GLBTA Programs Office

Trans-Inclusion at the U

Trans-Inclusion Quick Guide

This guide is provided to you to help you help your department, office, organization, or institution be more inclusive and accommodating to the transgender community who are your students, staff, faculty, visitors, customers, and more. We have outlined a few areas where we ask you to assess your inclusion and create positive change to better serve your population.

It is important to note that when you are making a process or facility more transgender friendly you are often helping other populations you serve such as persons with disabilities, parents, non-traditional students, and many more.

Addressing Harassment
Everybody has a role in interrupting and discouraging harassment against transgender people (and even people who are perceived to be transgender, whether or not they actually are). Modeling respectful language and behavior is the first step toward creating an environment free from harassment. However, if you observe or overhear someone being harassed, interrupt if you can, and always report the incident to the proper organization. Visit the Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action website to file such a report at the University of Minnesota.
Education and Training
Include transgender identities and issues in any diversity training offered for staff/students. Examine current diversity training curricula, find speakers and written materials through the GLBTA Programs Office.
Forms, Publications & Websites
Do you have a paper form which asks people to choose from “male” or “female”? What about a website were you must make a choice? Why are you gathering this information? Consider allowing people to make multiple selections, none, or to write in their gender.
Internal Policies
Often we create documents with unnecessary or inappropriate use of pronouns. Consider reviewing public documents to see if they need to be gender specific. Clothing, uniform, and dress codes are an example of an internal policy to review.
Language
Think about the most common questions you ask your co-workers/classmates, and whether or not they are inclusive of transgender experiences. For example “Are you dating anyone?” could replace “Do you have a boyfriend?” as a more inclusive question.
Name Change
One major step in the transitioning process for transgender people is a name change. In order to be respectful, it is important to acknowledge a person’s chosen name, regardless of legal status. Examine your forms and policies and make room for “preferred name” on forms, and encourage office/classroom communities to acknowledge chosen names. Paychecks, rosters, filing systems, mailing lists are some areas to examine.
Privacy
Treat the transgender status of anyone you interact with as a private, confidential matter. Interrupt and discourage office/classroom gossip regarding an individual’s gender expression or identity.
Pronouns
Try not to assume that you already know what pronouns a person might prefer. Rather, in order to treat each person with respect, it is better to ask which pronouns we should use in referencing them.
Resources
Many people have little to no experience with transgender people or issues, and have a lot of questions. Provide your office/classroom community with as many resources as possible. The other side of this sheet is a list of local and national resources on transgender topics, and is a good starting point. Encourage your office/classroom community to explore these websites, and to continue their individual self-education.
Restrooms
Restrooms, changing areas, and locker rooms can be some of the most gender polarized and intimidating areas in our buildings. We urge you to consider changing signage on any currently existing single stall restrooms so that they are gender-open and not designated for a specific gender.
You Need Not Wait
You need not wait until someone comes out as transgender to start creating a safer, more welcoming environment for everyone. In fact, we recommend that you start having conversations with the people around you on this subject right away!

In all of these areas it may be helpful to remove yourself from the societal viewpoint of two genders. Consider yourself a person that doesn’t fit into this system, with restrooms with male/female signs, or the fact that your office may not allow you to wear clothing comfortably for you to express who you are. How can you be part of the change?