LGBTQ Collaborative

The LGBTQ Collaborative is an employee resource group within the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). The group supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees, patients, families, friends and allies.

LGBTQ Collaborative is open to the entire UNM Health System. We work together to create a safe, supportive environment focused on the health and well-being of communities we serve.

At UNM Health:

• You have the right to the care you need regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. See your patient bill of rights at UNM Hospital and UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center (SRMC).
• The UNM Hospital visitor guide prohibits visitor restrictions based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
• The SRMC visitor guidelines support your right as a patient to define family for yourself and to welcome loved ones 24/7 as your “partners in care.”
• Our employment nondiscrimination policy includes the terms “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.”
• Staff receive Healthcare Equality Index-approved training in LGBTQ patient-centered care.
• Our organization has a new HR Guideline that protects our diverse workforce (HR 132-Discriminatory Requests from Patients and Families).

Recognized LGBTQ Health Leader

In 2020, UNM Hospital was named a leader in LGBTQ healthcare equality by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). We are the only hospital in New Mexico with this designation for the first time in 2013.

Leader status means UNM has achieved a score of 100 in the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). It also means we meet the HRC's four core objectives:

• Cultivate an inclusive workforce by providing LGBTQ-inclusive employee support and benefits
• Demonstrate progress toward inclusion on LGBTQ patient care and support
• Demonstrate public commitment to the LGBTQ community
• Foundational protection for patients, visitors and staff in patient and staff policies and provide cultural competency training on LGBTQ inclusion

LGBT Patient-Centered Care Training & Education

LGBT collaborative partners with the UNM LGBTQ Resource Center and the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico. Together, we provide education and training on LGBTQ patient-centered care.

Caring for the Community

Through the "Caring for the LGBT Community" class, providers and staff learn terminology, history and a culturally humble approach to LGBTQ patient care. LGBTQ individuals share their stories of LGBTQ individuals and allies through a panel discussion.

Safe Zone Awareness

Our "Safe Zone" training helps staff and clinician faculty become allies and address negative emotions. Staff who complete this training can mark their offices or workspaces with a "Safe Zone" sticker, showing patients they are in a safe space.