U-M’s Non-Discrimination Policy
The University of Michigan (U-M) lists “sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, [and] gender expression” in its non-discrimination policy. U-M’s Office of Institutional Equity is responsible for upholding this policy and investigating all allegations of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on the identities covered under the policy.
Childcare
The University of Michigan is committed to supporting faculty and staff when they add children to their families. New parents may consider a number of paid and unpaid time off options when planning to welcome a new child by birth, adoption, foster care, or legal guardianship. View a summary chart of time off options for new parents.
It’s important to begin conversations with your supervisor or department administrator to plan as far in advance as possible. Be sure to review the Maternity (Childbirth) and Parental Leave Checklist when planning a leave. Please note that your unit or department may have established guidelines about the use and approval of parental leave in addition to the options outlined on this page.
Health Care/Medical
Trans-Friendly Health Care Coverage
All U-M health plans cover medically necessary gender-affirming services for members with gender dysphoria, following standards of care from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. The Benefits Office has designated a specific staff member who is a member of the LGBT Ally Program and is knowledgeable about and sensitive to the unique benefit related issues that transgender members of our community may encounter. Faculty and staff with questions about benefit issues related to transgender status are encouraged to contact Brian Vasher at bvasher@umich.edu.
U-M Medical Resources for LGBTQ Patients
Visiting a health care provider can be stressful for anyone, but for some of us, that feeling can be magnified by concerns about discrimination or being misunderstood. We also know that lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, trans and non-binary patients come to us with other identities that impact their health, well-being, and experience of receiving health care.
U-M University Health Service works to provide affirming health and wellness services so you can be treated well and stay well. We continue to educate our staff and improve systems to welcome and serve all patients, inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities. UHS has a Trans Care Team specifically trained in providing affirming care to trans and non-binary patients. Patients of any identity can schedule with one of these providers.
Michigan Medicine also has a Comprehensive Gender Services Program dedicated to helping transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary adults access and obtain the highest quality gender-affirming medical care. Their team of medical providers includes physicians from OB/GYN, Family Medicine, Plastic Surgery, Endocrinology, and Urology. Their team of mental health clinicians includes clinical social workers who have many years of experience working with people of diverse gender identities.
Michigan Medicine also offers Child and Adolescent Gender Services through the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital for those with children, adolescents, and teens who are transgender and gender non-conforming.
Social/Support Services
*This list may not be exhaustive. If you have information to add or suggested changes, please email spectrumcenter@umich.edu.
Winter 2023 LGBTQ+ Faculty & Staff Support Group
Are you a U-M faculty or staff member who is queer-identifying or questioning? This group may be for you.
It’s a virtual opportunity for LGBTQ+ folks to build social connections, support one another in a safe and inclusive space, and have an open discussion.
The group will meet virtually once per month and will be facilitated by Jill Castro, PsyD, counselor in the Faculty & Staff Counseling & Consultation Office. Email Jill directly at jscastro@umich.edu to receive more details about the group or to sign up for a spot.
* LGBTQ+ is an acronym for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer” with a + sign to recognize the limitless sexual orientations and gender identities used by members of our community.
* This group is specifically for LGBTQ+ folks. If you are a loved one, family member, or ally interested in a similar support group, please email fascco@umich.edu to express your interest.
LGBTQ Staff Group at U-M
Welcome to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Staff at the University of Michigan, a group that is dedicated to all staff who identify within the LGBTQ+ community at the institution. To join the group's listserv, please email lgbtqstaffchairs@umich.edu to express interest or request to join the group by submitting an interest form. Each semester, the group organizes a few events which allow LGBTQ+ staff around the University to get to know each other and build community.
The group leads can also be reached at their indivudal emails below,
Kelsey - kelseyca@umich.edu
Cybbi - cybbi@umich.edu
Tyler - bonannot@umich.edu
University of Michigan LGBT Faculty Alliance (UMFA)
In 1992, a University-wide group of faculty and deans formed the University of Michigan LGBT Faculty Alliance (UMFA). We welcome interested faculty to join us. Our activities include working on University policies that affect the LGBT community, students' academic needs, curriculum development, and new faculty support. We also hold an annual reception. To join the Alliance's email listserv group, send a message to LGBTfacultyalliance@umich.edu, using subscribe as the subject.
Lesbian-Gay-Queer Research Initiative (LGQRI)
In Fall 2001, LGQRI became a program of the Institute for Research on Women and Gender. Since then, LGQRI has pursued its strategy of developing a more formal identity for the abundant resources that already exist on campus.