Coming Out Resources

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Three people with their arms around each other smiling at the camera. — *Photo Credit: Dustin Nguyen*

Coming Out As Trans

Congratulations! Making the decision to come out as trans/genderqueer can be an important first-step towards being who you are and living the life you deserve. As you probably know, coming out is a long, constant process on a journey that you don't have to make alone. At the U of M, there are many student groups and programs you can be a part of to meet community members who have similar life experiences.

The Trans Advisory & Action Team
LGBTQIA Mentor Program
Tranarchy
Program in Human Sexuality

Coming Out To Professors

Contacting your professors prior to the beginning of the semester could make your coming out experience much easier. An email can be especially useful to professors who knew you prviously by a different name. Additionally, if the name on class rosters doesn't match your current name, contacting them directly will help avoid uncomfortable, public conversations.

Some things to consider putting into your email would be:

Stating the legal name currently on their class roster
Your preferred name and gender
Whether you're willing to disclose publicly about being trans or would prefer not to
Offer them a chance to email you with questions
Provide your contact information

Coming Out To Your Roommate

There's no one-size-fits-all way to disclose your trans identity to a roommate. You may want to come out prior to meeting your roommate, or wait until you've met; this depends on your needs and how safe and comfortable you feel.

You may want to consider:

Do you want to be direct? "I want you to know that I'm trans."
Do you want to casually mention it? "I'm planning on joining the Transgender Commission when the semester starts."
Be prepared for any response; it could be a non-issue, or may require additional conversation.
Remember, you can't control how your roommate will respond to your coming out nor are you responsible for how they react.
Provide your roommate with resources about trans identities
Make sure you have a support system in place - family, friends, a mentor, etc.

Coming out in the workplace

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Coming Out As Trans

Coming Out To Professors

Coming Out To Your Roommate

Coming out in the workplace

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