Student org takes on transphobia
Juliane Casey
Issue date: 11/5/09 Section: Features
The student group "Transcending Gender" provides an opportunity for transgender, queer and allied students to discuss pertinent issues, provide support and plan educational projects for the broader campus. The group also works directly with the Smith administration to make the school more trans-friendly.
Co-Chair Kai Devlin '10 helped revamp the group that had previously existed on campus but had fallen into inactivity. "We renamed the group and then altered the focus," said Devlin.
At last week's meeting, the group discussed updates on collaborations between the administration and Transcending Gender. One success the group mentioned was a recent addition to college medical forms that will ask students what pronouns they prefer. Co-Chair Wiley Reading '10 announced various trans-related events that will be happening in the area and relayed information about resources students can use to find queer-friendly jobs after college.
Smith is known for its queer-friendly atmosphere, but members of Transcending Gender believe there is a need for the supportive group and the educational outreach they provide.
"From what I've heard, Smith is exponentially safer [for transgender students] than a co-ed school, based on the housing system alone," said Devlin. However, he added, "It's not perfect and won't ever be. There's kind of a tie between people who appreciate and honor the community and others who don't believe that trans people belong at Smith."
First-year Alice Joy, a member of Transcending Gender, pointed out that transitioning students face an unusual challenge inherent in attending an all-women's college. "[Transgender men] want to be here. They came here in the first place, but they have to deal with transphobia as well as the school not being able to formally acknowledge them," she said. "The group is a way for trans people to get together to be more comfortable on campus."
Members of the group and others agree that more education is needed and that there is a wide range of understanding on campus about trans issues.
Co-Chair Kai Devlin '10 helped revamp the group that had previously existed on campus but had fallen into inactivity. "We renamed the group and then altered the focus," said Devlin.
At last week's meeting, the group discussed updates on collaborations between the administration and Transcending Gender. One success the group mentioned was a recent addition to college medical forms that will ask students what pronouns they prefer. Co-Chair Wiley Reading '10 announced various trans-related events that will be happening in the area and relayed information about resources students can use to find queer-friendly jobs after college.
Smith is known for its queer-friendly atmosphere, but members of Transcending Gender believe there is a need for the supportive group and the educational outreach they provide.
"From what I've heard, Smith is exponentially safer [for transgender students] than a co-ed school, based on the housing system alone," said Devlin. However, he added, "It's not perfect and won't ever be. There's kind of a tie between people who appreciate and honor the community and others who don't believe that trans people belong at Smith."
First-year Alice Joy, a member of Transcending Gender, pointed out that transitioning students face an unusual challenge inherent in attending an all-women's college. "[Transgender men] want to be here. They came here in the first place, but they have to deal with transphobia as well as the school not being able to formally acknowledge them," she said. "The group is a way for trans people to get together to be more comfortable on campus."
Members of the group and others agree that more education is needed and that there is a wide range of understanding on campus about trans issues.
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