Resources for Transgender, Nonbinary, Gender Nonconforming, and Intersex Students | Hey BU Blog – Boston University
This Transgender Awareness Week, Boston University’s Queer Activist Collective (Q) would like to call attention to multiple resources available to transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, and intersex (TGNCI) students on campus and off-campus in the Boston area. If you or someone you know is in need of help, these resources are a good place to start.
On-Campus Care:
Student Health Services (SHS)
SHS provides Gender Affirming Care, including hormone therapy, letters and referrals for gender-affirming surgery, mental health services, and referrals to other gender-affirming healthcare providers in the Boston area.
- To contact SHS about Gender-Affirming Care, log onto patientconnect.bu.edu and choose “Messages” > Select “New Message” > Select “Gender Affirming Healthcare”
Students on the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) can get many gender-affirming services covered. Inquiries on insurance can be directed to SHS via the Patient Connect Portal.
- To contact SHS about insurance inquiries, log onto patientconnect.bu.edu, and select “Messages” > Select “New Message > Select “Insurance and Billing”
SHS’ Behavioral Medicine (BM) department offers a LGBTQ+ Support Group, a space to discuss the joys and challenges of being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning with other BU students.
- If you are interested, log onto patientconnect.bu.edu and select “Messages” > Select “New Message > Select “Groups & Workshops”
- The name of the group you are interested in joining should be included in the message.
BU Sexual Assault Responses & Prevention Center (SARP)
SARP assists BU students who are survivors of sexual violence or other violent crimes & traumatic incidents. SARP is free and confidential, as SARP counselors are not mandated reporters. Crisis counselors are on call 24/7 and are trained and experienced in working with LGBTQ+ people in crisis. They can be reached at 617-353-SARP (7277). If you are calling after 5:00 pm or on a weekend/holiday, wait for the message and then press 1 to leave a non-urgent voicemail or 2 to speak with the Crisis Counselor on call.
Trans Listening Circle (TLC)
Trans Listening Circle (TLC) is a BU Student Organization that provides a safe space for TGNC students to meet and discuss trans issues, meet other TGNC individuals, and hang out. — For more details about meeting times and location, please email translisteningcircle@gmail.com.
Gender Affirming Product Program (GAPP) – Queer Activist Collective
- TGNCI students looking for gender-affirming products can obtain a free product through the Queer Activist Collective (Q), via their Gender Affirming Product Program (GAPP). GAPP opens for a month and a half each semester
- Within that window, students can obtain a binder, trans tape, tucking tape, a packer, and more for free
- The GAP request form is currently closed for the fall 2022 semester but will open back up in spring 2023
- Please email queer@bu.edu for more information
Off-Campus Care:
Community Resources
There are also ways to receive support outside of Boston University.
BATS – Boston Area Trans Support Group
BATS is a support group for trans and non-binary people who are 18+ and living in and around the Boston area. If you are looking for support with coming out, transitioning, or just need community, BATS welcomes all TGNCI individuals. For the safety of its attendees, BATS does not publicize their meeting locations or times. Registration is required.
Fenway Health
Fenway Health advocates for and delivers innovative, equitable, accessible health care, supportive services, and transformative research and education. Students can check the website, email transhealth@fenwayhealth.org, or call 617.267.0900
BAGLY
BAGLY is a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization committed to social justice and creating, sustaining, and advocating for programs, policies, and services for the LGBTQ+ youth community. Their support groups include the Girls Room for transgender women and transfemme people 25 and under and the Trans/Nonbinary Meeting for transgender and nonbinary youth under 22.
Compass Peer Support Group
Compass Peer Support Group is a support, information, and social group for people assigned female at birth who feel that is not an accurate or complete description of their gender. Compass meets on Zoom on the first Thursday of every month, from 7:00-9:00 pm, in Boston. To find out more about Compass and for zoom details, please email info@compassftm.org.
Hotlines
Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community. — They can be reached at (877) 565-8860.
The Network/La Red (TNLR)
The Network/La Red is a Free & confidential 24-hour hotline that provides confidential emotional support, information, referrals, safety planning, & crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ and polyamorous individuals who are being abused or have been abused by a partner. — They can be reached at 617-742-4911 (voice) or 800-832-1901 (Toll-Free)
Q has also compiled an extensive list of LGBTQIA+ Resources and continues to add more. You can email queer@bu.edu with any questions or concerns, or if you would like to get involved with activism and community-building. Q is dedicated to promoting awareness, visibility, well-being, and full inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community at BU. Check out their Instagram @bostonuq to learn more.