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
Community Resources
FORGE Forward is a nationally-known trans advocacy organization based in Milwaukee. See forge-forward.org for more details about their programs. They host a monthly social support and education program for trans people and SOFFAS (significant others, friends, family, and allies).
The Tool Shed at 2427 Murray Ave sells gender expression items such as binders. They also have an online storefront on their website.
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 website.
Mental Health Resources
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 MKE LGBT Community Centerhas an extensive list of therapists who have experience with transgender clients.
24/7 Crisis Lines
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
Non-crisis or peer-to-peer support lines
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
Resources from Around the Web
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.