LGBTQ Career Resource Guide
Often times the LGBTQIA+ community starts the career conversation with when to come out in the workplace rather than if we should come out in the workplace. Today, there are still barriers for LGBTQIA+ employees and applicants to be successful. Many factors can include the geography of where we are, the culture of the immediate and surrounding areas, local and national politics, current and unresolved legal issues, and many other factors. For people who have intersecting identities that face additional barriers and marginalization, there are even more concerns to weigh. This page will be a evolving resource that hopes to inform students on considerations to ponder when applying for and entering new work environments.
Many of the resources listed on this page overlap with career and legal issues for LGBTQIA+ people in the workplace. If there is information you are looking for that is not on this page, please contact the Career Center and we will update the page and help you find the information you are looking for:
Careers@lclark.edu, 503-768-7114
Career Counseling Resources
Lewis & Clark College’s Career Center provides career counseling for undergraduate students and alumni no matter how you identify. If you would like to speak to our knowledgeable counselors about anything related to your job search or topics on this page, please click here to schedule an appointment. We understand building trust around discussing these topics can be difficult at times. Our career counselors collaborate based on your needs and their strengths to set you up with the best counseling match.
General Resources
The Career Center has a robust online library located under our “Quick Links” tab to the right. Here you will find basic information on writing resumes and cover letters to the interview process.
Handling Illegal Interview Questions
The Career Center’s interviewing handout has a section on handling illegal interview questions on page 4.
University of Pennsylvania’s “Out in the Workplace?” Guide
A guide for considering your level of “outness” in the workplace, researching organizational policies and climates, what to include on your resume concerning LGBTQ+ work experience, and interviewing strategies.
Zippia LGBTQ Workplace Resource Guide
A resource to help you learn more about everything from your rights as an LGBTQ+ individual to finding inclusive companies and coming out at work.
An independent, nonprofit think tank that provides rigorous research, insight, and communications that help speed equality and opportunity for all.
Lambda Legal LGBTQ+ Workplace Resources
This page links to a litany of resources for LGBTQ+ job seekers and current employees looking for support resources.
Intersecting Resources
Being queer and non-binary has cultural specific barriers when intersecting with identities of color, ability, and many more identities and experiences. Below are some organizations that work to support specific intersections in addition to professional organizations that work to support specific identities. If you know of other great resources, please email us at Careers@lclark.edu!
National Association of the Deaf
The advocacy scope of the NAD is broad, covering a lifetime and impacting future generations in the areas of early intervention, education, employment, health care, technology, telecommunications, youth leadership, and more – improving the lives of millions of deaf and hard of hearing Americans. The NAD also carries out its federal advocacy work through coalition efforts with specialized national deaf and hard of hearing organizations, as well as coalitions representing national cross-disability organizations.
The Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (RAD) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1977. The purpose of this Alliance is to establish and maintain a society of Deaf GLBT to encourage and promote the educational, economic, and social welfare; to foster fellowship; to defend our rights; and advance our interests as Deaf GLBT citizens concerning social justice; to build up an organization in which all worthy members may participate in the discussion of practical problems and solutions related to their social welfare. RAD has over 20 chapters in the United States and Canada.
Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women and Transgender Coalition
APIQWTC provides opportunities for Asian & Pacific Islander queer women and transgender people to socialize, network, build community, engage in inter-generational organizing, and increase community visibility. We are a fun, welcoming, multi-generational group of Asian & Pacific islander queer women and transgender people in the Bay Area, who are building community together.
The National Association of Asian American Professionals
The National Association of Asian American Professionals is a nonprofit organization that cultivates and empowers Asian & Pacific Islander leaders through professional development, community service, and networking.
Our mission is to promote a multinational LGBT network dedicated to improving health and wellness opportunities, economic empowerment, and equal rights while promoting individual and collective work, responsibility, and self-determination.
Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement
Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement (Familia: TQLM) is the only national organization that addresses, organizes, educates, and advocates for the issues most important to our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) and Latino communities. Familia: TQLM is inclusive and serves of all LGBTQ Latinos, Latinas, and gender-nonconforming individuals. We also collaborate with non-LGBTQ families and friends who support our vision of a united LGBTQ Latino and Latina community.
Association of Latino Professionals for America
There is a real need for more Latino leaders. At a time when the business community desperately seeks talent and America’s young Latinos desperately seek opportunity, ALPFA is a bridge between the two resulting in thousands of Latino college students in paid professional internships and careers. ALPFA develops the next generation of Latino professionals via experiential leadership development and mentoring from senior corporate executives, whom we empower into the C-suite and onto corporate boards. ALPFA is also a proven growth accelerator for Latino entrepreneurs, helping them to build networks, access capital, and scale much more rapidly by opening the door to significant business opportunities with our more than 200 Fortune 1000 partners.
Network of Arab-American Professionals
Channeling member passions into the implementation of 5 goals enables members, organization and community to better realize potential by promoting professional networking and social interaction among Arab-American and Arab professionals in the US and abroad. Educating both the Arab-American and non-Arab communities about Arab culture, identity, and concerns. Advancing the Arab-American community by empowering, protecting and promoting its political causes and interests in the US and abroad within all levels of society. Supporting the Arab student movement in the United States. Serving society through volunteerism and community service efforts.
The East Coast Two Spirit Society
The East Coast Two Spirit Society is a member of the International Council of Two Spirit Societies. As a member of the International Council of Two Spirit Societies, we are able to advocate for and promote change in policy, in public perception of Two Spirit people, and for change on municipal, state and federal levels. EC2SS is concerned with the growing lack of regard for the lives of our Two Spirit people, especially those who may be Trans* identified. We believe that the importance of strong advocacy for these members of our Family cannot be overstated.
Provide an environment in which Native women daughters, mothers, granddaughters, and great-grandmothers can interact with one another, share knowledge, and honor Native women making a difference in their communities. To unite Native women of all ages and create a forum that celebrates the power which women have in creating positive change within their families and communities.
International Travel Resources
When in doubt, get informed! Doing your research through international news outlets may give you the best idea of what is going on in countries you are interested in traveling to. News outlets such as The Guardian, Al Jazeera, BBC, and others will help you understand international climate and relationships. When conducting research, make sure you are looking at multiple resources to best understand the situations going on abroad. Below are additional resources that may be helpful when preparing to go abroad.
Note on Identification: When traveling domestically and internationally, transgender people continue to report harassment from TSA officers and identification issues. To limit these problems, make sure you book your flight with your name and sex marker that is consistent with legal documentation you will be bringing with you. If you will be patted down for any reason, you have the right to request a specific gendered TSA agent.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
Traveling internationally for Peace Corps, teaching abroad, or other similar opportunities that bring you outside of your culture and oversees can create concerns for queer and gender non-binary people. This resource is a blog of personal stories returning queer-identified Peace Corps members have shared about their service. You can search postings based on countries and connect with mentors. To join their mentor and support list serve, request access by emailing lgbrpcv-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Peace Corps Viewpoints: The LGBTQ Volunteer Experience
A brief video about two partners serving in the Peace Corps together and the challenges when coordinating with different countries and cultural contexts. Peace Corps started coordinating queer couples to serve together in 2013. More information can be found at peacecorps.gov
Amnesty International is a global movement of people fighting injustice and promoting human rights. We work to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. Currently the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization, we investigate and expose abuses, educate and mobilize the public, and help transform societies to create a safer, more just world. We received the Nobel Peace Prize for our life-saving work.
Our goal is to provide an up-to-date, comprehensive, straightforward destination where travelers, backpackers, vacations and those preparing for study abroad are able to find the top travel resources by category. Our goal isn’t to link to every travel site and resource out there. Instead, we’ll work with our readers to create a list of the most popular/useful sites you may have never heard of.
U.S. Department of State—Bureau of Consular Affairs: International Travel
The Department of State issues travel warnings to take into consideration due to weather and political climates that may be present in certain countries. When considering going abroad through a program such as teaching English or PeaceCorps, do your research first. To get a better idea of country issued travel alerts, see what other countries are also alerting about your intended destination. Here is a helpful USA Today article to help interpret government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Traveling Abroad with Hormone Medication
Some transgender and non-binary identified people choose to transition with hormones. When it comes to traveling abroad, these medications may need to be taken with and replenished depending on the duration of your studies, work, or travel abroad. The following are helpful resources to start looking into when managing medication.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Injectable medication, needles, and syringes are allowed on airplanes in addition to pills. “All medications in any form or type (for instance, pills, injectables, or homeopathic) and associated supplies (syringes, Sharps disposal container, pre-loaded syringes, jet injectors, pens, infusers, etc.) are allowed through the security checkpoint once they have been screened. Atropens, an auto-injection system that can help treat many emergency conditions (low heart rate, breathing problems, and excess saliva related to insecticide, nerve gas or mushroom poisoning) are also allowed. We do not require that your medications be labeled” (TSA, 2011).
TSA has a Transgender Passengers resource page dedicated to addressing certain security screening procedures and travel concerns of the transgender community.
Recommendation for packing injectable medication: Pack your medication with supplies together in the original packaging if possible. Ensure your prescription name matches ID you are flying with. Consider not storing all of your medication in one bag in case this bag is lost or stolen—bring some in your carry-on and store extra supplies in other bags.
Medications When Traveling Internationally
Mobility International USA (MIUSA) published a helpful article on 10 considerations when preparing to travel abroad with medication. Most importantly, consult your doctor and healthcare provider to assess barriers around bringing and utilizing your medication abroad.
Transgender Resources
National Center for Transgender Equality
The National Center for Transgender Equality is the nation’s leading social justice advocacy organization winning life-saving change for transgender people. NCTE was founded in 2003 by transgender activists who recognized the urgent need for policy change to advance transgender equality. With a committed board of directors, a volunteer staff of one, and donated office space, we set out to accomplish what no one had yet done: provide a powerful transgender advocacy presence in Washington, D.C.
Launched in 2007 as TEEI (Transgender Economic Empowerment Initiative), the Trans Employment Program is the first city funded program to help transgender and GNC people get back to work and address the economic barriers facing the community. Since the program started, it has connected community members with thousands of jobs in diverse, equal, and rewarding workplaces. We changed our name in 2016 to better reflect what we do and what we offer. The program provides a wide range of services including: job referrals and career coaching, navigating being out at work or transitioning on the job, resume review and managing references, hiring and community event, mentoring, and legal services.
Transgender Law Center works to change law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression. Visit this website for resources on being queer and trans in the workplace.
University of Vermont’s FAQ’s for Transgender Job Seekers
A guide to the technicalities of listing preferred versus legal name on job applications, filling out health insurance applications during the hiring process, and other job search tips.
A Guide to Transgender Friendly Clinics By Region
Hims and Hers researched and compiled a guide to trans-friendly clinics across the United States by region.
Science Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP)
The national organization for LGBTQ individuals working in the science field.
“A national survey of sexual diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.”
Health & Medicine
Gay & Lesbian Medical Association
GLMA is committed to ensuring workplace equity in healthcare.
Law & Government
International Lesbian & Gay Law Association
“The International Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, and Intersex Law Association (ILGLaw) unites people around the world who are dedicated to the principle of equality under the law for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and intersex persons.”
Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies
Resources for LGBTQ individuals serving in foreign affairs agencies.
The LGBT Bar provides programming for LGBT legal professionals such as national lecture series, corporate counsel institute and the annual Lavender Law Conference & Career Fair. Additionally, the organization hosts networking events, works with special interest attorney groups and creates advocacy resources for the LGBT community. The LGBT Bar aspires to improve the quality of life for LGBT legal practitioners until the time that LGBT legal professionals are recognized without discrimination, stigma or negative bias.
US Department of Justice Pride
Resources for LGBT employees of the U.S. Department of Justice and their allies.
Business & Tech
At O4U, the work that we do changes lives. Our mission is to help high-achieving LGBTQ undergraduates reach their full potential. This year we will serve at least 700 students.
- O4U Marketing, for students pursuing careers in marketing, digital, and consumer product companies, at PepsiCo in Chicago.
- O4U Tech, for students pursuing careers in software development and technology, at Twitter in San Francisco.
- O4U Business, for students pursuing careers in finance, management consulting, and professional services, at Goldman Sachs in New York City.
- O4U Engineering, for engineering students pursuing careers across a wide variety of industries, at Stanford University.
Internship and Volunteer Opportunities
There are a lot of organizations that champion LGBTQ+ equality in various fields and sectors from nonprofit to government work. Below are some examples of organizations that work directly with specific LGBTQ+ populations. Some resources also provide scholarship and grant opportunities in addition to volunteer work and internships!
Immigration Equality is leading the effort to end discrimination in U.S. immigration law, to reduce its negative impact on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and HIV-positive people, and to obtain asylum for those persecuted in their home countries based on their sexual orientation, transgender identity or HIV-status. Click the link to view current volunteer and internship opportunities.
Founded in 1973, Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. Jobs, volunteer, and internship opportunities can be found here. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, we do not charge our clients for legal representation or advocacy, and we receive no government funding. We depend on contributions from supporters around the country.
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates is the world’s premier nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender workplace equality. We partner with Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies to provide executive leadership development, comprehensive training and consultation, and professional networking opportunities that build inclusive and welcoming work environments.
Trans Student Education Resources
Trans Student Educational Resources is a youth-led organization dedicated to transforming the educational environment for trans and gender nonconforming students through advocacy and empowerment. In addition to our focus on creating a more trans-friendly education system, our mission is to educate the public and teach trans activists how to be effective organizers. We believe that justice for trans and gender nonconforming youth is contingent on an intersectional framework of activism. Ending oppression is a long-term process that can only be achieved through collaborative action. Volunteer, internship, scholarship, and leadership summit opportunities are available.
Campus Resources
Queer Student Union (QSU)
The Queer Student Union is a club centered on providing resources and space for queer, trans, and LGBTQIA+ students on campus.
Career Center is located in room 270 of Fowler Student Center on the Undergraduate Campus.
MSC: 175
email careers@lclark.edu
voice 503-768-7114
Director Rocky Campbell
Career Center
Lewis & Clark
615 S. Palatine Hill Road MSC 175
Portland OR 97219