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LGBTQIA+ stands for “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and to be inclusive to everyone, the LGBTQIA full acronym has changed to add the plus at the end. This works to allow the acronym to cover new subsects of the community.”

Yes, �����鱨�� has the GLOW UP club with the aims to educate, empower, and transform the unknowing minds of others through the use of workshops and partaking in community events to spread the awareness for the LGBTQIA+ community. GLOWUP offers support and raises awareness for the LGBTQIA+ community at �����鱨��. For more information, contact mercycollegeglowup@gmail.com.

No, Allies are always welcomed!

Yes, �����鱨�� actively engages in recruiting and hiring a diverse workforce of faculty and staff of all races, colors, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Yes, �����鱨�� has various LGBTQIA+ courses in several academic departments. In addition, many courses also explore LGBTQIA+ topics and issues from various perspectives.

Yes, the �����鱨�� Student Counseling Center offers preventative and clinical services to all �����鱨�� students. Our goal is to provide support and assistance so students can successfully engage in their college experience. Counselors provide psychological evaluation and brief treatment lasting one to eight sessions.

Discrimination of any kind at �����鱨�� is not acceptable or tolerated. We encourage all members of our campus community to seek support for and report all sexual harassment, misconduct, and discrimination directly to the �����鱨�� Title IX Coordinator or the �����鱨�� Office of Campus Safety using this link: .

Language is fluid, changes over time, and different people may use the same term differently. A good practice is to educate yourself on the ways concepts and terms are used. You can do this by attending LGBTQIA+ community events, participating in Safe Zone training, or reviewing resources such as the terminology page on this website.

The word queer has often used been as an insult.  Many people in the community have decided to reclaim the word to take away others' power to hurt them. It is also useful as a word that encompasses all identities under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella or to note a political identity. However, you should only call someone queer, if they have indicated that they are okay with that word being used for themselves.

If someone comes out to you, this shows that they trust you and are willing to put themselves in a vulnerable place in order to be honest and open with you. It is important to be as supportive as possible in this situation. First, you can thank them for trusting you enough to open up to you. Then, you can let them talk and express their thoughts. Throughout the entire conversation, do your best to show that you support them and that you are still there for them. It is very possible that they feel nervous, embarrassed, and/or afraid that you will not want to stay friends with them. Try to alleviate these fears. It might be a very new situation for you, and you might not react perfectly, but the most important thing to do is show that you support them and are willing to listen. It is okay to ask questions, but be sensitive.

The relationship between sexuality, gender identity, and sexual orientation is complex and sometimes hard to decipher. Sexual orientation refers to individuals’ attractions to others–who they love and date, and to whom they are physically and/or emotionally attracted. The terms lesbian, gay, and bisexual refer to one’s sexual orientation. Gender identity refers to individuals’ internal and individual experiences of gender. Transgender refers to one’s gender identity. Simply put, gender identity is concerned with who one is, and sexual orientation is concerned with who one loves.

Rainbow Mavs is a professional work group at �����鱨�� made up of staff members who actively promote LGBTQIA+ awareness and advocacy through trainings and events.