Demystifying the
UMBRELLA
TRANS*
an umbrella term covering a range of identities that transgress socially defined gender norms.
Many trans* students come to college with an understanding of their identity & gender differences and expect resources and support.
the
Going the "extra mile"
as a Trans* Ally
QUEER method
of allyhood
- What are your institution's policies/procedures for students who either use a different name or change their legal name while attending your institution?
- How will your "front-line" handle students making appointments/checking in with names not on their school records?
Things to Think About
- What are your institution's policies/procedures in using gender neutral pronouns in course work/papers/etc.?
Trans or (trans*) is the appropriate abbreviation for transgender, where the * indicates inclusivity of transgender related identities.
- What are your institution's policies for facility use?
- Where are your gender-neutral facilities on campus?
Ground Rules
The Vegas Rule
Assume Best Intent
define terminology & identities related to the trans* and gender expansive communities
describe the impact that coming out as trans* can have on a person’s college experience
understand the responsibility of being an academic advisor and ally to trans* and gender nonconforming individuals
Create a Comfortable Space
Be Courageous
identify at least three academic resources to continue learning about trans* students in the higher education setting
Continue the Conversation
drew
mandy
like what we have to say?
Bring Us Your Way!
our areas of expertise include:
- LGBTQA Ally Development & Advocacy Empowerment
- LGBT SafeZone Programs (including Train the Trainer programs)
- LGBT 101, Trans* 101, Bisexuality/Fluidity 101
- Best Practices for Advising LGBT Students
- Personality/Learning Style in Advising
- Intrusive Advising
- Using Social Media in Advising
drew
mandy
- Social Media in the Job Search
- Social Media & Branding
- College Student Leadership Development
- Peer Advising/Peer Education
- Academic Advising for Pre-Health Professions
- Exploratory Academic Advising
Be aware of your settings & respect privacy
Affirm the person's gender
Ask permission to ask
questions
Ask what pronouns you should
use & use those pronouns
Be sensitive & patient
Students may use a different name from their birth name
Students may use gender-inclusive pronouns
Students may feel uncomfortable with gender specific spaces & places*
* including (but not limited to) bathrooms, locker rooms, gender-specific housing
Assume you can tell if someone is transgender
Make assumptions about a trans* person's sexual orientation
Ask their "real" name
Assume what path a trans* person is on, or privilege one path over another.
Genderfluid
Bigender/Pangender
Genderless/Agender
Third Gender
"In sum,
the work ahead for queers is to be transformative, not transfixed."
Urvashi Vaid
http://www.thenation.com/blog/175015/whats-next-lgbt-movement#
uestion your assumptions
Q
nderstand their needs
U
mpower
E
ducate yourself
E
efer
R
"On Being Trans*"
a quick video on our gender expansive youth
two of the biggest hurdles to trans*
acceptance are
Gender
Gender Role
Gender Identity
Gender Expression
Check the Campus Pride Trans Policy Clearing House
http://www.campuspride.org/tpc/
Navigate your campus as if you are an incoming trans* student. Consider the following:
Visit the Registrar, Student Health Services, Residence Life, etc.
Note potential roadblocks, concerns, issues you encounter
Actively work with staff & administrators to address concerns.