SOGI Committee - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts

Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Committee

SOGI exists to advocate, empower, and celebrate the LGBTQ+ members of our BBBSEM community. We strive to elevate LGBTQ voices and provide access to resources and learning opportunities to promote an agency and workplace that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

Jessica Collins

Co-Chair

Jessica Collins

“I joined SOGI to help create an inclusive, welcoming space that lifts up all LBGTQ+ voices and to support our matches, especially Littles, so that they have safe supportive spaces to become their most authentic selves.”
Nichole Firmani

Nichole Firmani

“I was inspired to join SO/GI after an incredible training on Gender Diversity Inclusion here at BBBS. I gained so much knowledge that I was excited to bring to my work and personal life, and I was excited to continue my journey in learning more. As part of SO/GI, I hope to help others adopt a growth mindset and support BBBS in becoming the most inclusive program for under-served youth and communities.”
Annie Forsman

Annie Forsman

“I am on the SOGI committee as I feel it’s very important to elevate, learn from, and empower LGBTQ+ voices in our community! I am excited to be a part of SOGI’s efforts to make BBBSEM a more inclusive, welcoming, safe, and informed organization and workplace for all.”
Kara Hopkins

Kara Hopkins

“I joined SOGI because I recognize the importance of our agency being the most inclusive and welcoming space for all the families, Bigs, and Littles we serve. The important work of this committee will help to highlight and bring awareness to the importance of mentorship for ALL.”
Erin Monroe

Erin Monroe

“I joined the SOGI committee because I wanted to make sure that the work we do at BBBSEM is inclusive and supportive of all members or our community. It is amazing to be part of a team who is so thoughtful and dedicated to educating ourselves and our team as well as advocating for LGBTQ members or our BBBSEM community; be they Bigs, Littles, families, or staff!
Rebecca Ober

Rebecca Ober

“I joined SOGI because everyone has a place at BBBSEM and I want to be a part of the group that helps us to continue and expand our inclusive culture. Bigs, Littles, families, community partners and staff should feel like they can show up as themselves and will be accepted and celebrated. SOGI plays a key role in ensuring that our agency is welcoming to all and represents the communities we serve.”
Hillary Phillips

Co-Chair

Hillary Phillips

“Co-leading SOGI has presented me with the opportunity to help our agency become a more open, welcoming place for both staff and our matches who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. It was a priority for me that BBBSEM be able to provide a positive, and most importantly, safe mentoring experience for LGBTQ+ Bigs and Littles. Being able to see this happen while working in Match Support has been extremely rewarding, and a great motivation to help SOGI continue creating the most equitable and comfortable space we can.”

WHAT HAVE WE DONE

Formed SOGI Committee
Hosted Lunch & Learns to promote discussions and engagement around LGBTQ+ topics and best practices
Represented Big Brothers Big Sisters at the Boston Pride Parade and Festival by marching and tabling on June 8
Shifted the vocabulary used in job posting to be more gender inclusive and welcoming
Normalized gender pronouns in email signatures across all departments
Established gender inclusive bathrooms in the BBBSMB office
Compiled resources for Bigs, Littles, and Families

LOOKING AHEAD: WHAT’S TO COME

Continue to create and implement trainings across the agency to better support members of the LGBTQ+ community
Develop and compile resources for Bigs & families around topics within the LGBTQ+ community
Identify age appropriate LGBTQ+ events, groups, teams, and safe spaces that matches and families can engage with
Advocate for inclusive and diverse vocabulary, policies, and best practices across the agency to create an environment that is safe/welcoming for program participants
Brainstorm and implement practices to foster a workplace culture that is all encompassing and welcoming of members of the LGBTQ+ community

“We are fortunate to live and work in a State which has for years been a leader in protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ citizens. Massachusetts law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. As an agency we not only abide by our State’s laws but, as expressed in our website, firmly “believe that we maximize our impact and truly thrive as an organization when perspectives are diverse, our culture is inclusive, and our practices model the equity we want to see in the world.” We are proud to employ a diverse staff and, whichever way the Supreme Court rules, we are committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”