Gender Affirming Resources
If you identify as transgender, genderqueer, two spirit, non-binary, gender non-conforming, agender, bigender, or anything else under the trans umbrella, GSR is here to support you.
Coming Out as Transgender
Coming out as transgender or gender non-conforming can be similar to coming out as lesbian or gay, but it also has unique aspects. If you need assistance with coming out, you may wish to email GSR or contact Mental Health Services.
Here are some additional guides for people who are coming out.
There’s no “one size fits all” response to being misgendered, but here are a few ideas & suggestions:
- Prioritize your safety
- When able, gently correct/indicate as an FYI — say, “oh, I actually use [insert pronouns] pronouns”
- Communicate with your professors via email about your name/pronouns before classes begin
- Connect with trans students/support groups/forums to get support and advice from those going through it
- Make friends who affirm your identity using the proper pronouns
- Display your pronouns via pronoun pins if you’re comfortable (pronoun pins are available in the GSR office!)
- Remind yourself that how people perceive you does not define who you are/your reality. You are valid regardless!
If you’d like to get connected to trans community at Hopkins, email our office at GSR@jh.edu
Resources for Our Trans Community at Hopkins
Student Health and Well-Being (SHWB) published A Guide to O’Connor Rec Center for Transgender and Nonbinary People that answers FAQs about navigating the rec center’s services and activities.
Hopkins adheres to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) transgender policy background and resources. This clarifies participation of transgender student-athletes undergoing hormonal treatment for gender transition. In summary, a transgender woman treated with testosterone suppression medication may continue to compete on a men’s team but may not compete on a women’s team without changing it to a mixed team status until completing one year of testosterone suppression treatment. A transgender man who has received a medical exemption for treatment with testosterone is no longer eligible to compete on a women’s team without changing that team status to a mixed team. The policy was established in 2010 after widespread input from the membership and subject-matter experts in science, medicine and inclusion.
We offer gender-affirming resources for students, faculty, and staff looking to change their name in JHU systems, including having their chosen name printed on their J-Card. Visit the Chosen Name at JHU page and the J-Card page for more information.
Student Health and Well-Being (SHWB) Primary Care has more comprehensive information on their site, including information on in-network providers, requirements for various procedures, and services and resources available through student health services.
As of July 1, 2022, Hopkins has expanded coverage of surgeries and procedures related to gender-affirming care for student insurance plans. More information on procedures covered can be found at the PDF Document: overview of gender-affirming care benefits.
Our non-discrimination policy at Hopkins includes gender identity and expression, as well as sexual orientation. It reads “The University is committed to maintaining learning and working environments that are free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. Each member of the community is responsible for fostering civility, for being familiar with this policy, and for refraining from conduct that violates this policy. Accordingly, discrimination based on sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic is prohibited.”
Everyone should be able to use restrooms that are safe and accessible. We support the rights of transgender and gender-non-conforming individuals to use restrooms that correspond with their gender identities. We also believe it is important to provide the option of all-gender restrooms, as they can serve the needs of transgender people, people with children, people who need assistance accessing the restroom, and anyone who needs extra privacy. We are working on listing all-gender restrooms and single-occupancy restrooms across Hopkins. Let us know if you’d like to help us identify or expand them!
We’ve created a map of all-gender restrooms at Johns Hopkins, which you can view by visiting bit.ly/JHUallgender
Beyond Campus – refuge restrooms is a web application where users can search for restroom access for transgender, intersex, and gender nonconforming individuals, as well as comment and rate existing listings.
Transgender Resources in the Baltimore Area
Student Health and Well-Being Primary Care offers comprehensive gender-affirming care, resources, and support services for eligible Hopkins students, learners, and trainees.
The Johns Hopkins Medical Institution is proud to support the Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health. Learn more about the work of the Center through these stories.
There are many support groups and resources offered by the Pride Center of Maryland. Contact them to learn more about current opportunities.
Chase Brexton Health Services – Founded in 1978, Chase Brexton Health Services provides patient-centered interdisciplinary health care for diverse communities including those individuals who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender; HIV positive and affected; and all others who face barriers accessing quality health care. Chase Brexton offers hormone treatments for transgender individuals looking to transition. They also offer a variety of other transgender-specific services. Chase Brexton has multiple locations, including one in Mt. Vernon.
Baltimore Community Relations Commission – This city agency investigates discrimination within the city in employment, housing, credit, health, and public accommodations.
