1. Transgender Experiences Pam H. Bowers, PhD, MSW phbowers@uaa.alaska.edu 907-786-6903

2. Brief Introduction Who am I? Assistant Professor, in Social Work, originally from California Story: SWK 424 (student roster) My research. Cultural adaptations for interventions (relevancy and application for sexual and gender minorities) Updates at UAA. Diversity Dialogue: The Transgender Experience, Feb 19, 3pm-4:30, Library 307

3. Trans* Gender identify is fluid and inter-changeable; encompasses anyone who lives outside traditional gender roles (Bornstein, 1994)

4. Gender FTM MTF Trans man Trans woman Butch Queer Transgender Gender queer Gender Bender Gender Fluid Gender Non-conforming Trans masculine Trans feminine Androgynous Intersex Two-spirit Person Pangender Other Cis-gendered Neither Gender Variant BiGender Non-binary Agender Questioning

5. Challenges for transgender and gender non- conforming students Marginalization Physical & Mental Health Concerns (Keeling, 1998). 2010 report on the “State of Higher Education for LGBT People” (Rankin et. al, 2010) Transgender respondents were the most likely to feel deliberately ignored or excluded on campus and feel stared at or singled out because of their identity and gender presentation. Trans students of color were more likely to experience harassment. Trans student felt significantly less comfortable with the overall campus climate than any other group.

6. UAF-Case study Pilot (began F. 2015) Map of gender neutral restrooms across campus. Gender neutral housing options (one dorm open) with gender neutral bathroom facilities; 3 apartments for students (or more with demand). Hormone therapy at health/counseling center. Student Identification If a student wishes to update their preferred first name (no change to surname) the student may accomplish that through completing the paper form and turning that in to the office of admissions and registrar. No gov. documentation is needed for preferred first name. Gender Designation Policy from OAR to identify students by their preferred gender in official campus records upon students request

7. Affirming College Community Public declaration that transgender students, gender identity and gender expression are fully welcomed on campus. (Carroll, Gilroy, & Ryan, 2001) Best practices for improving campus climate for Transgender students? (Ranken et al., 2010) Develop inclusive policies that acknowledge and welcome transgender and gender fluid students. Demonstrate an institutional commitment by using inclusive language, creating spaces where transgender and gender fluid students feel free to be themselves Developing procedures that adequately respond to acts of intolerance and/or harassment toward transgender and gender fluid students. Integrate the experiences and concerns of transgender and gender fluid students into curricular and co-curricular education. Create spaces for campus dialogue on gender identity. Improve recruitment and retention efforts directed at trans and gender fluid students. A statement including “gender identity or gender expression” in institutional nondiscrimination clause(s) is recommended. For greater inclusivity, colleges should include protection for “actual or perceived” identities.

8. Questions to Consider for UAA How do we create a safe and welcoming environment for a transgender student, faculty, or staff person to achieve success? What new services need to be offered and what existing services need to be modified to optimally serve the trans community at UAA? What are the various obstacles and successes for trans students and faculty who attempt to remain on campus? What are the multicultural training activities needed for staff/faculty and students that will result in a more welcoming and affirming college community?

9. References Bilodeau, B.L. & Renn, K.A. (2005). Analysis of LGBT identity development models and implications for practice. In R.L. Sanlo (Ed.). Gender identity and sexual orientation research, policy, and personal perspectives (pp.250-39). San Francisco, CA: Jossey- Bass. Bornstein K (1994) Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women, and the Rest of Us. New York: Routledge. Carroll, L.l, Gilroy, P.J., & Ryan, J. (2001). Counseling transgender, transsexual, and gender variant clients. Journal of Counseling and Development, 80, 131-139. Keeling, R.P. (1998). Effective and humane campus health and counseling services. In R.L. Sanlo (Ed.), Working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender college students: A handbook for faculty and administrators (pp. 147-157). Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. Lorber, J. (2007). The social construction of gender. In D.B. Grusty & S. Szelegi (Eds.) The inequality reader: contemporary and foundation readings in race, class, and gender (pp.276-283). Jackson, TN: Westview Press.