An Intercultural Campus Resource for Diverse Gender, Romantic, and Sexual Identities
LBGTQ@MIT (search bar)
Rainbow Compass
The LBGTQ+ Mentorship program aims to create a structured and trusting relationship between pairs of graduate and undergraduate LBGTQ+ MIT students (mentees) together with caring LBGTQ+ faculty/staff/alumni (mentors). The goal is to create a professional relationship where mentors provide guidance and encouragement while supporting the personal and professional development of the mentees through various matters. As a mentee, you may be seeking advice on navigating the many environments at MIT including living groups and housing, teaching and the classroom environment, advising and administration, recreation and athletics, or so many other elements not listed here. You may want to better understand your personal or social development. Perhaps you're at a point where you're thinking about contextualizing the professional environment and "being out", or generally finding life balance (yes, this is possible at MIT!).
Below you will find some helpful information about the program to see if it's a good fit for you.
WHAT IT PROVIDES:
- Guidance, support, and advice from a positive role model
- Answers related to the spectrum of diverse genders and sexual identities
- A confidante and understanding ear
- Resources, information, and access to "community" networks
- Privacy and discretion, as desired or needed
- A mutual and paraprofessional relationship of learning, growth, and development
- A non-sexual and non-romantic relationship with someone who cares
WHAT IT DOES NOT PROVIDE:
- Therapy
- Absolute confidentiality
- Replacement for close, personal friendships
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- A dating service
- Housing, meals, funding, and transportation
WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM MENTORS:
- Concern, advice, and understanding
- Help through the coming out process
- Comparative information regarding what coming out has been like for others
- Familiarity with gay, lesbian, bi, and trans issues
- Adherence to MIT's Policy on Responsible and Ethical Conduct
WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM MENTEES:
- To be on time
- To attend appointments or cancel in a timely fashion
- To communicate your needs or concerns in as open and honest a manner as possible
- To realize that no question is too small or too embarrassing to be asked
Check out our FAQ page or e-mail Lauryn McNair at lbgt@mit.edu regarding any questions.
INTERESTED IN GETTING INOLVED:
Email lbgt@mit.edu to get the sign-up form.
LBGTQ@MIT: An Intercultural Resource for Diverse Gender, Romantic, and Sexual Identities
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Division of Student Life | 617-253-5440 | lbgt@mit.edu
MIT Rainbow Lounge Walker Memorial Second Floor (50-250) | 142 Memorial Drive A wheelchair-accessible lift can be found on the western side of Building 50. A swinging door on the opposite eastern end of the large room will lead to an elevator. Upon exiting the elevator on the second floor, make a left and the Rainbow Lounge will be at the far side of the Pritchett Dining room. The Rainbow Lounge can also be reached by stairs via the entrance marked "Pritchett Dining" at the rear of Building 50 facing the East Campus dorms (Building 62).
Social Justice Programming & Cross Cultural Engagement (SPXCE) Intercultural Center
DuPont Athletic Center (W31-110) | 120 Massachusetts Ave | 617-258-6732 | spxce@mit.edu
There is a wheelchair-accessible ramp and entrance to W31 on Vassar St. which leads to an elevator. W31-110 will be on your immediate left when you exit. The Massachusetts Ave. entrance to W31 includes a short flight of stairs and handrails with a card reader and accessible motorized door button to the left, followed by a longer flight of stairs to the first floor with handrails on each side.
