The Mission of the Gay and Lesbian Employee Advisory Council (GLEAC) is to advise the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights on implementing the Department's nondiscrimination policy regarding sexual orientation, and creating a work environment that treats all employees and customers equally, equitably and with respect. There have been two USDA Task Forces on Sexual Orientation - the first one in 1994 and the second one in 2000. Those Task Forces were responsible for developing a plan to recognize and include sexual orientation diversity at USDA. One of the recommendations of the Task Forces was the creation of an advisory committee on sexual orientation and employee resource group. As a result of that recommendation, the Gay and Lesbian Employee Advisory Council was created in 2000.

GLEAC is the Department's primary resource for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender related information and activities. GLEAC provides Department-wide training addressing sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace and in the delivery of USDA programs and services. GLEAC provides technical assistance and advice to USDA employees and customers regarding sexual orientation related issues. GLEAC sponsors sexual orientation diversity awareness events. These activities are designed to promote unity and understanding among all USDA employees, prevent harassment of employees based on sexual orientation, and create an environment that encourages career development and recognizes the talents, skills and contributions of employees, regardless of their sexual orientation.

GLEAC is composed of two representatives from each of the following USDA mission areas, offices and employee organizations:

• Natural Resources and Environment
• Farm and Foreign Agriculture Services
• Rural Development
• Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
• Food Safety
• Research, Education, and Economics
• Marketing and Regulatory Programs
• Office of the Chief Information Officer
• Office of the Chief Financial Officer
• Departmental Administration
• USDA Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Employee Organization (GLOBE)

GLEAC welcomes your questions and feedback to help us identify issues and concerns of USDA employees and customers. Contact GLEAC at:

GLEAC Program Manager
USDA Office of Diversity and Outreach
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250 Mail Stop 9480
Telephone: (202) 720-9664
Email: usdaoutreach@usda.gov