1. 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
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2. 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
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3. 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
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4. Gender expression/role
LGBTQ Definitions
Sex vs. Gender
Gender Identity vs.
Gender expression/role
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5. Gender Non-Conforming and Cisgender
LGBTQ Definitions
Transgender,
Gender Non-Conforming and Cisgender
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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

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

8. 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
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9. 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.
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10. Property of KW Counselling
Casey
Female Male
Gender expression
Masc
Feminine
Biological sex
Sexual Orientation
Gay Straight
Gender identity
Gender fluid
Androgynous
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Intersex
Bisexual

11. 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.
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12. 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

13. Inclusive Language

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

15. When did you decide to be transgender?

16. Have you had the operation?

17. When are you having the operation?

18. Which bathroom do you use?

19. How do you have sex?

20. Are you a drag queen?

21. Are you sure you just aren’t gay ?

22. Can I see a picture of you before?

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

24. I can tell you used to be a man or woman

25. Do you think you’ll ever go back?

26. You’re just confused

27. You pass well for a trans person

28. 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
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29. Experiences of Transphobia
2013 TransPULSE Study:
Because you are trans/for being trans, have you…
Ever been made fun of
Ever been hit or beaten up
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
Ever been turned down for a job
Ever had to move away
Ever been harassed by police
Ever worry about growing old alone
Ever feared you will die young
TransPULSE E-Bulletin Vol 3, Is 2 March 2013

30. 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
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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 (

31. 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?
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32. 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

33. 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
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34. 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
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35. 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

36. 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

37. Contact Us Spencer Small Therapeutic Counsellor and Consultant
OK2BME Program at KW Counselling
480 Charles St. East Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4K5
(P) x 205
(W)
Book an LGBTQ Inclusion Training or Consultation