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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT)  Program Manager

Carol Lagodich

In 2009, USDA updated its Departmental Regulation (DR) 4230-002, Special Emphasis Programs. The DR established a new Special Emphasis for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) employees.

LGBT refers collectively to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. In use since the 1990s, the term replaces the phrase "gay community", which many within LGBT communities felt did not represent accurately all those to whom it referred. The term “LGBT” is intended to emphasize a diversity of sexuality and gender identity-based cultures and is sometimes used to refer to anyone who is not heterosexual instead of exclusively to people who are homosexual, bisexual, or transgender.

The purpose of the program is to provide LGBT awareness and education to NRCS employees and partners while focusing on such issues as employment, retention, promotion, training, career development, and advancement opportunities affecting LGBT applicants and employees at NRCS.

The LGBT Emphasis Program is an integral part of the overall equal employment opportunity (EEO) program and is designed to—

  • Ensure that gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people receive equal treatment in all aspects of employment.
  • Increase the number of LGBT people employed in all professional, administrative, technical, clerical, and other categories, series, and grade levels.
  • Provide opportunities to participate in training, career development, and leadership programs.
  • Encourage the participation of LGBT populations in all NRCS-sponsored programs and activities.
  • Provide a network of professional support for LGBT.
  • Provide mentoring support to LGBT in the workforce.
  • Educate all NRCS employees by raising the level of awareness of LGBT workplace issues and concerns.

Contact Information Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT)  Program Manager:

Name Office Phone Fax E-mail
Carol Lagodich 1550 Earl Core Road, Suite 200,  Morgantown, WV 26505 304-284-4826 304-284-4839 carol.lagodich@wv.usda.gov

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