LGBTQ+  Community

SMC has a strong, inclusive and open history in supporting a diverse and intersectional community of students, faculty, and staff. Given recent actions in Washington, D.C., Transgender and gender non-binary people have expressed concerns about their safety on campus.  We want to reaffirm our long-standing commitment to supporting all gender identities.  The Office of Human Resources including the Title IX Office, the College's commitment and support for the creation of  The Gender Equity and Social Justice Resource Center, and groups such as the Gen-C (Gender Equity Network Center), and Social Justice, and student clubs such as the Gender Sexuality Alliance Club and Intersectional Feminist Alliance Club, demonstrate our committed to ensuring that all members of the SMC community, including Transgender students, faculty, and staff, can work and learn together in an atmosphere free of harassment.

The Gender Sexuality Alliance Club is a student run organization that aims to build a supportive community for LGBTQ+ individuals including Transgender and non-binary students, and assists in connecting students to resources, and serves as a medium for members to engage in advocacy around issues that affects the LGBTQ+ community. The Intersectional Feminist Alliance Club also focuses on prioritizing and advocating for the rights of Women of Color and individuals from marginalized, disenfranchised, and underrepresented communities across all axes of oppression.

Even after the federal guidance issued on January 22, 2017, SMC's commitment to non-discrimination has not changed. SMC has affirmed its commitment to ensuring that Transgender students, faculty, and staff have unrestricted access to restrooms that align to their gender identities.  SMC's policies are clear that we do not discriminate on the basis of gender identity.  The college is committed to proving "all gender" restrooms in new buildings, such as in the STEM buildings.

The Office of Human Resources responds to discrimination based on sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex- or gender-stereotyping, and sexual orientation.  Importantly, if you feel you have been harassed because of your gender identity, or if you believe barriers prevent you from accessing, school programs, or services on the basis of your gender identity, our office wants to hear from you. If you experience any discrimination or bias, you can also report it to the Office of Human Resources or Student Judicial Affairs. More information about reporting and filing a report can also be found under Confidentiality and Reporting.

We will continue to support and advocate with Transgender students, faculty, and staff by maintaining our commitment to equity and inclusion, including the availability of accessible and convenient gender inclusive restrooms for all individuals.

SMC’s Pride Center
The Santa Monica College Pride center is dedicated to honoring and prioritizing intersectional LGBTQ+ identities. We are committed to improving campus culture where all queer and trans students can celebrate and embody their holistic selves.

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The following is a list of resources outside of SMC that can provide useful information and support for LGBTQ students, their families, and allies:

ACPA: Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Awareness (SCLGBTA)
Part if the American College Personnel Association, the SCLGBTA was created to give voice to LGBT professionals and students in the field of Student Affairs. Its stated purpose is to increase awareness, eliminate oppression, and provide support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in higher education for faculty, students and staff.

Campus Pride
The leading national nonprofit organization promoting safer college environments for LGBTQ students. It is a volunteer-driven network that offers in-depth and current information on resources, programs, and support services specifically for LGBTQ and ally students across the U.S.

Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals
The combined vision and mission of the Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Professionals is to “achieve higher education environments in which lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni have equity in every respect.” The Consortium’s website provides access to research, publications and other resources, including job listings, for its members and others.

GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)
Founded in 1985, GLAAD is the nation’s leading LGBT media advocacy organization. According to its stated mission, GLAAD, “amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively.”

Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
Founded in 1990, the GLSEN is now the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Focused primarily on primary and secondary education, the GLSEN works to ensure that all students are valued and treated with respect regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
The NGLCC was founded in 2002 with the goal of creating an organization to support LGBT business owners and showcase the diversity of talent within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

National LGBTQ Task Force
Founded in 1973, the National NGBTQ Task Force claims the title of the oldest national NGBTQ advocacy group in the United States. Through the training and mobilizing of activists across the nation, the Task Force endeavors to advance full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people.

National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP)
The NOGLSTP is an organization of professionals working in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The organization’s mission is to empower LGBTQ individuals in the STEM fields by providing education, advocacy, professional development, networking and peer support.

PFLAG
With over 300 chapters and 200,000 members, PFLAG is the nation’s largest family and ally organization. PFLAG is committed to advancing equality and full societal affirmation of LGBTQ individuals through its threefold mission of support, education and advocacy.

Point Foundation: The National LGBTQ Scholarship Fund
The Point Foundation is the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBTQ students. Its mission is to empower “promising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential… to make a significant impact on society.”