As you can probably assume from the title, I’m transgender and I’ve applied to the university of Michigan. I really like the look of the school and its programs. I also like the surrounding area. However, I’m not too sure how safe the area and campus will be. From what I’ve read, it’s not an unfriendly campus when it comes to LGBT issues, but a lot of times people forget about the T when discussing harassment, violence, safety, sense of well-being, etc. What can I except as a trans student?
I am a long time follower of the University of Michigan thread on CC, but I have never actually posted. I think I have a unique insight into your question, so here it goes.
My oldest child is transgender and is a student at Michigan. The school has been nothing but fantastic to us. Michigan has a housing program called GILE that is housed in East Quad. GILE stands for Gender Inclusive Living Experience. To join you fill out an application, and have a short interview. My child has use of a private bathroom on their floor that they share with four other people. Most people at Michigan are not aware that my child is transgender, but those few faculty, staff, and students who do know have been very supportive. Michigan has a former associate Dean of the COE who is a very active transgender advocate. The school has been very proactive in protecting students, such as the school policy on preferred name. Even if you have not legally changed your name, the preferred name that you tell the school to use will show up on all the class lists, emails, etc. Michigan also has the Spectrum Center which offers many programs and support to students who are LGBT. The University of Michigan Health System has the Comprehensive Gender Services Program that provides health care and support groups.
We also happen to live in Ann Arbor. I find it to be a very open and accepting community. I don’t think my child has ever felt unsafe here, growing up in town or on campus. There is a very large and active LGBT community in Ann Arbor. There will probably always be people who won’t accept the T in LGBT, but no one we have run across at Michigan or in Ann Arbor has ever said or done anything negative to us that we know about. The reaction we received from everyone at the University, and friends/acquaintances in Ann Arbor when our child came out as transgender was very positive. I feel that we are lucky that we live here and that my child is able to go to Michigan, as I am not sure other schools and towns would have been so accepting.
East Quad is a great dorm. Very centrally located, and very inclusive.
I think you’ll be fine. Michigan is probably one of the top universities for pushing inclusion.
Once you get here you’ll realize that nobody really cares about you being transgender. People probably won’t ask you about, or won’t comment at all unless you bring it up for discussion. You’ll be treated just like every other person.
We have all sorts of people, black, white, indian, asian, male, female, trans, bi, gay. I haven’t seen any instance of bullying anyone since I’ve been here (2 years)
My daughter’s RA is transgender. She’s reported no problems with this…with any of the folks at her building, and thinks her RA is a wonderful helpful individual.
I really think you’d be fine. It’s a VERY diverse place. Lots of tolerance for difference, lots of interest in becoming educated about difference. Kids are required to go to what’s essentially a tolerance seminar freshman year, and it’s pretty plainly stated that they are expected to behave respectfully to ALL other students.
You will also find…that among smarter kids…bullying behavior is less of an issue. I know how horrible that sounds, but very seriously, ignorance based fears and prejudices are much less common at highly competitive schools.
Doesn’t sound horrible @MaryGJ, I see the stories on the news and think, who are these people? Geez, it’s 2016. Fortunately, bullying is non existent in our area/schools, thank goodness. Acceptance rules. Nice to hear good things about Michigan.