Trans @ UWM

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 weekly. 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 The Student Health and Wellness Center (SHAW) has several therapists who are happy to counsel trans students. You can contact them at (414) 229-4716 to make an appointment.

The MKE LGBT Community Center has 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.

Milwaukee County – Psychiatric Crisis Line A 24/7 hotline that provides immediate emergency counseling and referral information – if you’re feeling desperate, CALL. (414) 257-7222. If it’s a medical emergency, dial 911.

*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. Our operators are located all over the U.S. and Canada, and are all trans-identified. If you are in crisis or just need someone to talk to, even if it’s just about whether or not you’re trans, please call us. We will do our best to support you and provide you resources. 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.

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.