Message from the Clubs: Q+

Q+ ("q-plus") is the LGBT-straight alliance at Yale SOM. We work to provide a forum for the exploration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer issues within the Yale SOM community and future professional settings. The club has had an exciting year so far! We kicked the year off by sending a contingent of students to the National Reaching Out MBA Conference in Los Angeles, where they were able to connect with potential employers and other LGBT MBA students from across the country.

This year, Q+ pushed to be even more of a visible presence on campus. We hosted a school-wide happy hour celebrating National Coming Out Day and Queer History Month, where we debuted our "LGBT support pins," which more than 100 of our classmates wore in a strong showing of support. In what has become somewhat of an SOM tradition, Q+ members coordinated a dance flash mob during Winter Formal in which LGBT and straight-allied students showed their support (and talent) together on the dance floor to the tune of Ke$ha's "We Are Who We Are!"

Jason Klein '12 took the initiative to create a workshop entitled "Straight But Not Narrow," on how to be an ally to the LGBT community in a modern workforce. The workshop included humorous skits performed by students and SOM celebrities Art Swersey (professor of operations research) and Sheri Scully (director of student and academic services). The event was attended by more than 70 students, faculty, and staff members and was a highlight of the fall semester. "It's difficult sometimes to talk about LGBT issues. Having these scenarios acted out really helps people to break the ice, share their experiences, and understand how to support each other," said Q+ co-leader Prem Tumkosit '11.

Q+ also expanded gender inclusion at Yale SOM by successfully petitioning Student and Academic Services (SAS) to abolish the same-gender housing policy for school-sponsored trips abroad. We were also thrilled to discover, after consulting with the student committee to the new building design team, that the new SOM building will have gender-neutral bathrooms.

Of course, we still managed to attend to our social affairs. In addition to the annual LGBT mixers with other graduate programs at Yale, Claire Ruud '12 coordinated a get-away weekend in Vermont for the Q+ group to escape the hustle and bustle of New Haven for more bucolic environs. Elliot Greenberger '12 is coordinating a day of service with a local LGBT organization to give back to the community in the spirit of SOMunity, SOM's annual diversity event series.

Q+ continues to thrive and make enormous waves in the Yale SOM community. We are extremely proud of what we have accomplished so far this year and look forward to ending the semester with a bang. We hope that you will reach out to the leaders (prem.tumkosit@yale.edu or john.metz@yale.edu) if you have any questions. Q+ is open to all students in an effort to provide support for the LGBT and allied community, facilitate career opportunities, and foster an open community of students, professionals, and alumni.