareness and supporting research about identity development and hot topic issues for the LGBTQ community within higher education

Advocacy- work to create inclusive, equitable environments, to eliminate oppression and to influence student affairs policy for the LGBTQ community

Networking- providing space and a supportive environment for LGBTQ professionals to affirm and celebrate identity


GLIFFA – LGBT Pride in Foreign Affairs AgenciesLGBT-Pride-in-Foreign-Affairs-Agencies-OutBuro-LGBT-Employer-Reviews-Rating-Gay-Professional-Network-Lesbian-Business-Networking-Diveristy-Recruiting-Jobs-Company-Queer

GLIFAA is a non-profit, voluntary, membership organization with no paid staff or officials.  Our membership consists primarily of personnel and family from the Department of State, USAID, Foreign Commercial Service, Foreign Agricultural Service, Peace Corps, and other federal offices and agencies with foreign affairs components.  A Board of Directors elected by the membership annually directs and carries out most of GLIFAA’s work.  They are aided by a network of Post Representatives in most U.S. embassies and missions abroad and in State Department offices in the U.S. beyond Washington, D.C.

Activities: GLIFAA engages continually with Washington officials on issues concerning our members.  We hold general meetings every month to consult and update the membership.  Monthly happy hours provide networking opportunities bringing together our members and people from like-minded organizations.  Other activities include Pride Month, our annual “Pink Party,” participation in seminars and briefings and organizing film and speaker events.

  • Accreditation for the LGBT+ families serving abroad;
  • Protection and promotion of equality for the Foreign Service National/Third Country National/Locally Employed LGBT+ staff; and
  • Development and effective implementation of LGBT+ training for all member agencies.

International Lesbian and Gay Law AssociationInternational Lesbian and Gay Law Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

Despite the strides made by the LGBTQ community in the last few decades, we still have a long way to go to ensure equality throughout the world. The International Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, and Intersex Law Association is committed to providing information and policy ideas to advance our cause worldwide.

Are you interested in helping? If so, we would be happy to publish any information and updates on legal matters affecting the LGBTQ community.

Many different areas of law can affect members of the LGBT community. Some laws directly target the LGBT community by criminalizing all homosexual activity, while other regulations are tangentially related to LGBT rights. It is important to understand the extent to which LGBT lives are regulated around the world. Only then can efforts be undertaken to (a) support laws recognizing and protecting LGBT individuals and (b) eliminate laws criminalizing or reprimanding LGBT behaviors.


International Association of LGBT JudgesInternational Association of LGBT Judges - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

In April 1993, twenty-five lesbian and gay judges and judicial officers met in suburban Washington, D.C. and formed the International Association of Lesbian and Gay Judges.

Those twenty-five persons came from California, the District of Columbia, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York and Oregon.

The objectives of the Association adopted at that meeting were:

  • To provide an opportunity for judicial officers to meet and exchange views and to promote education among its members and among the general public on legal and judicial issues related to the gay and lesbian community.
  • To increase the visibility of lesbian and gay judicial officers so as to serve as role models for other lesbian and gay people and to bring to the attention of the general public the prominence of these judicial officers.
  • To aid in ensuring the equal treatment of all persons who appear in a courtroom, as a litigant, attorney, juror, staff person in any other capacity.
  • To coordinate the sharing of information between lesbian and gay judicial officers and others in the gay community or the general community.
  • To serve as a resource for other lesbians and gay men who are interested in seeking judicial office.

 


LGBT Meeting Planners Association

As a meeting professional, it is hard to connect with like-minded and like experienced people, especially when you have such a busy schedule. We make it easy by providing the largest network of meeting professionals. Membership includes quarterly e-newsletters, discounted event and annual conference tickets and access to educational webinars.

As our world expands, the need for LGBT meeting professional conferences has increased. We will connect you with a network of professionals, educational resources, and suppliers. With a Membership, you can receive discounted event and conference tickets.


Lambda LiteraryLambda Literary - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

Lambda Literary nurtures and advocates for LGBTQ writers, elevating the impact of their words to create community, preserve our legacies, and affirm the value of our stories and our lives.

Lambda Literary traces its beginnings back to 1987 when L. Page (Deacon) Maccubbin, owner of Lambda Rising Bookstore in Washington, DC, published the first Lambda Book Report. The Lambda Literary Awards were born in 1989.  At that first gala event, honors went to such distinguished writers as National Book Award Finalist Paul Monette (Borrowed Time), Dorothy Allison (Trash), Allan Hollinghurst (The Swimming Pool Library), and Edmund White (The Beautiful Room is Empty).

The purpose of the Awards in the early years was to identify and celebrate the best of lesbian and gay books in the year of their publication. The Awards gave national visibility to a literature that had established a firm if nascent beachhead through a network of dynamic lesbian and gay publishers and bookstores springing up across America. Lambda Book Report, meanwhile, grew into a comprehensive review periodical, and together LBR and the Lambda Literary Awards cemented the reality that a distinct, definable LGBT literature existed. Lambda Literary was created in 1997 as a 501(3)(c) corporation to officially host the Awards and LBR. It’s first Executive Director was Jim Marks.


LGBT Presidents in Higher EducationLGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

STATEMENT TO LGBTQ PEOPLE IN THE ACADEMY & OUR ALLIES: The mission of LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education includes the provision of “education and advocacy regarding LGBTQ issues within the global academy and for the public at large.” We remain committed to such advocacy for the rights of LGBTQ people, inside and outside of the of the academy. We expect and will hold accountable our elected and appointed officials to be committed to the rights and equality of all Americans.


Astronomy and Astrophysics Outlist

As professionals in astronomy, whether we are students, faculty, staff, librarians or are working in other positions, we all like to believe that our work environment is determined only by our capabilities as students and researchers and that it is free from personal bias. A productive professional atmosphere depends on open and accepting interactions of individuals free from discrimination and harassment.

As openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other gender/sexual minority (LGBTQIA+) members of the astronomical community, we strongly believe that there is no place for discrimination based on sexual orientation/preference or gender identity/expression. We want to actively maintain and promote a safe, accepting and supportive environment in all our workplaces. We invite other LGBTQIA+ members of the astronomical community to join us in being visible and to reach out to those who still feel that it is not yet safe for them to be public.


oSTEMoSTEM - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM), Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional society focused on LGBTQ people in the STEM community. With more than 75 student chapters at colleges/universities and professional chapters in cities across the United States and abroad, oSTEM is the largest chapter-based organization focused on LGBTQ people in STEM.

oSTEM Vision

We envision a world where LGBTQ people in the STEM community are empowered to achieve success in a safe and supportive environment that celebrates their diversity and unique contributions.

oSTEM Mission

oSTEM empowers LGBTQ people in STEM to succeed personally, academically, and professionally by cultivating environments and communities that nurture innovation, leadership, and advocacy.


LGBTech is an organization of tech professionals dedicated to enriching a strong community for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other awesome people.

Connecting LGBT professionals through fun networking events, providing access to and increasing visibility of LGBT industry leaders, facilitating professional opportunities and offering lectures as well as other content.  Promoting the provision of equal rights/perks for LGBT employees, working with companies to enable the creation of comfortable and safe working environments. Supporting side-lined members of our community and non-profit LGBT organizations with limited resources, through donations, mentoring partnerships and raising the profile of relevant and inspiring role-models.

 


US – National


US Department of Justice PrideDepartment of Justice LGBT Pride - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

Founded in 1994, DOJ Pride serves as the Department of Justice’s recognized organization for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) employees and allies.  DOJ Pride works with agency leadership to identify and address key issues and areas affecting DOJ’s LGBT employees.  We offer regular social events and brown-bag lectures featuring leaders and experts in fields affecting the LGBT community.  We also serve as a resource for current and prospective employees.  Finally, we recognize and celebrate LGBT accomplishments and leaders both inside and outside the Department in our annual Pride Month Celebration and Award Ceremony.

As our members in cities across the nation prepare for Pride festivities, DOJ Pride wants to uplift the beauty and diversity of our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community.  As the Department of Justice’s LGBTQ employee resource organization, we reaffirm our commitment that all individuals, regardless of whom they love or their gender identity or expression, be able to safely live authentic lives.  We believe this can only truly happen when individuals are able to live their lives free from discrimination and are seen and valued for who they are in all aspects of their lives, such as when applying for a job or going to work, when attending school, when visiting a healthcare provider, when serving our nation in the armed services, and when interacting with the criminal justice system.  To this end, we will continue to advance our mission of fostering community among LGBTQ employees and our allies and advocating for the elimination of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.


Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Congressional Staff AssociationLGBT Congressional Staff Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Congressional Staff Association is an official, non-partisan Congressional staff organization whose mission is to advance the interests of current as well as prospective members and the LGBT community at large. The LGBT CSA is dedicated to developing the careers of its membership and advocating on behalf of the LGBT community.

Our association is entirely volunteer-run, and our programming is funded entirely by our members.

“The LGBT Congressional Staff Association’s newly elected board of directors, with its strong diversity adding more bipartisanship and more people of color, reflects our commitment to ensuring all members of the LGBT community have a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive Hill family,” said Edmonson, incoming President of the LGBT Congressional Staff Association.


GLMA – Health Professionals Advancing LGBT EqualityGay and Lesbian Medical Association OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

GLMA’s mission is to ensure equality in healthcare for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and healthcare providers.

GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality (previously known as the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association) is the world’s largest and oldest association of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) healthcare professionals. GLMA was founded in 1981, as the American Association of Physicians for Human Rights, with the mission of ensuring equality in healthcare for LGBT individuals and healthcare professionals. Today, there is still considerable ignorance about LGBT health issues, with many assuming that LGBT health involves only HIV/AIDS. In fact, the full scope of the LGBT health agenda includes breast and cervical cancer, hepatitis, mental health, substance abuse, tobacco use, depression, access to care for transgender persons and other concerns.

Over the past three decades, GLMA has tackled many initiatives and projects. Early on, GLMA focused on HIV/AIDS and the issues faced by physicians coming out at work. As the climate and culture have changed, GLMA has become a leader in public policy advocacy related to LGBT health.

Originally open only to physicians, residents and medical students, in 2002, GLMA expanded its mission and now represents the interests of tens of thousands of LGBT health professionals of all kinds, as well as millions of LGBT patients and families. GLMA’s membership includes approximately 1,000 member physicians, nurses, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, researchers and academics, behavioral health specialists, health profession students and other health professionals. Our members reside and work across the US and in several other countries. Their practices represent the major healthcare disciplines and a wide range of health specialties, including internal medicine, family practice, psychiatry, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, emergency medicine, neurology and infectious diseases.


American Psychological Association – Division 44American Psycological Association - APA Division 44 - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

The Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity (SPSOGD) welcomes all those interested in psychological research, practice, education and training and advocacy on issues related to sexual orientation and gender diversity, as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender nonconforming and queer individuals and allies.

Div. 44 (SPSOGD) is committed to advancing social justice in all its activities. The Society celebrates the diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender nonconforming and queer people and recognizes the importance of multiple, intersectional dimensions of diversity including but not limited to: race, ethnicity, ability, age, citizenship, health status, language, nationality, religion and social class.

The Society seeks to be a vibrant and supportive home within the field of psychology for those interested in sexual orientation and gender diversity as well as other issues related to social justice. We support and mentor students, early career professionals and all members throughout their professional careers. We work collaboratively with other divisions and organizations on sexual orientation and gender diversity concerns to advance the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender nonconforming and queer people locally, nationally and internationally.


AGLP – The Association of LGBTQ PsychiatristAGLP - Association of LGBTQ Psychiatrist - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

AGLP, this year celebrating its 40th anniversary, traces its roots to the late 1960’s when gay and lesbian members of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) met secretly at the annual meetings. At that time, in most states, homosexuality could be used as cause for the loss of licensure to practice psychiatry.  After the now-infamous appearance by Dr. John Fryer In 1972, and the behind-the-scenes work of several members of what was then referred to as the GayPA, the APA removed homosexuality from their diagnostic manual (DSM). This allowed a more open association of lesbian and gay psychiatrists, who no longer had to fear for their jobs if they were found out to be gay.  Even today, the mission of providing support and a safe space for LGBTQ+ psychiatrists to meet continues to be important to many of our members. AGLP is the oldest association of LGBTQ+ professionals in the country.

AGLP is an independent organization from APA, but works closely with APA through LGBTQ+ representation on the APA Assembly (the LGBT Caucus of the APA), APA position statements, LGBTQ+ Committees of the DSM, the creation and staffing of an AIDS Committee, Awards, such as the Dr. John Fryer, M.D., Award, and research and advocacy of particular interest to the LGBTQ+ Community through our quarterly Journal of Gay and Lesbian Mental Health. AGLP offers an online referral service to those seeking LGBTQ+-friendly counseling, support, and psychiatric treatment.


Association for Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Issues in Counseling (ALGBTIC)Association for LGBT Issues in Counseling - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer


PRIDE Veterinary Medical AssociationPride LGBT Vetarinary Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

PRIDE Veterinary Medical Association (formerly known as the LGVMA) is the oldest professional organization that strives to promote acceptance, inclusivity, and leadership of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary medical students, of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender presentations. We seek to do so through community development, professional advocacy, and individual empowerment.

PRIDE VMC confronts and rejects all forms of prejudice, discrimination, and bias whether it be implicit or outright. Such forms include, but are not limited to, those based on race, ethnicity, country of origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender presentation, size, age, parental status, religion, political beliefs, geographic, socioeconomic, and educational background.

  • Fight discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in the veterinary medical profession.
  • Build collaborative networks for the LGBTQ+ veterinary medical community.
  • Support LGBTQ+ students in veterinary medicine through mentorship, program development, and scholarships.

The National LGBT Bar AssociationNational LGBT Bar Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

We are a national association of lawyers, judges and other legal professionals that works to promote justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBT community.

The LGBT Bar provides programming for LGBT and ally legal professionals such as our national lecture series, corporate counsel institute, and the annual Lavender Law® Conference & Career Fair. Additionally, the organization hosts networking events, works with special interest attorney groups and creates advocacy resources for the LGBT and ally community.

The LGBT Bar aspires to improve the quality of life for LGBT legal practitioners until the time that LGBT legal professionals are recognized without discrimination, stigma or negative bias.

The National LGBT Bar Association is a national association of lawyers, judges and other legal professionals, law students, activists, and affiliated lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender legal organizations. The LGBT Bar promotes justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBT community in all its diversity.

National Gay & Lesbian Journalist AssociationNational Gay & Lesbian Journalist Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

Founded in 1990, NLGJA is an organization of journalists, media professionals, educators and students working from within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of LGBT issues. NLGJA opposes all forms of workplace bias and provides professional development to its members.

Mission and History
In April 1989, the American Society of Newspaper Editors (ASNE) mandated that ASNE conduct its first-ever survey of LGBT journalists in American newspapers. In April 1990, Roy Aarons presented the results of the landmark survey, Alternatives: Gays and Lesbians in the Newsroom, at ASNE’s national convention in Washington, D.C. and simultaneously came out publicly.

NLGJA’s Goals

  • Enhance the professionalism, skills and career opportunities for LGBTQ journalists.
  • Strengthen the identity, respect, and status of LGBTQ journalists in the newsroom and throughout the practice of journalism.
  • Advocate for the highest journalistic and ethical standards in the coverage of LGBTQ issues.
  • Collaborate with other professional journalist associations and promote the principles of inclusion and diversity within our ranks.
  • Provide mentoring and leadership to future journalists.

American Historical Society – Committee on LGBT American History Association - LGBT Committee - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

To promote the study of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer history by facilitating communication among scholars in a variety of disciplines working on a variety of contexts, periods, and cultures. The CLGBTH publishes newsletters, runs a mentoring program, and sponsors sessions on LGBTQ history at the annual meeting of the American Historical Association. It encourages the development of specialized courses as well as the inclusion of LGBTQ content in general history courses. It promotes local history archives and projects and coordinates activities with other professional caucuses. CLGBTH also seeks to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ historians, in keeping with AHA policies.


National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical ProfessionalsNational Organization of LGBT Scientist and Technical Professionals - OutBuro Employer Reviews Rating Gay Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

We realize those are a lot of words to say in one breath, so feel free to refer to us by our acronym, NOGLSTP. Pronounce it like this: “nah’-goal-step”.

We are scientific and technical professionals who earn our livings in the fields of: materials science biomedical engineering geography archeology neurobiology meteorology oceanography medical technology physics electrical engineering biochemistry zoology psychobiology computer science epidemiology microbiology environmental science linguistics chemistry mechanical engineering science education sociology astronomy botany molecular biology anthropology law aerospace engineering science policy physiology ecology patent law geology health professions mathematics and more!

We are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and allies. Those of us who are able, are out and proud. We advocate equal employment opportunity, professional networking, role modeling, science education, and scientific freedom/responsibility. We practice science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with PRIDE.

We empower lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by providing education, advocacy, professional development, networking, and peer support.

We educate all communities regarding scientific, technological, and medical concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people.


Pride at WorkPride at Work - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

Pride At Work is a nonprofit organization that represents LGBTQ union members and their allies. We are an officially recognized constituency group of the AFL-CIO(American Federation of Labor & Congress of Industrial Organizations) that organizes mutual support between the organized Labor Movement and the LGBTQ Community to further social and economic justice. From our national office in Washington, DC, we coordinate and support more than 20 Chapters across the country.

We seek full equality for LGBTQ Workers in our workplaces and unions. We work towards creating a Labor Movement that cherishes diversity, encourages openness, and ensures safety & dignity. We aim to educate the LGBTQ Community about the benefits of a union contract for LGBTQ working people and to build support and solidarity for the union movement in the LGBTQ community.

We organize in the spirit of the union movement’s historic motto, “An Injury to One is An Injury to All.” We oppose all forms of discrimination on the job and in our unions based on sex, gender identity, and expression, sexual orientation, race, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, religion or political views.


NALGAP: The Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Addiction Professionals and Their AlliesNational Association of Gay and Lesbian Addiction Professionals - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Network Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

NALGAP is a membership organization founded in 1979 and dedicated to the prevention and treatment of alcoholism, substance abuse, and other addictions in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer communities. NALGAP’s mission is to confront all forms of oppression and discriminatory practices in the delivery of services to all people and to advocate for programs and services that affirm all genders and sexual orientations. NALGAP provides information, training, networking, and advocacy about addiction and related problems, and support for those engaged in the health professions, individuals in recovery, and others concerned about the health of gender and sexual minorities.

Over the years, NALGAP has been the one constant, national and international voice for LGBTQ needs in the areas of prevention, substance abuse, alcoholism and other addictions. Through newsletters, conferences, training, and perseverance by volunteer Board members. NALGAP has kept alive the push to make this a safer, healthier world for LGBTQ people. NALGAP has been a major referral source, a disseminator of information, an educator. Most important of all, NALGAP has been the national and international voice of conscience that advocates for all those lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people who have been injured by substance abuse, addiction, and discrimination.


National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals (NAGLREP)National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Network Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

Established in 2007, The National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals (NAGLREP) is a mission-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is part business and part advocacy.

On a business level, the 2,000+ members of NAGLREP share an LGBT and allied REALTOR referral network, in addition to providing our services to over 75,000 LGBT and non-LGBT home buyers and sellers visiting our website each month. Our referral network also includes mortgage professionals, title agents, insurance agents, commercial agents, home inspectors,  trainers, educators, etc.

The advocacy mission of NAGLREP is to advocate on behalf of the rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community as it relates to housing and discrimination laws. Specifically, this will require NAGLREP to initiate action and encourage existing efforts amongst the civil rights community, local and state Realtor Associations, and the National Association of Realtors to support fair housing for the LGBT community. NAGLREP is a stakeholder at HUD.

Use of the NAGLREP professional directory is completely automated and no specific company or specific professional is favored in the search results. We recommend all visitors to NAGLREP.com searching for a professional utilize our user-friendly search located on our home page in the blue box at the top right corner titled “Find a Real Estate Professional” and select the professional that best suits their needs based on the title, country, state, and city.


National Association of Social Workers – Committee on LGBT IssuesNational Association of Social Workers - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

The National Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues (NCLGBTI) is mandated by the NASW Bylaws. The Committee reports on a regular basis to the NASW Board of Directors on matters of policy and shall coordinate with the Program Committee on activities related to the program.  It develops, reviews, and monitors programs of the Association that significantly affect gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people.

The Committee was originally created as the Task Force on Gay Issues in January 1976. In 1979, the Task Force was restructured as an authorized committee of the Association. The NASW Board of Directors subsequently formed the National Committee on Lesbian and Gay Issues at its June 1982 meeting. The words “Bisexual and “Transgender” were added by the Delegate Assembly in 1996 and 2005 respectively. The Committee was established to enable NASW to further the cause of social justice by promoting and defending the rights of persons suffering injustices and oppression because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.


American Library Association Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Round Table (GLBTRT)American Library Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Round Table of the American Library Association is committed to serving the information needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender professional library community, and the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender information and access needs of individuals at large. We are committed to encouraging and supporting the free and necessary access to all information, as reflected by the missions of the American Library Association.

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Round Table provides its members, other American Library Association divisions, members, and affiliates, and the library and information science field as a whole with a forum for discussion and an environment for education and learning regarding the needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender professional community and population at large.


Society of American Archivists’ Lesbian and Gay Archives Roundtable


Association for Queer Anthropology (AQA)Association for Queer Antropology - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company

The Association for Queer Anthropology (AQA), formerly known as the Society of Lesbian and Gay Anthropologists (SOLGA), is a section of the American Anthropological Association and was founded in 1988. AQA serves the interests of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other queer and allied anthropologists in the American Anthropological Association. AQA promotes anthropological research and education on homosexuality, bisexuality, transgender/transsexuality, and other sexual and gender identities and expressions, and their intersections with race, class, disability, nationality, colonialism, and globalization. AQA supports and encourages a diverse membership within the AAA and actively seeks to increase that diversity along lines of race, class, disability, nationality, gender, sexuality, and other forms of social difference.


American Alliance of Museums – LGBTQ AllianceAmerican Alliance of Museums - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Alliance (LGBTQ Alliance) of the American Alliance of Museums provides a forum for communication and dialogue and is committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and inquiry with particular respect to sexual orientation and gender identity within museums.

The LGBTQ Alliance facilitates transgender, queer, gay, lesbian, and bisexual visibility by promoting and enhancing awareness, understanding, and acceptance regarding museum-related LGBTQ issues. Its focus includes both internal needs and opportunities including staff, leadership, and organizational structure, and external, stakeholder-related work ranging from visitor amenities and messaging to programs and collections. The network serves as a visible and accessible safe space for museum professionals who identify as LGBTQ or allies. We welcome AAM members of all sexual orientations and gender identities and encourage involvement across the organization in promoting museums that include LGBTQ voices at every level.


LGBT Hospice and Palliative Care Network

The LGBT Hospice and Palliative Care Network’s mission is to improve the experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) patients in palliative care settings by promoting patient outreach, patient advocacy, educatio, and research. In addition, we aim to provide a supportive infrastructure for faculty development among LGBT-identified palliative care providers.

The LGBT Hospice and Palliative Care Network’s mission is consistent with AAHPM’s mission to expand access with quality end-of-life care to all, to promote education and research, to develop clinical practice standards, to create a supportive infrastructure for the growth of an inclusive and diverse palliative care workforce and finally to impact public policy by advocating for all patients. Like the AAHPM, we seek to expand the field and increase access to hospice and palliative care through increased awareness, quality care, education, scientific advancement and evidenced-based medicine


National Communications Association – LGBTQ CaucusNational Communication Association - LGBT Caucus - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

The Caucus on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Concerns and the GLBTQ Communication Studies Division (collectively and informally referred to as NCA GLBTQ) are integral and active parts of the National Communication Association. Officially formed in 1978 and 1997 respectively, these two units have worked side by side in the expansion of GLBTQ issues across communication scholarship and within the political activities of NCA.

The Division is the academic arm of NCA GLBTQ. Its central concern is promoting scholarship and academic inquiry on topics relevant to GLBTQ communication. This scholarship is wide-ranging and reflects the diverse research interests of its members. The Caucus (historically, the older of the two organizations) is the political action arm of NCA GLBTQ. It ensures that the policies and actions of the larger association are equitable and considerate of GLBTQ members. While these two groups function as separate entities within NCA, their membership and work is frequently interrelated.


National Council on Family Relations – LGBTQ – Straight AllianceNational Council on Family Relations LGBTQ Straight Alliance - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Queer

The GLBTSA Focus Group serves to provide a networking opportunity for persons conducting LGBT focused research, or people who are LGBT or allies. Additionally, the focus group provides an opportunity for brainstorming and planning of future conference submissions that promote the inclusion of LGBT research and practice interests at NCFR.

  • Access the latest and the best in research and practice. That’s what you’ll find in each issue of NCFR’s academic journals, fundamental sources for professional growth.
  • Network for career advancement. Established scholars and practitioners are great contacts for up-and-coming students and professionals. Mentoring and collaborative relationships are a natural result of NCFR membership.
  • Present and publish. The NCFR annual conference and the journals provide major presentation and publication options.
  • Learn best practices and gain professional resources. The information you need to know about teaching, serving families, and reaching out in the community is available on the NCFR website and from your fellow members. You’ll learn and share ideas through online discussion groups, newsletters, and more.

National Education Association – GLBT CaucusNational Education Association GLBT Caucus - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Queer

The NEA-GLBTC, in order to eliminate institutional discrimination and homophobia, monitors and participates in the development of NEA policies and activities, provides resources and fosters better communication among educators, students, and communities.  The National Education Association Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Caucus was founded in the 1980s by a handful of NEA Members seeking to provide a means of professional support for gay and lesbian colleagues. The website is designed to provide information and resources to the over 3 million members of the NEA who work each day to facilitate relevance and rigor to America’s Public Schools. The NEA GLBTC works to provide educators, education support professionals, and students, with safe schools free of anti-GLBT bias and intolerance, and to provide sound education programs for all students.


Women In Medicine

Medical education and networking for lesbian physicians and medical students since 1984.  Through its annual retreats, WIM provides cutting-edge continuing medical education for lesbian and other sexual minority female physicians. The yearly conference is a forum for discussion of front-line research on women’s health issues, as well as lesbian, bisexual, gender-queer and transgender women’s issues. There also are non-medical seminars of interest to all, as well as rejuvenating social opportunities for children and adults alike. Essential networking and mentoring opportunities abound, with a special focus on the needs of medical students and residents.


Alabama


Association of Lesbian, Gay Bisexual & Transgender Issues in Counseling of Alabama (ALGBTICAL)Association for LBGT Issues in Counseling of Alabama - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Queer Bisexual Transgender

The mission of the Association of Lesbian, Gay Bisexual & Transgender Issues in Counseling of Alabama (ALGBTICAL) is…

To promote greater awareness and understanding of sexual minority issues among members of the counseling profession and related helping occupations.

To develop, implement and foster interest in charitable, scientific and educational programs designed to further the human growth and development of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) clients and communities.

To protect from harm LGBT individuals by language, stereotypes, myths, misinformation, threats of expulsion from social and institutional structures and other entities, and from beliefs contrary to their identity.

To provide educational programs and resources to raise the standard of practice for all counselors who serve LGBT clients and communities.

 


Alaska


Arizona


Arizona LGBT Bar AssociationArizona LGBT Bar Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Queer

The mission of the Arizona LGBT Bar Association is to provide a strong leadership presence of and for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons in the Arizona legal profession and in the community at large.

We are committed to community, visibility, and equality through education, legal advocacy, and participation in political, civic, and social activities.


Arkansas


California


Capital LGBTQ Association

The Capitol Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Association exists to facilitate the professional development of LGBTQ-identified staff of the California State Capitol community. We work to recruit LGBTQ capitol staff, provide for their retention, and offer professional mentorship. We educate other California State Capitol community members on issues affecting or related to the LGBTQ community. We also provide networking opportunities for LGBTQ Capitol staff.
The Association is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation. Donations to the Association are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Any individual who has an expressed interest in public policy within the California State Capitol and is, or desires to be, engaged in the statewide public-policymaking process is welcome to join and attend our events.


SACLegalSacLegal - Sacramento LGBT Bar Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Queer

SacLEGAL, Sacramento’s LGBT Bar Association, is comprised of attorneys, professionals and legislative advocates affiliated with the Sacramento County Bar Association. Our mission is to promote equality for members of the LGBT community through strong leadership, legislative advocacy, education, and participation in civic and social activities within the legal community and community at large.

Forum and Network: To provide a forum and network for members of the legal community and others who are interested in securing the human and civil rights of LGBT individuals; to evaluate candidates for judgeships.

Legal Rights: To defend and expand the legal rights of LGBT people to ensure equality, and to secure for LGBT individuals basic human and civil rights, such as the right to be free from discrimination.

Education: To educate the LGBT community in Sacramento County about their legal rights; to educate the community at large about the legal rights of LGBT individuals; to be available to judges, government officials, and others for advice regarding issues affecting the LGBT community.

Programs and Activities: To implement activities and programs of particular interest to LGBT individuals within the legal community.

 


San Diego Psychological Association – LGBT CommitteeSan-DIego-Psychological-Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual

and

Transgender (LGBT) Committee is dedicated to educating the SDPA membership, mental health professionals, and the community of San Diego about LGBT issues.  The Committee continues to increase awareness, and provide counseling and support to the San Diego community.  They serve as a liaison between the SDPA and the LGBT communities, providing updates and discussion of the issues involved in the treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.  The Committee is a resource for those practitioners who work with LGBT clients and HIV-infected individuals.


Tom Homman LGBT Bar Association (San Diego)Tom Homann LGBT Law Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Queer Bisexual Transgender

The Tom Homann LGBT Law Association is dedicated to the advancement of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues throughout California and the nation. We are also the place for San Diego’s GLBT lawyers to network, build friendships and develop their careers. THLA members are also committed to establishing and maintaining personal connections with local law student community. Through our successful mentor program, we provide encouragement, guidance, insight and friendship.

Our annual events include our Awards Dinner, Networking events, Law Student Receptions, and participation in LavLaw, the nation’s largest conference for GLBT legal issues.


Bay Area Lawyers for Individual FreedomBay Area Lawyer for Individual Freedom - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Queer Bisexual Transgender

Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom (BALIF) is the nation’s oldest and largest association of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons in the field of law. Founded in 1980, BALIF represents its members’ interests in the wider San Francisco Bay Area. BALIF members and supporters include San Francisco Bay Area judges, lawyers, law students and legal workers.

BALIF was founded to encourage LGBT legal professionals to apply to become judges. At the time there were no openly LGBT judges. Today there are many!

BALIF also started the organization that grew to become the now-independent AIDS Legal Referral Panel, which has provided free and low-cost legal assistance to over 72,000 people since it was founded in 1983.

Today, BALIF’s mission has expanded. The group takes action on questions of law and justice that affect the LGBT community; strengthens professional and social ties among LGBT members of the legal profession; builds coalitions with other legal organizations to combat all forms of discrimination; promotes the appointment of LGBT attorneys to the judiciary, public agencies and commissions in the Bay Area; funds scholarships for LGBT laws students and fellowships for public interest lawyers working on LGBT issues, and provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and information of concern to members of the LGBT legal community. BALIF also submits amicus briefs in cases affecting the LGBT community, sponsors resolutions to the Conference of Delegates of California Bar Associations provides LGBT-focused continuing legal education opportunities and endorses candidates for judicial offices and legal elected positions.


Los Angeles LGBT Bar AssociationLos Angeles LGBT Bar Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

LGBT Bar LA was founded in 1979 under the original designation, Lawyers for Human Rights in deference to social pressures of the day and professional concerns of some of its members. In earlier years, many gay and lesbian attorneys were confronted with blatant discrimination based on their sexual orientation, whether it was perceived or real. So it made sense that thirty years ago, the association chose a name that suited the group’s goals but did not include the words gay or lesbian.” In the 1990s, the association adopted the acronym name LHR: The Lesbian and Gay Bar Association as a transition from the association’s historic title to a more out-of-the-closet name that would more adequately express the ongoing struggle for equality and celebrate the hard-fought freedoms that our community was beginning to enjoy. That transition is now complete.

On October 19, 2002, at its Twenty-First Annual Dinner LHR: The Lesbian and Gay Bar Association announced that it had adopted a new name: The Lesbian and Gay Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, which would also become known by a more pride-filled acronym tag LGLA. The name change was approved by a vote of the membership and adopted by the Board of Governors to better reflect who the members of the association are and what the association does. As then Co-President C. Abigail Dees stated, “This momentous decision to change our name did not come easily. The name Lawyers for Human Rights became so much more than what was likely ever envisioned. But we are now, at long last, coming out!”


LGBT Law Section of the Sonoma County Bar AssociationSonoma County Bar Association - LGBT Law Section - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Queer Bisexual Transgender

he Sonoma County Bar Association is proud to announce the formation of a new section: The LGBT Law Section!

This section will focus on education regarding legal issues impacting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, such as: tax implications from the pending Supreme Court’s decisions regarding Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act, harassment in the workplace and/or on school campuses, adoptions and marriage/domestic partner dissolutions, community property, estate planning, real estate transactions and taking title, bankruptcy proceedings, criminal law and hate crimes, and many more topics.


Colorado


Colorado LGBT Bar AssociationColorado LGBT Bar Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Queer Bisexual Transgender

The Colorado Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (“LGBT”) Bar Association is a voluntary professional association of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender attorneys, judges, paralegals and law students and allies who provide an LGBT presence within Colorado’s legal community.  We exist to promote the recognition of civil and human rights; promote sensitivity to legal issues faced by the LGBT community; assure the fair and just treatment of members of the LGBT community; provide opportunities for LGBT attorneys, judges, and law students and allies to interact in a professional setting; build alliances with other diversity bar associations and legal organizations; and enhance the practice and professional expertise of lawyers who serve or who are members of the LGBT community.


Connecticut


Delaware


LGBT Section of the Delaware State Bar AssociationDelaware State Bar Association - LGBT Section - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Queer Bisexual Transgender

The Section shall address issues that are of importance to attorneys with an interest in legal issues relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (“LGBT”) people.  The Section shall promote the objectives of the Delaware State Bar Association (the “Association”) within the context of professional development, community building, and the study of legal issues as it relates to the Section’s purpose and membership.  To that end, it shall be the purpose the LGBT Section to improve the public service rendered by its members in legal matters concerning the LGBT community, to promote the professional development and interests of its members, to provide education to all members of the Association and the Section about legal issues affecting the LGBT community, and to provide a common meeting ground for all attorneys who are interested in the purpose of the LGBT Section.


District of Columbia


LGBT Bar Association of DCLGBT Bar Association of DC - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Queer Bisexual Transgender

The mission of the LGBT Bar Association of DC is to advance the rights of persons in the LGBT community, to be their voice within the legal community, and to improve their professional lives.  Founded in 1990, the LGBT Bar Association of the District of Columbia is an independent, non-partisan bar association serving gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender lawyers, law students, and legal professionals in the national capital area. The LGBT Bar Association of DC works to advance the interests of the LGBT community, to be their voice within the legal community, and to improve their professional lives. An affiliate of the National LGBT Bar Association, the LGBT Bar Association of DC acts in coalition with other local and national groups dedicated to LGBT concerns.

The LGBT Bar Association of DC’s advocacy and activities on behalf of the LGBT community include:

  • Raising issues of concern with officers and directors of the American Bar Association, the D.C. Bar and other state and voluntary bars.
  • Sponsoring a Mentorship Program.
  • Recruiting and training volunteers to provide pro bono legal services for people living with HIV/AIDS through Whitman-Walker Clinic.
  • Co-sponsoring the D.C. Bar Candidates Forum and endorsing candidates for local bar offices and the judiciary.
  • Hosting continuing legal education programs, social activities and other membership networking events.
  • Sponsoring public forums on legal issues of concern to the LGBT community.

Florida


Central Florida Gay and Lesbian Law AssociationCentral Florida Gay and Lesbian Law Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Professional Network Business Networking Diversity Queer Bisexual Transgender

  • To establish and maintain an integrated group to support, assist, and encourage gay and lesbian attorneys, legal professionals, and law students, and
  • To provide support and resources to the community at large on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) issues
  • Founded in 2004, Central Florida GALLA is a regional Voluntary Bar Association of The Florida Bar.
  • Central Florida GALLA is a qualified 501(c)(6) non-profit organization under the Internal Revenue Code.
  • It is the objective of CFGALLA to establish and maintain an integrated group to support, assist, and encourage gay and lesbian attorneys, legal professionals, and law students, and provide support and resources to the community at large on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered issues.

Florida Association of LGBT Layers and AlliesFlorida Association of LGBT Lawyers and Allies - OutBuro GLBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Queer Bisexual Transgender

Florida Association of LGBT Lawyers & Allies, Inc. (“FALLA”) was founded in 2014 as a joint effort of LGBT attorneys throughout Florida to form a state-wide organization to augment the efforts of various regional LGBT voluntary bar associations.

FALLA provides continuing legal education seminars and presentations as well as social events to help foster and enhance the practice and study of law for LGBT lawyers, law students, judges, paralegals, and legal support services providers, and to stimulate friendships, referral relationships, and professional development for our members and allies in the community.

FALLA’s mission is to actively promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender expression equality and the leadership roles of FALLA’s members in the legal profession, judiciary, and community at large. To achieve these goals, FALLA will uphold the highest standard of integrity, honor, and courtesy in the legal profession, promote reform in law, and facilitate the administration of justice.


Georgia


Stonewall Bar Association of GeorgiaStonewall Bar Association of Georgia - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

The Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia, Inc. (“Stonewall”) is a professional association of attorneys, judges, law students, paralegals and other legal professionals who support the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and who oppose discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Stonewall publishes an online Directory of Attorneys to help you locate the right lawyer to serve your needs.

For more information about upcoming events, view our Events page.

Are you a law student? See how becoming a law student member of Stonewall can be advantageous to you. Make contact with LGBT students at Georgia’s law schools on our Student page.


Hawaii


Hawai’i LGBT Legal AssociationHawaii LGBT Legal Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Queer Bisexual Transgender

Welcome to the Hawai`i LGBT Legal Association — Hawai`i’s first voluntary professional organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) judges, lawyers, legal workers, law students and allies supportive of the organization’s purposes.  

Establish and maintain a group to support, assist, and encourage LGBT legal professionals; and 

Provide support and resources to the people of Hawai`i on LGBT issues.

  • Promote the practice, expertise, and advancement of LGBT legal professionals;
  • Provide opportunities for LGBT and allied legal professionals to interact and network in   a professional setting;
  • Foster participation in pro bono activities supporting the LGBT community;
  • Work with LGBT organizations and community groups, as well as other minority bar   associations and community groups, to achieve human and civil rights for all people;
  • Educate the public on legal issues facing LGBT people;
  • Eliminate homophobia and transphobia in the justice system;
  • Encourage judicial and governmental appointment of those who oppose discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression;
  • Encourage lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and people of transgender and other gender-based identities and expressions to choose law as a career;
  • Promote solidarity among LGBT people in the law;
  • Assure fair and just treatment of the members of Hawai`i’s LGBT community.

 


Idaho


Illinois


LAGBAC Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Professional Network Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

LAGBAC is the association of LGBT legal professionals and allies of Chicago and the surrounding area.  LAGBAC is one of the largest and most well-respected LGBT bar organizations in the country.  Its members include lawyers, judges and other elected officials, law students, and other legal professionals.  Since 1987, LAGBAC has united and strengthened the LGBT legal community by:

  • providing its members vast social and networking opportunities;
  • presenting hundreds of hours-worth of continuing legal education;
  • granting scholarships to law students;
  • working with Lambda Legal, the Public Interest Law Initiative, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, and other organizations, to connect students with internships in their areas of interest;
  • offering mentoring to students and young lawyers; and
  • evaluating candidates for judicial office as a member of the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening.

Indiana

Iowa


Kansas


Kansas City Lesbian, Gay, and Allied LawyersKansas City Lesbian Gay Lawyers - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Queer Bisexual Transgender

Kansas City LEsbian, Gay, and Allied Lawyers (“KC LEGAL”) is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) membership association of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (“LGBT”) and allied legal community in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Law students, paralegals and other members of the legal profession are encouraged to become associate members.

KC LEGAL is a nonprofit bar association committed to promoting and supporting the advancement of LGBTQ rights and uniting those within the Kansas City community who advocate for equality and justice.

KC LEGAL is committed to:

  • Promoting equality and inclusiveness in the legislature and judiciary;
  • Creating opportunities for members of the LGBTQ professional and legal community to meet in a supportive and empowering atmosphere;
  • Supporting the next generation of LGBTQ legal professionals through scholarship opportunities and personal engagement; and
  • Providing resources supportive of justice and equality to those in and around the Kansas City community.

Kentucky


Louisiana


Maine


Maryland


LGBTQ Bar Association of MarylandMaryland State Bar Association - - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

The LGBTQ committee functions as a section within the Maryland State Bar Association.


Massachusetts


Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar AssociationMassachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

Founded in 1985, the Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association (Mass LGBTQ Bar) is a voluntary state-wide professional association of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer lawyers and our allies, providing a visible LGBTQ presence within the Massachusetts legal community. 

The Mass LGBTQ Bar is governed by a 16-member Board of Directors elected by the general membership.  Two seats on the Board are designated specifically for transgender or genderqueer attorneys.  Law students, paralegals and other members of the legal profession are encouraged to become non-voting members of the association.  We are affiliated with the National LGBT Bar Association and have a seat in the Massachusetts Bar Association House of Delegates.

Our work focuses on the following themes.  For more detailed information about what we do, please read about our Committees and Sections.

Justice.  Mass LGBTQ Bar promotes the administration of justice throughout Massachusetts for all persons without regard to their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

Education.  Mass LGBTQ Bar educates the Massachusetts legal community about legal issues impacting the LGBTQ community, monitors emerging legal trends and participates in legislative hearings and judicial proceedings effecting members of our community.

Support.  Mass LGBTQ Bar promotes full and equal participation in the legal profession by lesbians, gay men, and bisexual and transgender people, and actively supports the appointment of qualified members of the LGBTQ community to the judiciary.  Through our Mentoring Program, Alec Gray Scholarship, and social events, we provide a professional and social support network for LGBTQ members of the Massachusetts legal community in all areas of professional practice.

Leadership.  Mass LGBTQ Bar provides an established, non-partisan, and vocal LGBTQ presence within the Massachusetts legal community; and encourages opportunities for leadership by LGBTQ lawyers in Massachusetts.


Michigan


There seems to be a Stonewall Bar Association of Michigan, however all searches and links come up misdirected or dry.  If you know of this organization, please use our Contact form and provide us a link to their main website and/or social media page so that we may include them.


Minnesota


Minnesota Lavender Bar AssociationMinnesota Lavender Bar Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

The Minnesota Lavender Bar Association (MLBA) is the primary Association of attorneys in Minnesota supporting the LGBT Community. MLBA was founded in 1996 as a special project of OutFront Minnesota’s Legal Program. The Association was started in response to the limited opportunities for LGBT lawyers and law students to network, learn together, and address homophobia within the profession. MLBA was reorganized in 1999 as an independent, 501(c)(6), organization, and is an affiliate member of the National LGBT Bar Association.

Since then, MLBA has successfully worked in collaboration with other organizations to expand LGBT equality. Some of these efforts include successfully challenging Minnesota’s “sodomy” law alongside the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union, filing amicus curiae briefs challenging sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in federal and state court, and lobbying against attempts to amend Minnesota’s Constitution to ban the legal recognition of same sex couples. MLBA continues to advocate for fairness and equality for all Minnesota citizens through its partnerships with other nonprofit organizations and bar associations, its success being due to the volunteering efforts of MLBA members and its board of directors.

MLBA is an active and dynamic organization that builds community among members through quality educational programs, networking opportunities, and social events. MLBA proudly supports LGBT and allied efforts that promote equality and diversity in hopes of creating a community supportive of all professionals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status.


Mississippi


Missouri


Montana


Nebraska


Nevada


State Bar of  Nevada – LGBT SectionState Bar of Nevada - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

The LGBT Section mission is to further the knowledge of the members of the Section in LGBT issues; to assist the State Bar of Nevada in the development of the legislative program of the State Bar of Nevada pertaining to LGBT issues relating to all areas of the law; to assist, when called upon by the Board of Governors in the formulation, administration and implementation of programs, forums, and other activities for the education of members of the State Bar, governmental entities, and the community at large in LGBT issues and laws related thereto; to encourage all members of the State Bar of Nevada who practice in ares of the law involving LGBT issues to participate in the Section; to act upon all matters germane to its purposes as so describbed or referred to it by the Board of Governors; and to make recommendations to the Board of Governors.


New Hampshire


New Jersey


New Mexico


New Mexico Lesbian and Gay Lawyers Association

If you know of this organization, please use our Contact form and provide us a link to their main website and/or social media page so that we may include them.


New York


LGBT Bar Association of Greater New YorkLGBT Bar Association of Greater New York - OutBuro GLBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Job Queer

Focused on the greater New York metropolitan area, LeGaL is dedicated to improving the administration of the law, ensuring full equality for members of the LGBT community, promoting the expertise and advancement of LGBT legal professionals, and serving the larger community.
We are also committed to:

  • Educating the public on legal issues facing LGBT people;
  • Fostering membership participation in pro bono activities benefiting the LGBT community;
  • Eliminating homophobia and transphobia in the justice system;
  • Encouraging judicial and other governmental appointments of those who oppose discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity;
  • Encouraging members of the LGBT community to choose law as a career; and
  • Promoting solidarity among members of the LGBT legal community.

Nevada


Nevada State Bar Association – LGBT Section

This organization at one time or still does have an LGBT Section.  However, the links on their website are broken and it says in the URL ” https://www.nvbar.org/member-services-3895/sections/lgbt-section__trashed/”


North Carolina


North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Attorneys (NC GALA)North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Lawyers - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Professional Network Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

We have been in existence since 1995, after approximately 50 North Carolina lawyers met with law students and representatives from lesbian and gay activist groups. As a result of this meeting, a statewide professional organization for North Carolina’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community was formed. Through its members and activities, this organization provides attorney referrals, visibility, and support for the LGBT community. We are a non-profit, non-partisan organization, and we welcome the participation of our straight friends.


North Dakota


Ohio


Columbus Bar Association – LGBT CommitteeColumbus-Bar-Association-OutBuro-LGBT-Employer-Reviews-Rating-Gay-Professional-Network-Lesbian-Business-Networking-Diveristy-Recruiting-Jobs-Company-Queer-Bisexual-Transgender

The LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender) Committee of the Columbus Bar Association seeks to bring together lawyers and legal professionals interested in the different facets of the LGBT community: those who represent members of the LGBT community, those who are members of the LGBT community, and those who share an interest in the laws and public policies related to the LGBT community. In an effort to better serve clients and the profession, the members of the LGBT Committee join together to share ideas and to update Columbus Bar members on topics of concern to all who participate in the field of LGBT law or deal with LGBT legal and public policy issues.

The LGBT Committee also seeks to create networking, social and mentoring opportunities and support systems within the LGBT law community to help committee members build successful and rewarding professional lives.


Oklahoma


Oregon


LGBT Bar Association of OregonLGBT Bar Association of Oregon - OutBuro GLBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

Organization Purpose

  • To promote the fair and just treatment of all people under the law regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity
  • To further the professional development and advancement of LGBT lawyers, legal workers and law students
  • To offer social opportunities for LGBT lawyers, legal workers and law students
  • To identify and eliminate the causes and conditions of prejudice in our society
  • To educate the public, the legal profession and the LGBT community about legal issues affecting the LGBT community
  • To promote a spirit of unity, while valuing the diversity of our community

The purpose of this organization is also to increase the popularity of our common interests. We hope to add new members so we will be able to grow and expand. We also want to have fun while when we are together and working on projects. By developing relationships and friendships, the organization will become even stronger.


Pennsylvania


Gay and Lesbian Lawyer of PhiladelphiaGay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Professional Network Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Queer Bisexual Transgender

 


Allegheny County Bar Association  – LGBT Rights Committee (Pittsburgh)Allegheny County Bar Association - LGBT Rights Committee - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Queer

The LGBT Rights Committee brings together lawyers, judges, law professors, law students, and other legal professionals interested in addressing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and advancing equality for sexual minority persons and their families. The Committee seeks to create educational, networking and mentoring opportunities for LGBT individuals and their allies. The Committee will monitor, make recommendations, and conduct educational programming on issues and developments in the law having an impact on LGBT people in the public and in the legal profession.


Rhode Island


South Carolina


South Dakota


Tennessee


Tennessee Stonewall Bar AssociationTennessee Stonewall Bar Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

The Tennessee Stonewall Bar Association is a not-for-profit corporation and its members include LGBT attorneys, paralegals, law students and other legal professionals, as well as their “straight allies” in the legal profession. Formed in 2010, the TN SBA provides support to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) lawyers and legal professionals working in Tennessee, especially those practicing in the greater Nashville area.

The Tennessee Stonewall Bar Association is dedicated to promoting LGBT inclusion and civil equality both in Tennessee’s legal community and the state’s general population. There are several ways that the Tennessee Stonewall Bar Association supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals living in the state. In the past, the Tennessee Stonewall Bar Association has hosted legal clinics in conjunction with Nashville’s gay pride festival to assist people with legal issues specifically affecting the local LGBT community. The Tennessee Stonewall Bar Association also educates people of their rights by holding speaker events on various legislative bills that may impact the civil rights of lesbians, bisexuals, gays, and transgenders living and working in Tennessee. In addition to being active in the community, the Tennessee Stonewall Bar Association also provides several benefits to its members. Members frequently attend the meetings held each quarter in order to network with one another and keep up-to-date on relevant and current legal events/cases. The Tennessee Stonewall Bar Association also provides members a way to get involved in advocating for LGBT rights by bringing them together to write amicus briefs for appealed cases dealing with the civil rights of the LGBT community.

 


Texas


Austin LGBT Bar AssociationAustin LGBT Bar Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

They have a website yet it is currently experiencing issues.  Here’s a link to their Facebook pages >>  https://www.facebook.com/pg/AustinLGBTBarAssociation/

 


Dallas LGBT Bar AssociationDallas LGBT Bar Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

The Dallas LGBT Bar Association is a sister bar association to the Dallas Bar Association. The Dallas LGBT Bar Association is composed of lawyers, law students, para-professionals, and related professional allies who share an interest in the laws that affect and protect the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community.

 

 

 


Stonewall Law Association of Greater HoustonStonewall Law Association of Houston - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diveristy Recruiting Jobs Company Queer

SLAGH is a voluntary professional association of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and ally attorneys, judges, paralegals, and law students who provide an LGBT presence within the greater Houston legal community.

We welcome new members who share in our desire to encourage the recognition of civil and human rights, promote sensitivity to legal issues faced by the LGBT community and those living with HIV, assure the fair and just treatment of members of the LGBT community, provide opportunities for LGBT attorneys, judges, law students, and allies to interact in a professional setting, build alliances with other minority bar associations and legal organizations, and enhance the practice and professional expertise of lawyers who serve or are members of the LGBT community.


San Antonio LGBT Bar AssociationSan Antonio LGBT Bar Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

The San Antonio LGBT Bar Association is a 501(c)(3) association of attorneys based in San Antonio, Texas. The LGBT Bar was officially established in 2016 for the purposes of promoting education on issues relating to LGBT law, providing a common forum for individuals interested in the legal issues of LGBT people, and raising the profile and acceptance of LGBT individuals in the legal community.

 

 


Utah


LGBT and Allied Lawyers of UtahLGBT and Allied Lawyers of Utah - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

LGBT & Allied Lawyers of Utah is a group of lawyers serving lawyers. We are an association of the Utah State Bar and an affiliate of the National LGBT Bar Association. Our mission is to use education and advocacy to promote and support the rights of LGBT people within the legal profession and throughout Utah.
We are sometimes contacted by people who are seeking legal advice or looking to hire an attorney who specializes in LGBTQ issues. We have created this directory to assist these potential clients. The Rainbow Law clinic is a free legal clinic that meets once each month. At the clinic, local attorneys who specialize in LGBTQ issues provide free advice. Additionally, the attorneys listed below represent clients on LGBTQ issues. While we believe this is an excellent list, we have not verified any of the information they provided.

 


Vermont


Virginia


Virginia Equality Bar AssociationVirginia Equality Bar Association - OutBuro LGBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Company Queer Bisexual Transgender

We seek to secure equality for the LGBT community and oppose discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  We provide legal education, resources, and information to legal community and the public.

 

 


Washington


LGBT Bar Association of WahingtonLGBT Bar Association of WashingtoGn - OutBuro LBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Recruiting Jobs Queer Bisexual Transgender

QLaw Association is an association of LGBT legal professionals and their friends. Serving as a voice of LGBT lawyers and other legal professionals in the State of Washington on issues relating to diversity and equality in the legal profession, in the courts, and under the law, the organization has five purposes:

  • to provide opportunities for members of the LGBT legal community to meet in a supportive, professional atmosphere to exchange ideas and information;
  • to further the professional development of LGBT legal professionals and law students;
  • to educate the public, the legal profession, and the courts about legal issues of particular concern to the LGBT community;
  • to empower members of the LGBT community by improving access to the legal and judicial system and sponsoring education programs;
  • and to promote and encourage the advancement of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender attorneys in the legal profession.

The Law Student Outreach Committee welcomes applications from law students and attorneys in their first few years of practice for the QLaw Mentorship Program. The goal of the program is to help prepare law students and new attorneys for a successful legal career.


West Virginia


Wisconsin


LGBT Bar Association of WisconsinLGBT Bar Association of Wisconsin - OutBuro GLBT Employer Reviews Rating Gay Professional Network Lesbian Business Networking Diversity Jobs Queer Bisexual Transgender

The LGBT Bar Association of Wisconsin is an association of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender legal professionals and their allies. Learn more about who we are and what we do in the About Us section.

The LGBT Bar Association of Wisconsin is an inclusive group and welcomes anyone who wants to join or support our mission,  LGBTQ individuals and allies alike. The Bar was founded in 2014 with a primary focus on increasing the visibility of LGBTQ individuals and allies within the legal profession. We hope to foster a sense of community among LGBTQ individuals and allies within the legal community and beyond and to bring awareness to LGBT issues throughout the state.

Our mission is to (a) promote the professional development and advancement of gay, bisexual, lesbian, and transgender legal professionals, including practicing lawyers, non-practicing lawyers, judges, law educators, government officials, law students, and other legal professionals; (b) provide a supportive environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and information of importance to the gay, bisexual, lesbian, and transgender professional community; and (c) advance the elimination of discrimination based upon actual or perceived homosexuality, bisexuality, transgender, transsexuality, gender-related identity, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, disability, or military status in the community at large through educational initiatives, training programs, and collaboration with organizations committed to the same.

 


Wyoming