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By Micael Kemp

It’s hard to know how to feel this week. The news is filled with photos and stories of people all over the world celebrating the results of this historic election. Whether you are happy or disappointed in the choice we made for our next president, it is undeniable that his victory represents a new age in equality for this county, and the world celebrates this with us.

By contrast, we also passed Prop 8, which denies right to some of California’s citizens. Since my reach as director of Career Services is limited to the world of work and not politics, I use this week’s column to highlight some of the job search resources we offer that are especially relevant to the LGBT community.

First and foremost, all the career counselors here are ready and happy to work with our LGBT students. We know at least some of the issues you struggle with, and can help you think through job search strategies. While each student must make her or his own decision on issues like how out to be on a résumé, in an interview or at work, we can discuss these issues with you and help you choose a path that will work best for you as an individual. If you are uncomfortable discussing your situation in our drop-in hours, please feel free to call 893-4412 and make a private appointment with any of our career counselors. If you would like to know in which areas each counselor specializes, click here.

We also have a wide range of resources that can help you find employers who prohibit LGBT discrimination. The best place to start is probably Human Rights Campaign Employment Issues. It contains information on workplace policies and laws surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity, including a database of over 2,900, employers who have non-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation. To get to this database, click on Issues (top menu bar), then Equal Opportunity (left menu bar), then Search Database at the bottom of the page. You can also find ratings on employers under “Employers with Corporate Equality Index rating.”

There are a number of professional associations that can help you find your way too. While not exhaustive, the following list offers a start.

Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies. Group for workers in U.S. State Department, Agency for International Development (USAID) and other foreign affairs agencies.

The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association. Organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered physicians, medical students, and their supporters.

The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. For teachers and educators, this group strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

Google List of LGBT Workplace Groups. A thorough list of professional associations brought to you by Google.

National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals Inc. A national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people (and their advocates) employed or interested in scientific or high technology fields.

National Lesbian and Gay Law Association. A national association of legal professionals, law students, activists and affiliated lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender legal organizations. NOTE: Includes a calendar of career fairs.

Transgender Workplace Diversity Network . Resource network on transgender workplace diversity for HR managers, diversity professionals, lawyers, transgender employees and allies.

In addition, there are job listing sites specifically for LGBT job seekers. Again, not exhaustive, this list is a good starting place.

GayJob.biz. Gay-friendly job search database. Find a job with a gay-friendly employer. Stay up-to-date and in touch with news, a calendar of events and links to gay organizations and networking groups.

ProGayJobs. A free site enabling gay and lesbian job seekers to search for jobs at companies committed to diversity.

National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce . The exclusive certifying body for LGBT-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. While not a job link per se, check here for possible employers in the geographical location you are considering. NOTE: Includes a calendar of career fairs.

Regional GLBT Business Organizations. Directory of local GLBT business associations organized by state.

Transgender Job Bank. TJobBank is the first and only employment site designed specifically to bring employers and transgender professionals together. Open to all job seekers, their focus is on finding employment for transgender professionals.

I hope these resources provide some utility in your job search. Please let me know if there is any other way I can help you to find employers who will work with you to continue to fight for equal rights for all.