Resources for Trans* Students

Transgender, Nonbinary and Gender Nonconforming Student Support

The Office of Multicultural Affairs has traditionally provided support to students belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community through the hosting of events and programs furthering education and community building such as Queer Friendsgiving and Lavender Celebration.

Note: We decided to use the term trans/transgender to be as inclusive as possible of the diversity of gender identities and expressions in our campus community. We use trans/transgender as an umbrella term to describe those of many gender identities of those who do not identify or exclusively identify with their sex assigned at birth, including those who are genderfluid, trans masculine, trans feminine, genderqueer, nonbinary, two spirit, androgynous and may exist between and beyond binary gender constructs.

Coming soon: Gender Affirmation and Social Transition Support Program

As part of our commitment to cura personalis, or care for the whole person, our office will be expanding its services for students who specifically identify as part of the Trans community, which includes those who are transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming. We are launching the Gender Affirmation and Social Transition Support Program which will provide resources and staff support as students navigate gender transition.

More information about this upcoming resource will be shared on our Instagram (@su_mosaic) in the months to come.

• Transitioning – The process in which a trans or nonbinary person begins to live as their gender identity. It may include changing one’s name, taking hormones, having surgery, and/or altering legal documents. Transitioning means very different things to different people. There is no right way to transition, and each trans person has their own path. There are different types of transition:
• Social Transition – a social transition includes transition from one gender to another by changing mannerisms, dress, hair, pronouns, name, and a variety of other means. A social transition involves elements of a transition that are not necessarily medical or legal.
• Legal Transition – the process of changing how one’s gender is represented on legal documents, inclusive of one’s birth certificate, driver’s license, social security, insurance, and/or passport. Many countries and US states have legal barriers that make it expensive and difficult for trans people to legally transition. 
• Medical Transition – a medical transition may include hormones and/or surgeries.

Source: Michigan State University, Gender and Sexuality Campus Center