Resources

560 Montpelier Hall 9-5, M-F 540-568-5428 jmulgbta@gmail.com Volunteer Application

Housing

Rooming assignments within JMU's student housing system have traditionally been made on the basis of the legal sex of the student. For some members of our community, this has created a dilemma – while their legal sex may be male or female, their gender identity may be different than that which has been legally assigned to them. If you are a transgender student, and require a special housing accommodation, please contact Kevin Meaney at 540-568-4663.

Gender neutral restrooms on campus

Transgendered people may feel discomfort or suffer harassment when using male or female-specific restrooms on campus. "Gender neutral restrooms," usually single-stall, locking restrooms, provide a safe facility for trans people. These restrooms also assist families (e.g. mothers bringing sons or fathers bringing daughters to a restroom), as well as people with disabilities who need the assistance of an opposite-sex attendant. Single-stall restrooms also more easily meet accessibility regulations set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Please note that listing unisex and single-stall bathrooms does not imply that all trans or gender variant people should only use unisex or single-stall facilities on campus. Rather, we list them as an alternative for those who may feel more comfortable in a unisex or single-stall facility. Also, many of the gender neutral bathrooms on campus are in the residence halls and most of these restrooms are NOT accessible if you are NOT living in that hall due to security purposes.

Health

• Top 10 issues to discuss with your health care provider
• Local HIV test center information

For transgender students, you have to deal with many of the same things as other JMU students like relationships, safer sex, school and work. But you may also have to worry about things like discrimination, effects of hormones, and passing.

We want you to know that we care about your health and safety and understand that seeking healthcare services can be an uncomfortable experience. We believe that everyone has the right to be treated in a respectful manner.

You have the right to ask questions, advocate for yourself, set limits, bring someone with you, and/or refuse particular treatments. In turn, it is important to be open and honest with your healthcare provider about your body, your behavior, and your concerns.

Transgender Health Resources:

• Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality
• University of California, San Francisco
• Virginia Department of Health
• JMU Health Center

Body image

• National Eating Disorders Association
• Your Absolute Value

Career and academic planning

• LGBT class search
• JMU Career & Academic Planning
• Career and Employment Resources for LGBT Students

Safe Zone

Safe Zone is a voluntary network of faculty, staff and students who believe that every member of the university community should have an equal opportunity to grow and learn in a safe and open environment. When you see the safe zone sticker, you know you are entering a safe place where you can feel comfortable coming and being out, or sharing what's on your mind.

Other cool links

• Madison Equality - JMU student organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students
• Consortium of High Education LGBT Resource Professionals - Support colleagues and develop curriculum to professionally enhance this work; to seek climate improvement on campuses; and to advocate for policy change, program development, and establishment of LGBT Office/Centers
• Campus Pride Index - Assisting campuses in learning ways to improve their LGBT campus life and ultimately shape the educational experience to be more inclusive, welcoming and respectful of LGBT and Ally people
• Equality Virginia - Statewide, non-partisan lobbying, education, and support network for the GLBT communities in Virginia
• Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association - Create a safe, affirming, and fun environment where members are empowered to reach their full human potential
• PFLAG - Parents, families, friends, and allies uniting with LGBT loved ones to promote support, education, and advocacy
• HRC - Human Rights Campaign represents a grassroots force of more than 700,000 members and supporters nationwide and as the largest national GLBT civil rights organization, HRC envisions an America where GLBT people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community