I’m currently a junior, and now, it seems, I need to be drafting a list of colleges to look at. There’s all the information that usually gets a lot of attention, size, area, prestige, quality of programs, etc, but, honestly, all of that is completely subordinate, for me, to one factor: the quality of support for transgender students.
That would mean a very liberal environment, co-ed housing, specific non-discrimination policies, inclusive school documents (identifying name and sex in alignment with gender identity), active LGBT groups, and health plans which cover transition-related expenses.
For the most part, I’m interested in top-tier liberal arts schools, but I’m not asking for suggestions right now, although they’re welcome. My main question is as to how I might go about finding information regarding these issues.
Look into some of the remaining seven sister colleges if you’re MtF. These have some of the strongest support for trans women of any schools in the country. Oberlin should also be considered as it has worked very hard to make itself as welcoming an environment for trans students as possible.
I’m sure there are other LACs I’m not listing. One consideration I’ve heard from one of the transitioning transwoman at my own school is that you should choose a place close to where you can obtain regular hormonal therapy. This means that some otherwise excellent rural schools may not be a possibility although you should email the LGBT club/ resource center for more information.
As far as obtaining the information goes, I would look into liberal arts colleges which have historically been considered extremely liberal as these are most likely to have what you’re looking for. Then google “name of college + factor you’re considering”. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email either the LGBT organization(s) on campus, or the admissions office.
I’ve spoken with the director of my school’s Women’s Outreach Center (also handles LGBT issues) quite a few times. He regularly fields calls and emails from prospective students concerned about if and how they can be LGBT on campus. A few times he’s outright advised students, typically gender queer/ trans, not to come to the university if they have more accepting options. Assuming he’s not the only honest director in the country, you should expect the people in these positions to be open to discussing challenges trans students face.
There was a show on Chronicle just last night (Boston Channel 5) highlighting Simmons College in Boston. They also mentioned Mount Holyoke in the 5 college consortium Amherst MA area.
Regarding student health policies, you can probably ask to see copies of the benefits from each school. I looked at MHC’s, and this is what it says, " Sexual reassignment surgery: $50k max per year. Cosmetic surgery, procedures, and drugs are not covered."
“Look into some of the remaining seven sister colleges if you’re MtF. These have some of the strongest support for trans women of any schools in the country. Oberlin should also be considered as it has worked very hard to make itself as welcoming an environment for trans students as possible.”
Wellesley does not currently take mtf, though it is under consideration. Mt Holyoke does.
Mount Holyoke has a totally inclusive admission policy for transgender, MtF or FtM or anything and everything, as long as not male identifying as male.
There was a recent, very interesting NYT article about Wellesley and the trans community and controversies there. Worth a read if you’re considering a women’s school.