University support
Jan. 28th, 2006 12:31 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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transI'm writing a section about trans for an 'ABCD of LGBT' booklet for Irish universities (specifically for welfare officers who a transperson may come to as a first port of call for support) and wondered if anyone had any comments on my first draft or any ideas for resources I could add? (Irish resources espcially useful)
Here it is:
Transpeople are often characterised as individuals who were labelled male at birth and, following a realisation of being ‘in the wrong body’, identify as female. This is, however, only one of many possible experiences of being trans. It is important to understand that there are a wide variety of trans experiences and that each person who identifies as such will require different levels and types of support. This overview of trans support issues will include the definition of relevant terms, discussion of issues often faced by transpeople, the ways in which LGBT societies may be able to offer a safe space and supportive atmosphere, and a list of resources you may find useful.
Useful terms and definitions
Transpeople do not identify as the gender assigned to them at birth. Trans is a generalised term encompassing transsexual and transgender individuals. Transsexuals tend to either identify as female, having been assigned the male gender at birth (transwomen, male-to-female or MtF), or vice-versa (transman, female-to-male or FtM). Transsexuals often opt for sex reassignment surgery (SRS), which involves the alteration of genitalia to fit in with the gender identified with i.e. construction of a penis for transmen or a vagina for transwomen. Those who identify as transgender do not fit neatly into these categories and may identify as a gender other than male or female, and wish for differing levels of medical intervention.
Medical involvement is an important aspect of most trans lives to a greater or lesser extent, incorporating, as well as SRS, hormone therapy, other surgeries such as mastectomies for transmen and tracheal shaves for transwoman, and laser or electrolysis to remove facial and other hair. Psychological assessments are used to determine whether or not an individual is trans, and as such therapy and/or counselling are often utilised.
Issues
The problems transpeople may face include ‘coming out’, transphobia (negative reactions to transpeople, similar to homophobia), access to medical resources, and name and document changes. These are areas which a transperson attending university may need support in addressing.
‘Coming out’ involves an individual revealing to others that they identify as trans; for example, friends, family, partners or work colleagues. This can be an extremely difficult and stressful time and support is very important. Fear of rejection is often a major issue at such times. An LGBT society may be a good source of support as others within the society are likely to have been in a similar situation. There are also a growing number of relevant online resources (see below).
Transphobia can be a major problem, particularly whilst a transperson is transitioning (changing their appearance to pass as the gender identified with), and lack of general knowledge of trans exacerbates this issue. Universities are often seen as safe spaces in which to transition, as opposed to work environments where dress codes and fear of discrimination are more pressing. Inviting a speaker to discuss trans issues at the university may be a good way to attempt to minimise transphobia.
Access to medical resources is often something being considered by those transpeople attending university, and as such a list of trans-friendly medical professionals would be invaluable. This could include GPs (university GPs are often understanding), laser or electrolysis clinics, surgeons, voice coaches (for transwomen), gender specialists, counsellors, and so on.
Many transpeople change their legal name by deed poll while at university. This is a fairly simple process and information about this would be helpful. Documents such as passports and academic certificates can also be changed and, particularly in the case of university documents, support may be requested.
LGBT support
Many of the issues transpeople face are similar to those encountered by non-heterosexuals, such as ‘coming out’ and dealing with the negative attitudes of others. LGBT societies can provide a safe space where transpeople feel welcome and accepted. Of course, transphobia can also occur in such societies and education about trans issues is paramount.
Resources
• Belfast Butterfly Club (support group for transpeople) – 02892 673720
• Depend (support for partners, families etc.) - http://www.depend.org.uk/
• FtM Network (support for transmen) - BM Network, London WC1N 3XX, 0161 4321915 (Wed 8-10.30pm)
• GenderPAC (Gender Public Advocacy Coalition) - http://www.gpac.org/
• Gendys Network (support) - http://www.gender.org.uk/gendys/index.htm
• L.INC (Lesbians in Cork) (support for lesbian/bi women, inc. trans) - http://www.linc.ie/
• Press For Change (campaign for trans rights) – http://www.pfc.org.uk
• The Gender Trust (support) - http://www.gendertrust.org.uk Helpline - 07000 790347
• Trannyweb (website for transwomen) - http://www.trannyweb.com/featured.shtml
What have I missed? (bearing in mind that it has to fit into 2 pages!)
Thanks :)
Here it is:
Transpeople are often characterised as individuals who were labelled male at birth and, following a realisation of being ‘in the wrong body’, identify as female. This is, however, only one of many possible experiences of being trans. It is important to understand that there are a wide variety of trans experiences and that each person who identifies as such will require different levels and types of support. This overview of trans support issues will include the definition of relevant terms, discussion of issues often faced by transpeople, the ways in which LGBT societies may be able to offer a safe space and supportive atmosphere, and a list of resources you may find useful.
Useful terms and definitions
Transpeople do not identify as the gender assigned to them at birth. Trans is a generalised term encompassing transsexual and transgender individuals. Transsexuals tend to either identify as female, having been assigned the male gender at birth (transwomen, male-to-female or MtF), or vice-versa (transman, female-to-male or FtM). Transsexuals often opt for sex reassignment surgery (SRS), which involves the alteration of genitalia to fit in with the gender identified with i.e. construction of a penis for transmen or a vagina for transwomen. Those who identify as transgender do not fit neatly into these categories and may identify as a gender other than male or female, and wish for differing levels of medical intervention.
Medical involvement is an important aspect of most trans lives to a greater or lesser extent, incorporating, as well as SRS, hormone therapy, other surgeries such as mastectomies for transmen and tracheal shaves for transwoman, and laser or electrolysis to remove facial and other hair. Psychological assessments are used to determine whether or not an individual is trans, and as such therapy and/or counselling are often utilised.
Issues
The problems transpeople may face include ‘coming out’, transphobia (negative reactions to transpeople, similar to homophobia), access to medical resources, and name and document changes. These are areas which a transperson attending university may need support in addressing.
‘Coming out’ involves an individual revealing to others that they identify as trans; for example, friends, family, partners or work colleagues. This can be an extremely difficult and stressful time and support is very important. Fear of rejection is often a major issue at such times. An LGBT society may be a good source of support as others within the society are likely to have been in a similar situation. There are also a growing number of relevant online resources (see below).
Transphobia can be a major problem, particularly whilst a transperson is transitioning (changing their appearance to pass as the gender identified with), and lack of general knowledge of trans exacerbates this issue. Universities are often seen as safe spaces in which to transition, as opposed to work environments where dress codes and fear of discrimination are more pressing. Inviting a speaker to discuss trans issues at the university may be a good way to attempt to minimise transphobia.
Access to medical resources is often something being considered by those transpeople attending university, and as such a list of trans-friendly medical professionals would be invaluable. This could include GPs (university GPs are often understanding), laser or electrolysis clinics, surgeons, voice coaches (for transwomen), gender specialists, counsellors, and so on.
Many transpeople change their legal name by deed poll while at university. This is a fairly simple process and information about this would be helpful. Documents such as passports and academic certificates can also be changed and, particularly in the case of university documents, support may be requested.
LGBT support
Many of the issues transpeople face are similar to those encountered by non-heterosexuals, such as ‘coming out’ and dealing with the negative attitudes of others. LGBT societies can provide a safe space where transpeople feel welcome and accepted. Of course, transphobia can also occur in such societies and education about trans issues is paramount.
Resources
• Belfast Butterfly Club (support group for transpeople) – 02892 673720
• Depend (support for partners, families etc.) - http://www.depend.org.uk/
• FtM Network (support for transmen) - BM Network, London WC1N 3XX, 0161 4321915 (Wed 8-10.30pm)
• GenderPAC (Gender Public Advocacy Coalition) - http://www.gpac.org/
• Gendys Network (support) - http://www.gender.org.uk/gendys/index.htm
• L.INC (Lesbians in Cork) (support for lesbian/bi women, inc. trans) - http://www.linc.ie/
• Press For Change (campaign for trans rights) – http://www.pfc.org.uk
• The Gender Trust (support) - http://www.gendertrust.org.uk Helpline - 07000 790347
• Trannyweb (website for transwomen) - http://www.trannyweb.com/featured.shtml
What have I missed? (bearing in mind that it has to fit into 2 pages!)
Thanks :)
