The LGBTQA+ Faculty & Staff Affinity Group hosts regular informal social gatherings, professional development events, and working group meetings to discuss campus issues affecting the community. 

Mission

This group was launched in the summer of 2016 by two administrators, Jan Rinehart and Jonna Iacono, with the goal to create a safer space for professional development and community-building among LGBTQA+-identified staff and faculty. 

The purpose of the LGBTQA+ affinity group is to provide personal and professional opportunities that will encourage faculty and staff within the LGBTQA+ community to become more fulfilled members of the Northeastern University community. 

Resources for LGBTQA+ Faculty & Staff

• LGBTQA+ Faculty & Staff Listserv provides regular notices about socials, events,  and meetings relevant to the interests of the group. 
• LGBTQA+ Faculty & Staff on Microsoft Teams provides a venue for casual conversation and connection across the global campus. 
• LGBTQA Resource Center provides information, support and other resources for Northeastern University LGBTQA+ students and their allies. 
• Gender Neutral Restroom Map

Frequently Asked Questions for LGBTQA+ Staff

Health Benefits & Insurance

I am not married to my partner. Can they receive health benefits?

• Yes! Northeastern offers Domestic Partner coverage for those that qualify.  The definition of eligibility can be found on the Domestic Partner Certification form:
• Domestic Partner Certification Form
• Please note that there are tax implications for adding health care coverage for your domestic partner.

I am interested in learning more about Trans Health Coverage via Blue Cross Blue Shield at Northeastern. 

• In compliance with the Massachusetts Division of Insurance Bulletin regarding Transgender Health Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) provides several gender confirming options to those whom they insure.
• Generally, all treatment and services provided under a diagnosis of gender dysphoria or gender identity disorder will require prior authorization by a third-party licensed medical provider to verify that the treatment or service is medically necessary. Please discuss this with your medical provider or PCP to understand the timeline and options.
• BCBSMA lists all available surgical gender confirmation procedures in this document: Transgender Services. This document outlines the qualifying criteria and detailed medical coding information.

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Processing a Name and/or Gender Marker Change

Employees can use a chosen name instead of their legal name for most university systems. Information on changing your chosen name or updating your legal name can be found on the HR Service Center. 

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Finding Community on Campus

Are there opportunities to connect with other LGBTQA+ faculty & staff?

• Yes! The LGBTQA+ Faculty & Staff Affinity Group hosts regular social gatherings, and meetings to address campus issues. All gatherings are announced via the group’s listserv. To self-subscribe to the listserv for announcements, fill out the signup form and select “LGBTQA+ Faculty & Staff.”   

Who can I contact if I have questions about being an LGBTQA+ employee at Northeastern?

• Join the LGBTQA+ Faculty & Staff Affinity Group on Microsoft Teams to connect with employees across the global network! 
• If you would prefer a one-on-one discussion, feel free to contact one of the Affinity Group Steering Committee members below.  

To get involved, please contact [email protected]

Affinity Group Leadership