We are committed to supporting trans people on this campus and far beyond. We use the word “trans” to encompass all people who transcend the socially constructed confines of gender and/or whose gender identity does not align with the sex assigned to them at birth (at least not all the time!). This may include people who identify as transgender, transexual, genderqueer, gender fluid, gender non-conforming, agender and more.
Annual Events
November 20 marks the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day set aside to remember the lives of trans people who have lost their lives as a result of trans-antagonistic violence.
Every spring, the LGBTQ+ Resource Center shifts the focus from remembrance to liberation with Trans Week of Liberation (TWoL). While we recognize that the national event is named “Transgender Day of Visibility,” we believe that visibility alone is not enough. We challenge ourselves and encourage you to push beyond visibility and towards trans liberation.
TWoL 2024 Events
Queer Pop-Up Closet Clothing Drop-Off
Sunday, March 24, 2:30-5 p.m.
Queer Pop-Up Closet
March 25-29
Queer Closet Kickoff and Makeup Workshop
Monday, March 25, 7-8:30 p.m.
Exploring and Embracing Identity in the Working World
Tuesday, March 26, 12:30-2 p.m.
TWoL Open Mic Night
Wednesday, March 27, 6-7:30 p.m.
Comics and Conversation With Bishakh Som
Thursday, March 28, 6-7:30 p.m.
Knit 3 Spill the Tea
Friday, March 29, 3-4:30 p.m.
TWoL Creative Space
Friday, March 29, 4:30-6 p.m.
Campus Resources
The Barnes Center at The Arch supports trans, gender non-binary, questioning gender identity and those interested in learning about and considering gender transition (medically and surgically) through an integrative and holistic approach. Visit the Gender Affirming Health and Wellness webpage for more information.
The Syracuse University Campus Map has a feature to display all of the gender neutral restrooms on campus. To display them, click the arrow next to “Restrooms” on the left sidebar, and then check “Gender Neutral Restrooms” and/or “ADA Gender Neutral Restrooms.” If you are accessing this webpage from a mobile device, please click “Home” in the bottom left corner to pull up the Locations menu. There is also an option to access a text-only map with the same information.
For those seeking a place to start, continue or expand their holistic health and wellness journey, the Barnes Center at The Arch’s personal training program offers something for everyone. Visit the Personal Training webpage for more information.
- A diverse team of Barnes Center at The Arch counselors provide a variety of therapeutic styles and services through group counseling offerings such as the LGBTQIAA+ Group in addition to individual counseling.
- The Transgender Affirmative Support Team at the Couple and Family Therapy Center helps families become more attuned to each other as they navigate through the process of gender exploration and/or transition. This may include general therapy and/or providing letters of support for medical gender transition.
- The LGBTQ+ Living Learning Community allows students to live with LGBTQ+ and ally students, participate in social events and live in DellPlain Hall, in close proximity to the LGBTQ+ Resource Center.
- When applying for housing, students can select to live in gender inclusive housing. Gender inclusive housing gives students from all gender identities and expressions the opportunity to choose to live together in a shared suite, apartment and/or bedroom. Visit the Gender Inclusive Housing Policy webpage for more information.
Preferred or chosen names are individual choices and are often deeply connected to people’s identities and sense of belonging. Preferred or chosen names may include a shortened version of a legal name, the use of a middle name or a completely different name that reflects who they are. Syracuse University allows students, faculty and staff to officially notify the University of their preferred names and pronouns.
Per University policy, preferred or chosen names should be used where possible in the course of University education and communication. However, there are limits to where this information can be used. Learn more about preferred names and how you can notify the University of yours by checking out the Preferred Name Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page in Answers.
Syracuse University allows students and employees to officially notify the University of their preferred names and pronouns. This information will be used in several communication systems across the University, however, there are limits to where this information can be used. Learn more about pronouns, how to use them and how you can notify the University of yours by checking out the Pronouns Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page in Answers.
The LGBTQ+ Resource Center has sample chest binders for trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students to try on before purchasing their own. Sizes are available from S-3XL. Email the LGBTQ+ Resource Center or call 315.443.0228 with questions.
New York State Law Protections
The Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) is a 2019 New York law that added gender identity and gender expression to the state’s human rights and hate crime laws as protected classes; banned discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations based on gender identity and gender expression; and provided enhanced penalties for bias-motivated crimes.
The New York Equal Rights Amendment (Proposition 1) establishes constitutional protections against discrimination based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability and sex—including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive health care and autonomy.