Resources for Queer & Trans Students
Below is a collection of the SOU resources available for queer and trans students, compiled by the Gender and Sexuality Justice (GSJ) area of the Social Justice and Equity Center. Explore the information about access to, and availability of, a number of different gender-affirming services, health care resources, and community spaces.
We are so glad you are here on campus! We hope to see you during your time at SOU and if there are any resources not listed that you are hoping to connect with, we are beyond happy to support you. If you have questions or would like to speak to a GSJ team member, please reach out at gsj@sou.edu
Name Changes
You can update your first name at SOU without a legal name change. The SOU system calls this a “preferred name.” You can see a comprehensive Q&A section and start the process here.
Directions on updating your SOU email address to match your preferred name will be shared soon.
If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to connect with Equity Coordinator for Gender and Sexuality Justice at gsj@sou.edu and/or Dr. Matt Stillman, University Registrar at stillmam@sou.edu
Pronouns
What are pronouns?
Pronouns are linguistic tools that we use to refer to people (i.e. they/them/their, she/her/hers, he/him/his). We believe that it is important to give people the opportunity to state the pronouns that are correct to use when referring to them. (This is NOT an exhaustive list. Any combination is possible!)
How you could ask:
“What pronouns do you use?”
“What pronouns would you like me to use?”
How you could share:
“I’m Ty and my pronouns are they, them, theirs.”
“My pronouns are they, them, theirs, but he, him, his are fine too.”
What if you make a mistake:
Most people appreciate a quick apology and correction at the time of the mistake. Try: “Her books are – I’m sorry, their books are over there.”
By correcting yourself, you’re modeling respectful pronouns use for others in the conversation. If you only realize the mistake later, a brief apology can help. Try:
“I’m sorry I used the wrong pronoun earlier. I’ll be more careful next time.”
It can be tough to remember pronouns at first. The best solution is to practice! Correct pronoun use is an easy step toward showing respect for people of every gender identity.
Gender-Affirming Products
The American Trans Resources Hub can give you an idea of the range of gender-affirming products that somebody might be looking for.
Genderbands, serves the transgender, gender non-conforming, and other gender-diverse communities and offers a free binder exchange.
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms
Gender Neutral and Single-Occupancy Restrooms On Campus:
- Stevenson Union
- Basement near Print & Copy Shop
- Main floor behind Einstein’s Bagels
- Near ASSOU meeting chambers on 3rd floor
- Hannon Library
- Library coffee shop
- Main floor, just beyond gendered bathrooms
- University Housing
- Shasta Hall: 1st floor, main lobby
- McLoughlin Hall: 1st floor, main lobby
- Greensprings Hall:
- Main Lobby
- Bear Creek, 2nd floor lobby
- Crater Lake, 2nd floor lobby
- Britt Hall: Main floor near Admissions
- Education/Psychology: Basement
- Churchill: Second floor
- RVTV
- Marion Ady: Basement
- Central Hall: 2nd floor teacher’s lounge
- Student Health and Wellness Center
- Science Building, 1st floor, East Wing (end closest to Hannon Library)
- Theatre Building, 1st floor, off main atrium
Gender-Inclusive Housing
SOU has several designated gender-inclusive living environments for on-campus housing.
SOU Housing is proud to offer The Garden as a themed housing option. The Garden is an LGBTQ+ themed community and provides a safe space for students to live while pursuing college. This housing option is open to any student in or out of the LGBTQ+ spectrum as well as allies. The Garden is located in the Shasta Residence Hall. The community participates in various events and activities throughout the year; most notably the Pride Parade that takes place in Ashland at the beginning of fall term which offers a fun opportunity to be introduced to the local community. This themed housing area creates a space to feel connected, supported, and understood by peers.
Southern Oregon University is proud to have themed communities such as this, and hopes for each student to feel loved and validated throughout their college career. More information is available by contacting Gender and Sexuality Justice or by visiting the University Housing website.
Healthcare
HRT – Have you thought about starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? If you are deciding whether or not you’d like to start HRT and you want to talk to someone about the decision, you can schedule an appointment with our Gender and Sexuality Equity Coordinator and confidential advocate at gsj.sou.edu. They can talk you through options, answer any questions or concerns you may have, and point you to any campus or community resources that may be available to you. Insurance and finances are a barrier that the equity coordinator can support you working through. Neither should prevent you from access to HRT while at SOU.
If you know you’d like to start HRT or you’d like to continue HRT care, schedule an appointment directly with Janet Reavis, NP at the Student Health and Wellness Center here or by calling 541.552.6136 and asking for an appointment with Janet Reavis, NP. Students can provide the receptionist with minimal information while making the appointment, saying something like “trans care” and “30 minutes.”
Gender-Affirming Surgery Letters – In partnership with our wonderful counselors at the Student Health and Wellness Center and Janet Reavis, NP, it is possible for you to get the letters insurance companies often require in support of you pursuing gender affirming surgery. To start this process, you can schedule an appointment directly with Janet Reavis, NP at the Student Health and Wellness Center here or call 541.552.6136 and ask for an appointment with Janet Reavis, NP.
If you are deciding whether or not you’d like gender affirming surgery and you want to talk to someone about the decision, you can schedule an appointment with our Gender and Sexuality Equity Coordinator and confidential advocate by emailing gsj.sou.edu. They can talk you through options, answer any questions or concerns you may have as well as point you to any campus or community resources that may be available to you.
Community
Queer and Trans Talks – Join Queer and Trans students and community members to gather, share experiences, and support one another. Gender-based violence impacts our lives, and together, we can heal and learn. This group meets weekly and is coordinated by Jackson County Sexual Assault Response Team/SART in collaboration with Southern Oregon University. Schedule an intake with a group facilitator here.
QTBIPOC Liberation Space – Hosted by the Rogue Valley LGTBQ+ Listening project, this is a space for online conversation to connect with other LGTBQ+ people of color in the area, share stories and build community. The group is a black, indigenous and people of color only space that meets monthly, every third Wednesday at 6pm. The group meets entirely over this zoom:
Zoom link to join
Meeting ID: 843 3051 1004
Passcode: 535940
For questions, more info, access needs, or to receive a Google Calendar invite to the event, please email nina@rogueactioncenter.org
GSJ Discord Server – This discord is set up as a community space for queer and trans students to connect and find community. It’s an open place for people to ask questions about anything queer and trans related, share resources and get in touch with events on campus and in the community. Contact gsj@sou.edu for the link.
GSJ Instagram (@gsjsou) – This Instagram page is up to date with all events and programming happening through the Gender and Sexuality Justice area. Stay tuned for queer climbing nights, trans BIPOC poetry workshops, survivor painting nights, queer gaming nights & more.