Student AffairsAt Queen’s Career Services, we recognize that exploring your career path as a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community may include unique reflections, opportunities, and challenges.
Whether you are exploring queer-positive workplaces, preparing for job interviews, navigating disclosure, or seeking affirming mentorship, we're here to support you with tailored resources, inclusive guidance, and 1:1 support.
Ways to connect with us:
- Drop-in Career Advising: Monday to Thursday, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST. No appointment required. (Summer hours may vary.)
- 1:1 Appointments: Book a 30-minute career coaching or resume/cover letter review appointment through MyCareer. Available Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST.
- Accessibility and Identity-Based Supports: We are happy to assist with accommodations or other supports during your visit, including using your chosen name and pronouns or accessing alternate formats. Contact us at 613-533-2992 or mycareer@queensu.ca. You can also review a list of the existing accessible features available in our office.
Reflect on Identities
Our identities intersect with every part of our lives, including work. Reflecting on how your lived experiences, values, and community connections shape your professional goals can help you make decisions that align with who you are.
Questions you might consider:
- How do the various dimensions of your identity, such as your gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or other lived experiences, influence how you experience work and professional environments?
- What kind of work environments support your well-being and productivity?
- How can you identify organizations with an understanding and commitment to inclusion for each aspect of your identity?
- How do you want to navigate conversations about your identity in professional settings?
- Where can you find professional mentors or role models with shared experiences?
Research Inclusive Employers
While all employers in Canada are legally obligated to uphold non-discriminatory practices, some organizations go further to actively create inclusive and affirming work environments for 2SLGBTQ+ employees. Still, practices can vary widely between sectors and regions. Doing research can help you make informed choices and spot potential red flags.
When reviewing employers, look for:
- Explicit non-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression
- Employee resource groups (ERGs) for 2SLGBTQ+ staff
- Participation in 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion indexes or awards (e.g., Canada’s Best Diversity Employers)
- Visible commitment to Pride events, inclusive hiring practices, or diversity statements
- Benefits policies that include gender-affirming care and support for diverse families
Our Evaluating Employers through an EDI Lens Tipsheet may be a helpful tool when assessing an employer’s genuine commitment to fostering environments where everyone can thrive.
Job Boards [drop-down menu]
Beyond these targeted job boards and resources, it’s important to recognize that 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive job opportunities can be posted anywhere and that general job boards may have features to sort and search for jobs that align with your needs. Some popular job boards are as follows:
Know Your Rights and Practice Self-Advocacy
As a student or job seeker in Canada, you are protected under legislation such as:
- The Employment Equity Act
- The Ontario Human Rights Code, which protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression
Employers have a legal duty to accommodate and make adjustments to workplace policies, practices, and environments when an individual has needs related to a protected ground.
This can include:
- Providing an inclusive, harassment-free work environment
- Ensuring access to washrooms that align with one’s gender identity
- Using your chosen name and pronouns at work
- Offering reasonable accommodations related to gender-affirming care or mental health
- Supporting your gender expression via gender inclusive dress codes
- Enabling you to choose if, when, and how to disclose aspects of your identity
Disclosure is deeply personal and context-dependent. Some 2SLGBTQ+ employees choose to share aspects of their identity in the workplace, while others do not. There is no ‘right’ choice—only what feels safe and empowering for you.
Career Services can help you:
- Reflect on if/when to disclose and how to do so in a way that feels affirming
- Prepare for conversations about your identity or needs
- Explore gender-inclusive communication in resumes, cover letters, and interviews
- Practice self-advocacy for inclusive policies and benefits
Book a 1:1 appointment with a career coach to talk through these questions and develop a strategy that works for you.
Additional resources:
Build Your Network
Connecting with other students and professionals who share lived experience can provide powerful support and inspiration. There are many ways to grow a queer-positive network and seek mentorship and community for all aspects of your identity.
In addition to building community in professional fields that interest you, consider:
- Getting involved with 2SLGBTQ+ student groups such as: EngiQueers, Queen’s Outlaw, Queen’s Queer Med, Faculty of Education GSA, Queers 4 Peers, Levana Gender Advocacy Centre, and Q+
- Getting involved with local 2SLGBTQ+ community groups such as: TransFamily Kingston, Beyond the Binary, Queer Collage Collective, FUSE Youth Group, OPIRG and more
- Researching what 2SLGBTQ+ groups exist in your profession beyond local community and Queen’s. Many of these networks exist for 2SLGBTQ+ people in various professions
- For example: TEN (Trans Educators Network). EngiQueers Canada, Rainbow Nursing Interest Group (RNIG), and many more.
- Exploring the resources and programming available through Queen’s student centres such as Yellow House Student Centre for Equity and Inclusion, Ban Righ Centre (for mature Women students), and/or Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre
- Attending inclusive career fairs and networking events, such as the Queen’s Career Fairs in Fall and Winter terms and the Get REAL Movement virtual career conference
- Exploring local and national organizations that support 2SLGBTQ+ professionals in your field, such as The 519 and Start Proud
- If you are a 2SLGBTQ+ graduate or professional student who is working as a TA, RA, or are moving into a staff or faculty position at Queen’s, you are eligible to join QUAQE (Queen’s University Association for Queer Employees) Employee Resource Group
For clothing and gender affirming apparel:
- Check out Yellow House Free Community Closet, events by Queen's for Sustainable Fashion (QFSF), and affirming local community supports such as the Gender Affirming Apparel Project, Dress for Success, Well Suited, and YGK Thrift
Prepare for Interviews
Interviews are about more than just qualifications—they’re also about finding the right fit. As you prepare, you may be wondering:
- How can I signal my values or identity in subtle or direct ways?
- What should I do if I face a biased question or situation?
- Can I request accommodations related to gender-affirming care, name/pronoun use, or bathroom access?
- How do I assess whether this is an inclusive place to work?
We can support you to:
- Practice interview questions with confidence
- Develop strategies for navigating difficult or uncomfortable moments
- Identify what ‘fit’ means for you—so you can advocate for yourself and make informed choices
Book a 1:1 mock interview or career coaching session to get started.