Supporting the Needs of Gender Non-Conforming and Transgender College and University Students Presented by: Spencer Small, MSW, RSW OK2BME Program at KW Counselling Services Property of KW Counselling Services

The OK2BME Program at KW Counselling Support services for LGBTQ youth aged 5-18 in Waterloo region Free counseling and social groups GSA support Public education Pride Prom & GSA Conference Writing Hormone Replacement Therapy Letters Spencer Say Gay Straight Alliance Property of KW Counselling Services

Conversation Café Goals At the end of this Conversation Café you will learn: Gender, gender variance and gender-non-conformity The various issues facing gender non-conforming and trans students What you can do as a person and professional to better support the well-being of gender non-conforming and trans students To provide you with local and national resources Spencer Property of KW Counselling Services

Gender expression/role LGBTQ Definitions Sex vs. Gender Gender Identity vs. Gender expression/role Property of KW Counselling Services

Gender Non-Conforming and Cisgender LGBTQ Definitions Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming and Cisgender Property of KW Counselling Services It is estimated that 1 in 500 people indentify as trans gender or gender non-conforming Not all people seek support of a professional or undergo medical transition For one woman the word transgender does not fit her mind. She stated “being transgender to me it is just a journey you go through Some people post transitioning or even during transitioning don’t identify themselves as trans, others do

Property of KW Counselling Services LGBTQ Definitions Sexual Orientation FYI: Being trans is not the same as being gay. Trans people can be of any sexual orientation Property of KW Counselling Services Who you go to bed with is sexual orientation Who you go to bed as is gender identity

Property of KW Counselling Services Gender Variance None -Gender identity and biological sex match Low- Some discomfort between one’s gender identity and biological sex High - Persistent, ongoing and intense discomfort between one’s gender identity and biological sex Property of KW Counselling Services

Property of KW Counselling Services Casey Casey is 20 years old and is a 3rd year student. Casey was assigned male at birth but never truly identified as “completely male.” Casey will sometimes show up to class in feminine clothes, other days Casey will wear pants and a jacket and others, Casey’s clothes will be more gender-neutral, like jeans and a sweater. When it comes to attraction Casey identifies as bisexual because Casey is attracted to both men and women. Casey is an international student who grew up in a religious home. Casey is contemplating leaving university. If you asked Casey for a term of self-identification Casey may say queer, gender-conforming, or just, me. Casey has disclosed to you feelings of anxiety and an inability to focus in class. Property of KW Counselling Services

Property of KW Counselling Casey Female Male Gender expression Masc Feminine Biological sex Sexual Orientation Gay Straight Gender identity Gender fluid Androgynous Property of KW Counselling Intersex Bisexual

Property of KW Counselling Services Mark Mark is 21. Mark is a first year science student. Mark’s assigned sex at birth was female, but when he was a child, Mark started identifying as a boy. In his teens Mark presented himself as a male. Two years ago he transitioned to male. Mark has always been attracted to other men so he identifies as gay. Mark’s identification is a transgender man who is gay. Mark has come to you to share his stress with the college staff who he feels do not understand him and his needs. Property of KW Counselling Services

Property of KW Counselling Services Mark Female Male Gender expression Masc Feminine Biological sex Sexual Orientation Gay Straight Gender identity Genderfluid Andrognynous Intersex Bisexual Property of KW Counselling Services

Inclusive Language

Things You Should Not Say to a Trans or Gender Non-Conforming Person

When did you decide to be transgender?

Have you had the operation?

When are you having the operation?

Which bathroom do you use?

How do you have sex?

Are you a drag queen?

Are you sure you just aren’t gay ?

Can I see a picture of you before?

Can I feel/touch your .....?

I can tell you used to be a man or woman

Do you think you’ll ever go back?

You’re just confused

You pass well for a trans person

Property of KW Counselling Services Being Respectful If you don’t know what pronouns to use, listen first Name and pronoun are not questionable and have to be respected Be mindful of confidentiality, disclosure and outing Don’t ask about a person’s previous name Don’t give tips to trans people about their gender presentation Don’t assume a trans persons sexual orientation Property of KW Counselling Services

Experiences of Transphobia 2013 TransPULSE Study: Because you are trans/for being trans, have you… Ever been made fun of 73 Ever been hit or beaten up 26 Ever heard that trans people aren’t normal 96 Ever been objectified or fetishized sexually 57 Ever felt that being trans hurt or embarrassed family 78 Ever tried to pass as non-trans 74 Ever been turned down for a job 39 Ever had to move away 32 Ever been harassed by police 24 Ever worry about growing old alone 77 Ever feared you will die young 67 http://transpulseproject.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Transphobia-E-Bulletin-6-vFinal-English.pdf TransPULSE E-Bulletin Vol 3, Is 2 March 2013

Internal, Familial and Societal Challenges Gender Dysphoria Mental Health (anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide, addiction) Family Relationships Lack of support Transphobia (internalized and societal) Toilet trauma Costs (medical,legal, etc.) Employment and underemployment Housing Poverty Violence/Discrimination Accessing medical care Property of KW Counselling Services An Ontario-based study of trans people found that 20 per cent had experienced physical or sexual assault due to their identity, and that 34 per cent were subjected to verbal threats or harassmentv An Ontario-based study found that half of trans people were living on less than $15,000 a yearii CMHA (

Property of KW Counselling Services Questions What challenges might Casey and Mark be facing at school and beyond ? How could Casey and Mark be best supported? Property of KW Counselling Services

Property of KW Counselling Services Recap of Case Studies Casey 20 years old 3rd year student Gender Fluid Bisexual International Student Religious Family Anxiety Inability to Focus Casey is contemplating leaving university Mark 21 years old First year science student Trans Man Gay Mark has come to you to share his stress with university staff who he feels do not understand him. Property of KW Counselling Services

Challenges in University and College Faculty and students’ misuse of pronouns Inability to just be a student who is trans rather than a trans activist Notion that trans students should simply tell everyone the name and gender they should be referred to Record keeping, class lists, transcripts and other documents Roll call in classes (Marc called, Sophie stands) Online class spaces – alternate name comes up – outed to classmates Preferred name on institutional profile isn’t enough i.e. Mark (Sophie) Smith – right to privacy? respect? Lack of all gender, single stall bathrooms and single rooms in residence Property of KW Counselling Services

Property of KW Counselling Services What You Can Do Learn more about gender identity and expression Think beyond the binary Honour a person’s gender identity and expression Use inclusive language Be mindful of intrusive questions If you see discriminatory policy or behaviour speak up Promote workshops and training for all students, faculty and staff on gender identity and expression Create and post signs identifying inclusive spaces for LGBTQ persons by people or offices where sensitivity training has been received Property of KW Counselling Services

What Your Institution Can Do Assess the needs of trans and gender non-conforming students Identify single stall washrooms and label them “all gender” or “gender inclusive” with a sign on the door Post the location of all gender washrooms on an online campus map Offer special housing options including single rooms for people who express their gender differently (include information about these housing options on the application form) Include language protecting gender identity and expression in your institution’s policies – these should reflect Ontario Human Rights Code on gender identity and expression Educate staff and students on the right of individuals identifying their gender differently to use the washroom or change room they feel most comfortable with Create protocol to permit individuals to state a preferred name and or gender in university and college records Include provisions for medical coverage in health plans for those involved in gender transitioning Best Practices: Concordia University – Since September 2012 – Policy where students can use their chosen name for all interactions with the university and the legal identity remains only for admin purposes. The policy also removes gender markers from all papers (M or F) – students don't need to out themselves on a regular basis. McGill did the same thing in 2013

Inclusive Intake Forms How would you identify your gender identity? ■ female ■ male ■ transsexual ■ transgender  ■ genderqueer ■ two-spirit ■ FTM (female-to-male) ■ MTF (male-to-female) ■ intersex ■ unsure ■ questioning ■ other ________________________________ ■ prefer not to answer

Contact Us Spencer Small Therapeutic Counsellor and Consultant OK2BME Program at KW Counselling 480 Charles St. East Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4K5 (P)519-884-000 x 205 (E)ssmall@kwcounselling.com (W) www.ok2bme.ca Book an LGBTQ Inclusion Training or Consultation