Hi everyone,
Long story short, I recently realized that I am a transgender man. Inconveniently, however, I attend a women’s college. I’m worried about both the social aspect of missing out on socialization with other men (there’s a coed college nearby but I still predominantly interact with women) and the long-term consequences of having to out myself as transgender whenever someone asks where I went to college or I apply for a job. All else being equal, I would probably choose to transfer colleges, especially because I don’t really have friends at my current college. However, I transferred to this college in the first place (I’m a rising junior now). I’ve also already taken time off for unrelated mental health issues (which are now resolved–I’m happier than I’ve been in years!) and I’m reluctant to take off more time, since it’s too late to apply for the fall 2019 semester. Do you think it’s better to transfer, or remain at my current school?
Do you know where you’d like to transfer to? Would it be possible to take the fall semester off and transfer for the spring? (My guess is that residency requirements mean you’d need 4 semesters at your new school, so another term at your current school would mean an extra semester of costs.)
This is a good question to take up with your advisor and/or the counseling center at your college. They can help you get in touch with other students and graduates who have made the transition and who have considered this issue. You are not alone.
From what you have written, I think that you would be happiest transferring again. Finishing college in the place that is best for you, even if a second transfer is required, is much more important than finishing within a particular time frame. Ask your college about a leave of absence for this fall. Make up a transfer list, and apply for spring admission.
Wishing you all the best.