How can I find support and community as a bigender college student?

Dear Reader, 

More and more colleges and universities are working to become safe and accessible to bigender, transgender, non-binary, and other gender-diverse students. Bigender people typically identify and present as two or more genders. They may or may not also identify as non-binary, meaning they don’t identify with the male and female gender binary. As a gender diverse student, you may look for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) friendly campus policies and resources as well as support beyond campus. If you’re an ally, there are also things you can do to support diverse gender people in your life. This can include learning about their gender identities, using their correct pronouns, and advocating for gender inclusive policies. 

What can universities and schools do to support gender-diverse students? 

While administrative-level support for gender diverse students isn’t universal across all campuses, some institutions have specific policies and resources to support the health. Well-being, and safety of their gender-diverse students. Among colleges and universities in the United States (US), common policy areas that can increase the inclusivity of gender diverse students include: 

• Policies against discrimination based on gender identity or expression.
• Coverage of gender transition-related medical expenses under student health insurance.
• Having gender-inclusive bathrooms.
• Providing gender-inclusive housing.
• Allowing students to have a chosen name and pronouns on campus records.
• Having trans-inclusive athletic policies.
• Policies for admitting transgender students at historically women’s colleges and men’s colleges. 

List adapted from Genny Beemyn 

Besides policies, some colleges and universities also provide other resources to help LGBTQ+ students feel included and accepted on campus. Student clubs, like gay-straight alliance (GSA) clubs and LGBTQ+ pride clubs, are one way that campuses may create community for LGBTQ+ students. Campuses may also offer workshops and trainings, especially those hosted by students with lived experiences. This can help to educate the broader campus community and help LGBTQ+ students feel more recognized and included. Some schools also hold training specifically for faculty and staff on how to support gender-diverse students. 

How can you seek community in university as a gender diverse student? 

If you’re seeking a friendly campus environment, you may find the Campus Pride Index useful. This index ranks colleges and universities in the US by how well they support the quality of life among their LGBTQ+ students. 

If you’re a gender diverse student who’s already started at a college or university, there may also be ways for you to build your own community! One core resource that may exist at your school is a LGBTQ+ resource center. These centers typically offer direct services to LGBTQ+ students as well as host campus events that foster community building and campus-wide LGBTQ+ recognition.  

Beyond campus, you may also find people who share similar experiences with you through social media and other online discussion forums. Finally, consider searching for LGBTQ+ organizations that offers peer support, LGBTQ+ events, and other services for the local community. These can be found through organizations like: 

• The Trevor Project 

• Give Us The Floor 

• Stand With Trans 

• Q Chat Space 

How can you support gender-diverse folks as an ally?  

If you’re asking this question for someone in your life, there are ways you may be able to help them feel connected and accepted. Some ways to do this might include: 

• Listening to them and believing them about their identities and needs.
• Using the person’s correct pronouns.
• Supporting them in accessing trans and nonbinary community resources, if that’s something they’re hoping to find.
• Advocating for gender-diverse friendly policies.
• Educating yourself and understanding the challenges gender diverse people experience of navigating gendered spaces. 

List adapted from Planned Parenthood and Advocates for Trans Equality 

Providing such support can be overwhelming, and taking care of yourself is also crucial. You may consider reaching out to local or national organizations for additional support. One example is Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), which offers programs for loved ones of LGBTQ+ people to process their feelings and experiences. 

Wishing you the best of luck in finding joy and community, for yourself or someone you know, on campus!