The 6th Annual CCC LGBTQ+ Summit will be held virtually April 24-25, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Join and collaborate with members of the California Community Colleges at all levels. The summit is a space for students, faculty, classified professionals and administrators where we will focus on this year’s theme: “The Unstoppable Movement for Queer & Trans Liberation” and on improving not only individual community college campuses but encouraging changes at the structural level as well. We will learn from each other’s innovative and successful ideas that will transform campuses so that we better serve and affirm LGBTQ+ students.    

You can learn more about this summit here.

This is a FREE event with limited capacity. Register now to secure your space today. 

Materials and information of past conferences are archived here.

5 Tips for being an Ally

‘Ask Me’: What LGBTQ Students Want Their Professors to Know

College and university teachers and staff don't often get a chance to hear from LGBTQ+ students about their specific needs. Listen to these students talk about what they want teachers and staff to know about them.

(A transcript of the video above is available here.)

MPC Inclusive Language Use: 

The Monterey Peninsula College’s LGBTQIA+ & Diversity Advocacy Committee developed recommendations for using inclusive language in any documents or materials to be disseminated to students, staff, faculty, or the public at large. 
These policies reflect the inclusive culture and policies at MPC.

Click here to view and download a copy of our recommendations.

Suggested Syllabus Verbiage for Faculty:

MPC is an open campus offering services and programs to all members of our community, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexuality, political view or any of the other personal differences, choices and philosophies that make us a diverse and vibrant community of learners. As such, your experience in this course should be welcoming, inclusive, and productive in a manner that celebrates our common aspirations, as well as the many differences that define us as individuals. Should you anticipate or encounter any instances or circumstances that concern you in this regard, or that leave you feeling marginalized, disrespected or mistreated as a member of the class, please bring these to my attention immediately. Success is our common goal, and it is something we can accomplish only when we all work together as an eager and accepting learning community.

For information about these and additional campus resources and services visit mpc.edu/lgbtqia

LGBTQIA+ Handouts

Education Focused Resources (Gender Spectrum.com):

All Genders Welcome Sign download here.

Things anyone can do tomorrow handout.

Gender Inclusive Classroom Concept and Lessons handout.

Vocabulary Extravaganza (via SafeZoneProject.com):

Vocabulary is essential to understanding and exploring LGBTQ issues and identities.  Often times folks use specific identity labels to find community and a sense of connection with others who feel and understand identity similar to their experience of identity.

Part of speech, whether a word is a noun, verb, adjective, etc. is an essential part of vocabulary.  This is because for a number of words (ex. queer, gay, and trans*(gender) they should only ever be used as adjectives and never as nouns.  Adjectives modify the person whereas nouns may feel they reduce that person down to that identity.  Adjectives, therefore, are always a bit safer to opt for.

This definition of terms is ever-updating and changing, as is the cultural use of these terms.

Pronouns: A Resource (via GLSEN.org):

Why focus on pronouns?
You may have noticed that people are sharing their pronouns in introductions, on name tags, and when GSA meetings begin. This is happening to make spaces more inclusive of transgender, gender nonconforming, and gender non-binary people. Including pronouns is a first step toward respecting people’s gender identity, working against cisnormativity, and creating a more welcoming space for people of all genders.

How is this more inclusive?
People’s pronouns relate to their gender identity. For example, someone who identifies as a woman may use the pronouns “she/her.” We do not want to assume people’s gender identity based on gender expression (typically shown through clothing, hairstyle, mannerisms, etc.) By providing an opportunity for people to share their pronouns, you're showing that you're not assuming what their gender identity is based on their appearance. If this is the first time you're thinking about your pronoun, you may want to reflect on the privilege of having a gender identity that is the same as the sex assigned to you at birth.

Tips for Gender-neutral Language:

• If you feel comfortable, introduce yourself with your pronouns as a model. For example: “Hi, I’m Anjelique. I use she/her and they/them pronouns” or “I’m Milo, and I use they/them pronouns.”

• Practice, practice, practice! Use gender-neutral pronouns such as “they” and “ze” while visualizing the person who uses them.

• Whenever possible, take the lead from the transgender and GNC students and educators in your school, especially during the planning stages.

• Welcome feedback, and be ready to make adjustments as you continue to make your spaces more inclusive: “If you have any feedback for us on how to make this GSA a more welcoming space for transgender, gender nonconforming and gender non-binary people, please let us know!”

• When addressing groups of people or people whose pronouns you haven’t been told, use gender-neutral language such as, “friends,” “folks,” “all,” or “y’all,” rather than “guys,” “ladies,” “ma’am,” or “sir.”

 More information for Creating Safe and Inclusive Classrooms available at: www.glsen.org/educator