UMBC’s Career Center is committed to ensuring nondiscriminatory participation for all students including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, or an ally.
Career Appointments
Advising is available at the Career Center to discuss any sexual orientation concerns related to your job search. Call the reception desk at (410) 455-2216 to schedule an appointment. You may disclose your concerns to the advisor during the appointment, as you wish.
UMBC Resources
UMBC OutList
UMBC’s OutList represents faculty and staff members who self-identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Queer and have chosen to be included on this virtual space. The OutList promotes greater visibility of the LGBTQ community and reflects the commitment to diversity and inclusivity at UMBC.
The Pride Center
University Center 201D (On the same floor as the English Language Institute) | 410-455-3014
The Pride Center is an LGBTQ+-centered space that is composed of a lounge meeting area with an interior office that is only open during the fall and spring semesters. The Pride Center became part of our department in partnership with two former student LGBTQ+ organizations, Freedom Alliance and Queers, United, Mobilized, and Bringing Change (QUMBC) in early 2010. The Pride Center has gone through multiple transitional periods, being formerly known as the Freedom Alliance Lounge, later the Queer Student Lounge (QSL). The original Freedom Alliance Lounge predates the Mosaic significantly and was located in the Sondheim ground floor to allow a private safe meeting space for LGBTQ+ identified students. Today, the lounge space continues to be used as a social study space, for student organization meetings, and to connect with other LGBTQ+ community members and allies.
LGBTQ+ Student Union
The LGBTQ Student Union advocates for the interests of LGBTQ students at UMBC and in surrounding regions and providing support thereof for any initiatives that the body shall deem fit.
UMBC Non-Discrimination Policy
UMBC’s non-discrimination policy prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender expression, as well as race, age, religion, pregnancy, or disability status. This webpage also explains the process of filing a complaint.
The Counseling Center
The Counseling Center hosts a trans support group where you can meet and discuss challenges you face and how to handle them.
Spectrum
Spectrum is a discussion-based program is for UMBC community members who identify as trans, genderqueer, genderfluid and/or those who are questioning their gender identity. Sponsored by the Women’s Center and The Mosaic, this is a structured, topic-based program for students who are questioning and/or identify outside their assigned gender to discuss and share thoughts about a variety of topics related to identity and trans issues. For safety and confidentiality reasons, this is a closed meeting for those needing this intentional space and it is not appropriate for students to use the space for class research or interviews.
Between Women
Between Women is a discussion-based program that centers the experiences of women students who identify on the LGBTQ+ spectrum. This structured, topic-based program discusses sexuality and sexual orientation with a focus on intersectionality and provides a safe space for women and feminine-identified students to share their feelings and experiences with other women. For safety and confidentiality reasons, this is a closed meeting for those in the LGBTQ+ community and it is not appropriate for students to use the space for class research or interviews.
LGBT UMBC Resource Pamphlet
The resource pamphlet above was created by students for students outlining additional UMBC resources.
External Resources
Legal
On February 26, 2018, courts ruled that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 extended to LGBTQIA persons. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is now considered a civil rights violation across the United States. If you’re still concerned about your legal protections, consider researching state laws and company codes of conduct or discrimination policies, or making an appointment with a career council to discuss your concerns.
Job Search
Additional Resources
Out Professionals
Out Professionals is the nation’s leading LGBTQ+ non-profit network, with close to 1,000 Members and over 5,000 email subscribers representing dozens of different work backgrounds and some 600 companies. At Out Professionals, you are sure to meet a wide range of friendly, interesting and worthwhile people, with the potential to become social and professional allies; successful people, who can advance your career or help you make a career transition.
LGBTQ+ Student and Professional Organizations
LGBT+ Professional and Student Organizations list websites of official groups of LGBT+ people in fields from union workers and government to banking and medicine.
LGBTQ Scholarships for Higher Education
List of scholarships available to support the LGBTQ community in affording higher education.