UC establishes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Faculty and Staff Association

The University of Cincinnati’s Office of the Provost has established the institution’s first Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Faculty and Staff Association.

“In the spirit of our strategic direction, Next Lives Here, and the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, the LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Association has been created to provide support opportunities, a safe and secure professional environment and advocate for LGBTQ faculty and staff,” says Kristi Nelson, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost.

Amy Lind and Jayson Douglas will serve as the founding co-chairs of the LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Association.

Douglas, interim director of UC’s LGBTQ Center, says the association can also provide support and guidance for the university regarding issues that affect the well-being of LGBTQ faculty and staff members.

“We aim to help create a more equitable environment in which LGBTQ members of the university community can flourish in their work environments and be productive researchers, teachers, and staff members,” Douglas adds.

Amy Lind, professor and head of UC’s Department of Women’s Gender, Sexuality Studies and founding member of the LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Association, says the organization will also play a key role in recruiting, retaining, and recognizing LGBTQ talent and increasing their impact on the larger UC community.

“We must be able to attract and provide a safe working environment for future LGBTQ faculty and staff,” says Lind. “They, in turn, are here to meet the needs of new generations of LGBTQ students, who often face multiple obstacles as college students.”

Lind says the organization is hosting the LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Association Inaugural Luncheon, on Monday, Sept. 17 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The luncheon will be held in UC’s African American Cultural and Resource Center located at 60 W. Charlton Street.

LGBTQ faculty and staff members are encouraged to attend.