<p>Hi there!</p>
<p>I am new to this site, but registered particularly because of the question presented in this forum. There are several schools with great support systems for trans people. Though, finding one that also meets what they might like to do academically would prove more difficult. My main suggestion would be Hampshire College. Further, I would also suggest Evergreen State College.</p>
<p>Both of these schools are smaller and both are not only accepting of trans-identified people, but are also in locations that are accepting and accommodating to transpeople.
Please note, that if I use the word “queer,” it is only because my experience at college taught me to reclaim this word as a positive, community-based identifying word. I use it to speak about people with “non-normative” genders and sexual orientations. This includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans. But, it also includes people who are asexual, pansexual, genderqueer, on the trans spectrum, etc. This is terminology that I learned at Hampshire College.</p>
<p>I went to Hampshire College, graduated recently, and I identify as genderqueer. At orientation, people ask what pronouns you prefer. 90% of the restrooms are gender neutral. The two restrooms on campus that I know to not be gender neutral, might as well be - since I used them with no regard to the signs on the door. And have NEVER had any issues. People are allowed to room with people of any gender (as we find that to be no signifier of what makes a good or appropriate roommate) though 90% of the rooms are single rooms. Hampshire College was rated one of the top gay-friendly campuses. This, however, is an understatement. Most of my friends are queer-identified. Many of my teachers were also queer-identified. Both of my on campus employers identified as lesbians and were both very sensitive to my co-workers changing their names and pronouns. There are constantly speakers, forums, and groups on gender and sexuality – all aspects (identity, pleasure, health, etc). Through my time at Hampshire, I’ve met more people who identify as genderqueer and some of my best friends are transmen and transwomen. Hampshire teachers are typically socially liberal and most ask if you’d prefer to be called something other than your legal name. Many of the school documents can be changed to your preferred name. Though the school does not have permission to change some documents (need legal record of your birth name), they do try to respect this in as many areas as they can. For example, you can change the name seen on your e-mail, in the student directory, etc. Along with this, Hampshire has “queer hall” (a hall in the dorms that is designated specifically for queer [LGBTQ] students). Beyond that, there are several queer “mods.” These are on campus apartments. These spaces are particularly important to people who are seeking a safe place to live. These places tend to be more conscious of gender, sexuality, and potential traumatic experiences that have related to their identities. There is a Queer Community Alliance Center that is open 24 hours per day that is maintained as a safe space where LGBTQ students and their allies hang out, do homework, have events or dinner, watch movies, and just get to know each other. There is a FANTASTIC director of the queer center, Emily Rimmer. She supports students to no end. Along with the center, there are groups that meet regularly - these groups are the general queer alliance. There is also the TSA (trans student alliance), QIPOC (Queer International and People of Color), a group for femme-identified students, Aliz (Queer Jews and Allies), and a group about masculinity. Students are also constantly encouraged to plan their own events and make their own groups. I, personally, have started my own group and have run workshops at various conferences. Hampshire is also home to the Five College Queer Conference, which features both faculty, student, and off-campus speakers around a variety of issues (from safe sex to body image to maintaining community). More importantly, there are other trans students. Though the population is still small (and varies by year), your son would not be alone in his experience. Other places may be accepting, but finding a community is also important to his social and mental health. Lastly, Hampshire College is in Western Massachusetts. The area is notorious for its social and political liberal views. Mount Holyoke and Smith College are only 10-15 minute bus rides away (and the buses are free!), both of these schools are very conscious about gender and sexuality. I personally know several transmen who have attended Smith College and have only had positive things to say about their experiences. Northampton is one of the most gay-friendly places I have been to. I have never felt threatened or uncomfortable concerning my gender in this place. Amherst is also accepting. An academic benefit of Hampshire College is that you can take classes at other colleges and all of them are accepted as applicable credits. We also do narrative evaluations instead of grades and were recently voted one of the top 20 brainiest schools in the country by the Princeton Review.</p>
<p>Regardless of your choice, Northampton (MA) and Portland (OR) are very queer and trans friendly areas to consider. Evergreen State College is a couple hours from Portland and has a similar academic feel to Hampshire College. Portland, OR, being so nearby would be good for your son, as Portland has a high trans and genderqueer population. </p>
<p>I went to Hampshire and found the community to be strong and safe. Unlike your son, I did not have a supportive family. I found a home on this campus. I also found the resources, inspiration, and support systems to go on and do good for the community. I am currently working on an anthology for butch-identified women and transmen. Several of my friends are putting together transmale and transfemale oral histories. If you have any more questions, please feel free to e-mail me. I had an experience that was… beyond words… at Hampshire College. It has made my life much better than I could have imagined it.</p>
<p>-Mikayla</p>