The Alliance is an employee-resource group at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, the UAB Health System, and the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation. It exists to provide advocacy, support, and networking for faculty and staff members of UAB's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Allies (LGBTA) community. Membership is open to all such employees and retirees.

We maintain an open line of communication with UAB's administration regarding issues of concern to faculty and staff at UAB/UAHS/UAHSF. Recent milestones include:

• Inclusion of "Gender Identity or Gender Expression" in UAB's Equal Opportunity and Discriminatory Harassment Policy - effective November 8, 2011. This was the result of a collaborative effort between the Alliance and the Gay/Straight Student Alliance (GSSA) at UAB.
• Inclusion of prohibitions against Discriminatory Harassment in UAB's Equal Opportunity and Discriminatory Harassment Policy - effective November 8, 2011. This was the result of a collaborative effort between the Alliance and the Gay/Straight Student Alliance (GSSA) at UAB.
• Establishment of a permanent subcommittee of LGBT concerns within the UAB Office for Equity and Diversity's Diversity Council - effective Fall, 2011. This was the result of a collaborative effort between the Alliance and the Gay/Straight Student Alliance (GSSA) at UAB.
• Same-sex Partner Benefits ("Sponsored Adult Dependents") at the UAB Health System and the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation. - effective January 1, 2011
• Same-sex Partner Benefits ("Sponsored Adult Dependents") at UAB - effective January 1, 2010

We have sponsored or co-sponsored several events, such as our recent Symposium on LGBT Health Concerns and our presentation "Legal Issues of Interest for the LGBT Community".

The Alliance holds monthly membership meetings, generally at noon on the second Thursday of the month.

And we periodically host social events, such as dinners out at our favorite restaurants. These always offer a great opportunity to meet new people and reconnect with old friends.

The Alliance currently has approximately 150 members, coming from all areas and levels of UAB. There is no membership fee. To become a member of the organization, one need simply email us at alliance@uab.edu and request to be added to our email list. Membership is confidential. The emails from the Alliance will advise you of the organization's efforts and upcoming events, as well as happenings from beyond UAB which are likely to be of interest to our members.

Whatever your interests and concerns, The Alliance has much to offer and many opportunities to become involved. Please join us!