October 2021

October is National LGBTQ+ History Month which celebrates the advancements in LGBTQ+ rights that have occurred over the years. The month encompasses various awareness days including National Coming Out Day on October 11th, International Pronouns Day on October 20th, and Spirit Day on October 21st. This October also marks the 42nd anniversary of the first march on Washington by LGBTQ+ people and allies to demand equal civil rights.

As highlighted in the June 2021 DEI Spotlight, the 2020 NCSEA SE3 survey results showed that only 3.4% of structural engineers identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or “none of the above”. Being supportive and inclusive of LGBTQ+ people in your office can help build trusting working relationships, and allows folks to bring their whole selves to work and not feel like they must hide part of who they are.

The following resources provide tips and guidance on how to be an ally for your LGBTQ+ colleagues:

• Techstars: Out At Work: How To Support And Be An Ally To LGBTQ+ Colleagues
  • This article provides suggestions for creating an inclusive work environment
• The Human Rights Campaign: Being an LGBTQ+ Ally 
  • This slideshow provides historical information and suggestions for understanding and showing support to different intersectional identities

You can also refer back to the June 2021 DEI Spotlight for information on including your pronouns in your email signature as a way to show support and to promote this as a common and inclusive practice.