Transgender and Non-Binary Resources

This webpage provides information on resources that may be of interest to transgender and non-binary students, faculty, and staff at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. If you have questions or want to suggest additional resources, please email umbstudentaffairs@umaryland.edu.

This webpage is part of an ongoing effort to improve UMB’s campus climate for students. To learn about the campus climate survey and its findings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the all gender bathrooms on campus? 

All gender bathrooms are available in buildings across campus. You can view a complete list of all gender bathrooms on the All Gender Bathrooms webpage.

You can also download a static map of the all gender bathrooms, by clicking the button below.

All gender bathroom map

 

Where can I find trans supportive and non-binary supportive student organizations on campus? 

UMB Queer Student Allianceumb.qsa@gmail.com
QSA's mission is to unite LGBTQIA+ students and their allies in creating lasting, positive change on campus and in the world. To serve as a forum, increase consciousness and sensitivity to the needs and issues of the LGBTQIA+  community, enable and encourage members of the LGBTQIA+ community to network, create leaders within the campus community, and build a welcoming environment that recognizes and embraces the differences of the LGBTQIA+ student population.

University of Maryland School of Medicine’s LGBTQ Health Interest Group aka “SOMQ” | umsomlgbtq@gmail.com
The LGBTQ+ Health interest group is a group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer individuals, and their allies at UMSOM. We are dedicated to maintaining and developing an even more accepting environment for diversity at the University of Maryland, and in Baltimore such that all people, queer or otherwise, are comfortable expressing their true, authentic selves. 

University of Maryland School of Social Work Queer Community Alliance | Faculty Advisor: Aaron Betsinger, MSW
To create a supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans & queer (LGBTQ+) students, faculty, staff, alumni and their allies. To educate and advocate for issues relevant and important to LGBTQ+ members of the School of Social Work, including equal access, representation and recognition. To encourage dialogue on and inclusion of LGBTQ+ issues in the curriculum. To identify and address concerns of the LGBTQ+ community in the School of Social Work as they arise within school policy, on campus and in the classroom. To collaborate and innovate within the School of Social Work, UMB and with outside organizations and individuals to promote equal rights for LGBTQ+ persons locally, nationally and around the world.

University of Maryland Carey School of Law’s OutLaw | lgbta@law.umaryland.edu
OutLaw seeks to be a voice for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer students in the law school community; to offer a support system for LGBTQ students, their friends, and families; and to provide a forum for issues of importance to LGBTQ students.

Are there any trans supportive organizations for faculty and staff on campus? 

Stonewall Pride | https://www.umaryland.edu/diversity/diversity-advisory-council/
A Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) Affinity Group that provides a safe and affirming space for faculty and staff of UMB who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community as well as allies. Through education, activities, awareness, advocacy efforts, and community outreach, we will strengthen the importance of social equality regarding the LGBTQIA+ community at UMB and within our surrounding community.

Does the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and Employee Insurance Plans cover gender-affirming procedures/treatments? 

Both the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and the health insurance plans offered to State Employees cover most gender-affirming procedures/treatments. Please consult with your plan documents and insurance representatives to confirm coverage and get questions answered about specific costs. If you are a student using SHIP, Student Health may be able to help you navigate the process.

How can I can change/update my primary name? 

UMB permits any faculty, staff or student to identify themselves within the UMB's information systems with a preferred first and/or last name in addition to their legal name. A preferred name is a chosen name that is different than the legal name and will become the primary name used in University communications and reporting, except where the use of the legal name is necessitated by UMB business or legal requirement (e.g., official transcript, financial aid forms, verification of enrollment and graduate application, State benefits and retirement plans, State Payroll, Grants & Contracts). If you have questions, students can contact registrar@umaryland.edu and employees can contact hrservicecenter@umaryland.edu.

If you elect to choose a preferred name, it will be distributed through the UMB's information systems automatically. Student preferred name requests will be reviewed by the Office of the Registrar before they are approved for use.

Individuals can also indicate if they would like to request an update to their UMID and Email address to reflect their new preferred name.

The Name Administration form can be found here: https://cf.umaryland.edu/preferred_name/

After completing the Name Administration form, the name change will occur within 24 hours, if submitted Monday-Friday during normal business hours.

 

 

After completing the Name Administration form, how long does it take for my name to change in University systems?  

After completing the Name Administration form, how long does it take for my name to change in University systems?
The name change will occur within 24 hours, if submitted Monday-Friday during normal business hours.

 

How can I legally change my name and gender marker? 

In collaboration with Trans Legal Advocates of Washington (TransLAW), Whitman-Walker Health, a community-based health system in Washington D.C., with a specialist expertise in LGBTQ care, has created "Name and Gender Change Guide[s]" for Maryland residents. The guides include information on how to:

  • Obtain a court order for change of name
  • Obtain a court order for change of gender
  • Change your name and gender on your birth certificate
  • Change your name and gender with Social Security Administration (SSA)
  • Change your name and gender with the MD Motor Vehicle Administration/DC Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Change your name and gender on your U.S. Passport
  • Change your name and gender with the Selective Service (if applicable)
  • Change your name and gender with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) (if applicable)
  • Change your name and gender with your insurance providers, creditors, and others

Does the University provide options for on-campus gender inclusive housing? 

The University provides two on-campus housing locations through UMB Housing. Fayette Square Apartments and Pascault Row Apartments are safe and secure housing options for students who want to live close to campus.

Both apartment buildings offer single gender and gender inclusive housing options for individuals interested in a multi-person unit. Students are assigned to an apartment based on the gender and preferences they select on the application. Both apartment buildings also provide the option of a single occupancy unit.

 

 

If I encounter discrimination and/or harassment on campus, what can I do? 

UMB is committed to fostering an environment in which its students, faculty, and staff are free from sexual harassment and violence or illegal discriminatory practices. These behaviors impede learning and positive working conditions and, therefore, are not tolerated.

To report any form of bias or discrimination, including but not limited to sexual violence and harassment, that you experienced or witnessed, you can:

  • Contact Mary MacFadden, MS, BSN, CCEP, Title IX Coordinator in UMB’s Office of Accountability and Compliance (OAC) at 410-706-2281 (OAC Main Number), 410-706-4938 (Direct Line), or mmacfadden@umaryland.edu.
  • Make a report to the UMB hotline at 866-594-5220. The report can be made anonymously.
  • You can also make a report online at UMB's EthicsPoint Hotline.

You can also contact your School’s Student Affairs Dean Office or inform any other faculty or staff member in your School or on campus to receive assistance and support.

Health & Wellness Resources

On Campus Resources 

The Student Counseling Center | https://www.umaryland.edu/counseling/
The Student Counseling Center provides short-term professional counseling and psychiatric services for currently enrolled full-time and part-time UMB students. The Student Counseling Center recognizes that LGBTQIA* students may feel overwhelmed and need additional support. The Student Counseling Center stands with LGBTQIA* students and is available to provide support. For students who need immediate assistance, the UMB Crisis Support Line is available 24/7 and can be reached by dialing 410-328-8404. Press 7 to be directly connected to a counselor.

The Student Counseling Center provides referrals to providers with a special interest in helping LGBTQAI individuals upon request.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, visit the Student Counseling Center’s Crisis Care Resources webpage, which provides a list of on-campus resources, local and national hotlines, and intervention tips. A PDF compilation of Crisis Care Resources can be downloaded here.

If you are experiencing a life threatening mental health emergency, please call 911 or UMB police (410-706-3333).

 

STAR TRACK Adolescent Program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine | http://startrackhealth.org/
Your Trans Care (YTC) is a specialty program for transgender people 12 to 24 years old looking for excellent health care. YTC offers primary care and a range of unique services for transgender individuals and their friends, family, and significant others. 

 

Maryland and D.C. Counseling Resources & Health Centers  

Chase Brexton Health Center | https://www.chasebrexton.org/
Chase Brexton and the LGBT Health Resource Center's Trans Care program helps to ensure quality informed care for trans women, trans men, non-binary, and others who have health care needs that are often overlooked by conventional health care organizations. Their goal is not to treat you “regardless of” who you are, but to affirm and help you become who you are!

Fan Liang, MDUMMC Find-a-Doctor
Dr.Liang, assistant professor of surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in complex adult craniofacial trauma, reconstruction of secondary craniofacial deformities, pediatric craniofacial surgery, and microsurgery. She is currently offering surgical services to transgender patients at the UMSOM. 

Greater Baltimore Counseling Center | https://gbcc.com/ 
Licensed clinicians who have advanced training and experience who are designated as LGBTQ affirming. Their quality and compassionate care includes individual and/or family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults who identify as LGBTQ. They have three locations across the state of Maryland.

Hawn Therapy & Consulting | https://hawntherapyandconsulting.com/
A therapy and training practice in Baltimore, devoted to providing support to LGBTQ+ individuals and families, especially transgender people, and People of Color.

Hearts and Ears | https://www.heartsandears.org/
Hearts & Ears, Inc. is a non-profit organization for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning, and Gender Non-Conforming individuals with behavioral health issues and concerns. We warmly welcome all sexual and gender minorities. People who are dually stigmatized can have a difficult time finding full acceptance from others. Hearts & Ears aims to be a community where LGBTQIA+ individuals can feel safe, supported, and welcomed. Friends, family and community members are encouraged to attend.

Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender Health | https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/center-transgender-health/
The Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender Health offers comprehensive, evidence-based and affirming care for transgender youth and adults that is in line with the standards of care set by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Creating an environment in which patients and their families feel safe and confident in the care they receive is central to the mission of Johns Hopkins Medicine. The multidisciplinary care team takes careful consideration of best practices and the appropriate provision of care for transgender individuals.

Planned Parenthood | https://www.plannedparenthood.org/
Gender Affirming Care is now offered at Planned Parenthoods across the state of Maryland and Washington D.C.

University of Maryland Adolescent and Young Adult Center https://www.umms.org/childrens/health-services/adolescent-young-adult-medicine
The Transgender Health program is dedicated to helping children, adolescents and their families explore medical treatment options surrounding gender identity. Doctors and nurses at the Children's Hospital, including physicians from the University of Maryland Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, understand the emotional and physical challenges that patients and their families face during transition.

University of Maryland Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology https://www.umms.org/midtown/locations/diabetes-endocrinology
At UM Center of Diabetes and Endocrinology at Midtown, endocrinologists diagnose and treat conditions related to hormones, including diabetes.

Whitman-Walker Health | https://www.whitman-walker.org/
Located in Washington, D.C. their mission is to offer affirming community-based health and wellness services to all with a special expertise in LGBTQ and HIV care. We empower all persons to live healthy, love openly, and achieve equality and inclusion.  

National Resources 

National Counseling Resources

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline | https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/lgbtq/
Provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 170 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices. Call 800-273-8255 to access their 24/7 hotline. The hotline is available in English and Spanish.  

Trans Lifeline | https://translifeline.org/
A trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive. Call 877-565-8860 to access their hotline from 10 a.m. - 4 a.m. EST. The hotline is available in English and Spanish. 

The Trevor Projecthttps://www.thetrevorproject.org/
A national organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA* for young people under the age of 25. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to (678-678) to access their 24/7 hotline.

National Organizations 

GLAAD | https://www.glaad.org/
GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. 

Human Rights Campaign | https://www.hrc.org/
Envisions a world where every member of the LGBTQ family has the freedom to live their truth without fear, and with equality under the law. We empower our 3 million members and supporters to mobilize against attacks on the most marginalized people in our community.

Community Organizations

Organizations in Maryland