Trans at SU

In Solidarity Link

We are committed to supporting trans people on this campus and far beyond. Check out CNY Solidarity’s statement about trans rights.

A Note About Language Link

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.

For many years, we chose to use an asterisk after trans (trans*) in our materials. The intention of this asterisk was to explicitly denote that trans communities are inclusive of a broad number of people, including non-binary people, people who do not have gender confirmation surgeries, and people who do not experience body dysphoria. However, we’ve come to believe that “trans” is already inclusive of all these identities, and adding an asterisk may unintentionally imply that these identities are not “trans enough.”

We believe that language is fluid and dynamic, and we continuously evaluate the language we use in an effort to be as inclusive and affirming as possible. We know that our efforts will always be imperfect, and we welcome the opportunity to engage in dialogue about the language we use; the goals for which we strive; the intention and impact of our programs, events, and trainings; and anything else that may be on your mind. If you’d like to have a conversation with us, please feel free to email lgbtq@syr.edu.

Resources for Trans People on Campus Link

“Try On” Sample Chest Binders at the LGBTQ+ Resource Center

• • Sample chest binders for trans, non-binary, and gender conforming students to try on before purchasing their own.
  • Sizes available from S to 3XL.
  • Email the Center at lgbtq@syr.edu or call 315.443.0228 for questions about these sample chest binders.

Trans and Gender Affirming Healthcare at Barnes Center at the Arch

• • Gender affirming care, wellness exams, health and wellness supplies (e.g. chest binders, KT Tape) and more.
  • Initiation, training, monitoring, nutritional counseling and more for hormone therapy.
  • Official letters and documentation of name and gender (e.g. passports, drivers licenses and more).
  • Free, discreet, and inclusive sexual health care supplies are available through the Safer Sex Supplies.
  • Questions about SU’s student health insurance? Please email healthinsurance@syr.edu.

Mental Health Counseling

• • A diverse team of Barnes Center counselors provide a variety of therapeutic styles and services through group therapy offerings such as the LGBTQIA+ Therapy Group in addition to individual counseling.
  • The Gender Expansive Support Team at the Falk College Marriage 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.
    

Housing Options (On Campus)

• • The LGBTQ+ Learning Community allows students to live with LGBTQ+ and Ally students, participate in social events,  and live in DellPlain Hall on the 4^th floor, in close proximity to the LGBT Resource Center.
  • Gender Inclusive Housing Policy

Affinity Groups at the LGBTQ+ Resource Center

• • Ace-Spec Affinity Group: For individuals that identify as asexual, aromantic, demi, gray, or anything else under the Ace umbrella
  • Trans Affinity Group: For trans, nonbinary, genderqueer, and gender questioning individuals.
  • QTPOC Affinity Group: For queer and trans students of color.
  • LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Affinity Group: A group for faculty and staff who identify as LGBTQ+.

Check out the Transgender Rights Toolkits from Lambda Legal, especially the one for transgender college students.

Trans Media Link

• Janet Mock, writer, TV host, activist, and trans woman of color, shares her coming out story.
• Kit Yan, a queer, transgender, and Asian American slam poet, performs “Third Gender“, a poem about gender and sexuality. Please note that Kit uses explicit language in this poem.
• Kat Blaque, vlogger, illustrator, activist, and Black trans woman, discusses “Why Pronouns Are Important To Trans People.”
• Ash Hardell, a queer YouTube vlogger, explores language about gender and sexuality in two parts: Part 1 / Part 2.

Gender Inclusive Bathrooms Map Link

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.

Gendered bathrooms are a frequent site of harassment and violence for trans and gender nonconforming people. Establishing gender inclusive bathrooms is a step towards ensuring that people with marginalized genders can participate fully and safely in public life. To learn more or to get involved, check out Peeing in Peace: A Resource Guide for Transgender Activists and Allies.