Queer & Trans Community Support
We write to you with a message of unity, support, and care for every member of our vibrant Jayhawk community. There have been ongoing distressing national and international trends in anti-trans messages surrounding detransitioning, and recently, there have been events focused on detransitiong taking place on campus. Such messages not only have the potential to cause harm but also threaten the feelings of safety and inclusivity on our college and university campuses. Students, staff, and faculty all want and expect learning and working environments that allow them to feel safe.
The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) believes that our strength as an institution lies in our diversity. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone can learn, work, and thrive in an atmosphere of respect and inclusion. We want to assure every student, staff member, and faculty member who identifies as transgender, non-binary, queer, or anywhere along the gender and sexuality spectrums, that you are valued and supported here at KU.
In response to these concerning trends, below we provide resources that can help our community members identify support for queer, trans, and gender-diverse individuals on campus as well as national organizations that offer assistance, guidance, and safer spaces.
Please remember, the office of DEIB and our partners on campus, are here to support and uplift every member of our community. We encourage open dialogue, education, and compassion as we navigate these challenges together. If you or someone you know needs support, please do not hesitate to reach out to these organizations or the various support services available on our campus.
Let us stand together, united in our commitment to equity and the well-being of all our community members.
KU Resources
Please remember that if you or someone is at imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact KU Public Safety or dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergency response.
Community Engagement, Support, and Wellness
The KU Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity (SGD) works to build a community and coalition of queer and trans students, faculty, and staff that challenges, supports, and celebrates each other. SGD does this through programs and events, educational trainings and presentations, and advocating for policies and practices which promote success for queer and trans students at the University of Kansas.
Several resources for QT students, staff, and faculty at KU exist including organizations and recurring events that provide a wide range of opportunities in-person and virtual to network and learn, including identity and career-based affinity groups.
DEIB works in partnership with the Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity, providing financial support for community members to get KU Cards that display their preferred name and updated photos.
Sexuality & Gender Diversity Faculty Staff Council works to create an immersion space with queer folks and to have a space where we can be authentically queer and be valid in our identities.
Mental Health Resource List summarizes campus and community resources that can help you access free or low-cost mental health care.
Reflection spaces are available across our campus should anyone need space to process events or find themselves triggered by campus conversation during their day.
All-gender restrooms on the KU campus are intended to provide safe and comfortable places for members of the KU community to use the restroom. DEIB, SGD, and KU Operations collaborated to add more restrooms over the last year and continue their work on providing all gender restrooms in additional locations.
Name & Gender Marker Changes is available at KU to ensure that students, faculty, and staff see their lived name and pronouns used and affirmed through KU systems to the extent possible.
Reporting
Formal reporting through The Office of Civil Rights & Title IX can investigate incidents of sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment, dating/domestic violence, stalking, or retaliation plus help you get the support you need from other campus resources.
Informal reporting through The Ombuds Office can provide you with a confidential, impartial, informal, and independent office on campus to discuss issues you may be facing as a student, staff, or faculty member.
Additional resources for reporting and support can be found on DEIB's Get Support webpage dedicated to helping all Jayhawks get the support they need.
National Resources
The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth. You can reach them 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 or visit their website
GLAAD is a media advocacy organization dedicated to promoting understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of LGBTQ+ people. Their website offers valuable resources
PFLAG is a national organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. Find local chapters and resource on their website.
Trans Lifeline is a crisis hotline staffed by transgender people for transgender people. You can reach them at 1-877-565-8860 or by visit their website
If you have resources, suggestions, and comments that further enhance the inclusiveness of this resource list, please share them with diversity@ku.edu. For any clarification please reach out to our office at diversity@ku.edu, 785-864-6705.