Coming out as transgender is unique to every person. There is no one way to be trans. At UWM, there are a variety of supports in place to assist you in any way you need. Although not all transgender people choose to medically transition, at UWM, there are resources available. Check out our Guide to Transitioning at UWM, which includes:
- Gender Therapists
- Name Changes
- Hormone Therapy
- Inclusive Restrooms
We also have information about trans inclusive policies on campus, such as our non-discrimination policies, sexual harassment policies, and hate/bias response policies. We also have information on the Klotsche Center and involvement with sports on campus.
We also have information on how to get a legal name change if you’re a Wisconsin resident. If you’re an out-of-state student, you can check out this page to learn how to get a legal name change in your state of residence.
Resources
The LGBTQ+ Resource Center offers Affinity Groups, one of which is the Transgender+ Affinity Group for students who are trans, nonbinary, and other gender diverse identities. This Affinity Group is hosted from 12:00pm-1:00pm on Wednesdays. Follow us on social media, join our Discord, or visit the LGBTQ+ Resource Center (Union EG-35) for the location as it changes each semester!
The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center is a community organization that supports LGBTQ+ members of the Milwaukee community. They provide a drop-in youth space called Project Q as well as a drop-in style Trans/GNCQ support group that meets monthly. Check out their events.
The Tool Shed at 2427 Murray Ave sells gender expression items such as binders. They also have an online storefront on their website.
You might already know that the transgender community has the highest suicide attempt rate of any population – often cited at 41%. It is a tough road sometimes, but it’s important to know that you’re not alone in traveling it.
The Student Health and Wellness Center (SHAW) has several therapists who are happy to counsel trans students. You can contact them at (414) 229-7249 to make an appointment. They can also find additional, trans-friendly providers in the local community.
The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center offers free counseling with trained mental health professionals. Their intake form is available online.
LGBT+ specific resources have an asterisk (*)
Milwaukee County Crisis Line 414-257-7222
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK or (800) 273-8255
Crisis Text Line text “HOME” to 741741 from anywhere in the US to connect with a Crisis Counselor.
*TrevorLifeline a crisis intervention and suicide prevention phone service 1-866-488-7386
*TrevorText text “START” to 678678. Standard text messaging rates apply.
*Trans Lifeline Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers. Their operators are located all over the U.S. and Canada, and are all trans-identified. 877-565-8860
Warmline A non-crisis, supportive listening phone line for people, run by volunteer peers with various mental illnesses. Call (414) 777-4729. Open 6:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday.
Cope Hotline Emotional support line. All calls confidential. 24/7. 9:00PM – 9:00AM. English and Spanish. 262-377-COPE or 262-377-2673
Hopeline Counseling & Support Text Line. Text “HOPELINE” to 741741
Shinigami Eyes A browser extension for Firefox or Chrome that allows users to quickly see whether a site is trans-friendly or transphobic. Links to websites that have been marked transphobic by the extension’s user base are colored in red, and links to websites that have been marked trans-friendly are colored green. Download it here.
GLAAD’s transgender resource page
Transgender Teen Survival Guide A blog with a large collection of resources for trans folk.
Pronoun Dressing Room “Try on” different names and pronouns in an assortment of pre-written texts.
To Survive on this Shore Photos and stories from transgender and gender-nonconforming elders.