Gender & Sexuality Student Services

Human Resources Building (HRB) – Located in the southwest hallway of that building.
Business Services Building (BSB) – Located near the Campus Services Print Shop area.
Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) – Located in the southeast quadrant of the building.
University Hall (UHB) – Located on the first floor, in the Admissions and Records office area
The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) – A single restroom/shower facility. Located on the first floor, around the corner from the main public restrooms, drinking fountains and vending machines.
Public Affairs Center (PAC) – Located on the first floor around the corner from the Ticket Office.
Founders Residence Hall (FRH) – Located around the corner from the front desk on the first floor near the classrooms.
Student Union (STU) – Located across from the elevator on the first floor.

Signature Events

ppinn2 — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 18:28:36 +0000

Signature Events ppinn2 Mon, 03/14/2022 - 13:28

All Gender and Sexuality Student Services programs and initiatives, including those outlined below, are open to all members of the campus community. We encourage campus community members from all backgrounds and identities to engage with our programs below.

Numerous events occur throughout the year that create awareness, provide education, and social opportunities. Some of our events are Queertober, Trans* Visibility Week, Day of Silence to Take Back the Night, and Lavender Graduation. We also offer opportunities to be involved in our weekly events: Fluidity, Shades, and LGBTea. Any LGBTQIA+ and allied individuals are welcome to join in all Gender & Sexuality Student Services programs!

Queertober

Queertober is a month full of events that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community! In the month of October, we host a variety of events in collaboration with campus partners as an opportunity to show some extra pride and allyship. A staple event during the month is National Coming Out Day. Attendees can volunteer to participate or can remain in the audience to show support!

**Trans* Visibility Week (TVW)**

TVW provides engaging educational events pertaining to the trans community. The week occurs in honor of International Transgender Day of Visibility, March 31st, which is dedicated to celebrating trans* people and raising awareness of prejudice and discrimination faced by trans* individuals worldwide.

Day of Silence to Take Back the Night

Day of Silence is an annual day of action to spread awareness about the effects of the bullying and harassment of the LGBTQIA+ community and the silence of others. On this day, people participating take a day-long vow of silence to symbolically represent the silence of others and the silencing of LGBTQIA+ individuals. The Day of Silence exists to create change for schools and communities. We host an annual Take Back the Night march and rally, in collaboration with the UIS Women's Center, to ask the UIS community to unite and for individuals to speak up and speak out against violence.

Lavender Graduation Celebration

The Lavender Graduation Celebration is a cultural celebration that recognizes those with marginalized gender and sexuality identities (LGBTQIA+) and allied students of all backgrounds. The ceremony acknowledges their achievements and contributions to the university as students who survived the college experience thanks to their activities and education at UIS. All students are eligible to participate and no qualifications are required. Students and student groups can be nominated for a variety of awards that are to be presented during the reception following the celebration. Graduating students receive a lavender cord and stole to wear during commencement and signed certificate. This celebration is in conjunction with the Equity over Injustice Specialty Graduation Celebration (including Hispanic/Latine Graduation and Black Graduation).

Queer Student Ambassador Program (qSAP)

The Queer Student Ambassador Program (qSAP) is a registered student organization that works towards the development of programs, student outreach, and initiatives intended to better the campus climate for LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and faculty. To learn more, find them on UIS Connection!

LGBTea

LGBTea is a weekly social. It offers a comfortable, accepting, and non-judgmental social atmosphere for LGBTQIA+ and allied students. LGBTea operates out of our Student Lounge (Student Life Bldg. Rm 22) and students hang out, watch movies, listen to music, make plans for the weekend, and play games (Just to name a few!). We host these socials weekly throughout the academic year, but may be adjusted based on campus scheduling, programming needs, and holidays. To verify a scheduled social, please refer to UIS Connection, where all updated event information can be found.

Fluidity

Want a safe & private group to share coming out stories, explore your identity, and listen to other UIS students? This weekly group is facilitated by GSSS staff. Students across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum and their allies meet on a weekly basis and discuss topics relevant to their experiences including campus, community and interpersonal situation. Fluidity provides a safe and private space for students. It provides support and advocacy for it’s attendees and is a judgment-free zone. If you would like to participate in our Fluidity group, you can find date/time/location information on UIS Connection. For any questions or specific accommodations, please contact us at gss@uis.edu.

Shades

Shades is a discussion group for students. The goal of this group is to create a safe space through which we can explore topics of identity and bring together QTPOC (Queer & Trans* People of Color) and allied students on campus. Please check out our social media pages and UIS Connection for specific themes, date/time/location, and collaborations. For questions or specific accommodations, please contact us at gss@uis.edu.

Affirmation Station

In need of identity-affirming clothing, accessories, and MORE? The Affirmation Station is a free, no-strings-attached, identity-affirming initiative for UIS students. Items available include but are not limited to: clothes, shoes, accessories, makeup, and hair products. Stop by and select anything you would like! Bags can be provided for discreet travel. The Affirmation Station can be found in the GSSS hallway, located in the Student Life Building, Suite 22. Typical operating hours are Monday – Friday from 9am-5pm. You can also access the GSSS hallway directly by entering through our discreet side-entrance located on the side of the building. Looking for something specific? Fill out a request form to let us know! If you are interested in donating items to the Affirmation Station, please contact us at gss@uis.edu or 217-206-8316.

Contact

zalwi2 — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 22:13:47 +0000

Contact zalwi2 Wed, 02/16/2022 - 16:13

Gender and Sexuality Student Services

Student Life Building (SLB) 22
University of Illinois Springfield
One University Plaza
Springfield, Illinois 62703-5407

Email: gss@uis.edu
Phone: 217-206-8316

GSSS Program Coordinator

Dre Duvendack

She/They

Email: aduve2@uis.edu
Phone: 217-206-8411
Office: Student Life Building (SLB) 22H

GSSS Graduate Assistant

Office: Student Life Building (SLB) 22

Location (with Dual Entrances)

A renovated 750 square foot suite opened in the fall of 2010.
The suite houses a student lounge, library, the Affirmation Station, and staff offices.
Located adjacent to the Diversity Center, Student Life Building Room 22H-J.
Two entrances are available:
- The main outer door entrance faces the Business Services Building around the corner from the Student Life Plaza.
- A second entrance is located within the Diversity Center in the Student Life Building Room 22.

Donate Today!

Safe Zone / Brave Space

zalwi2 — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:59:37 +0000

Safe Zone / Brave Space zalwi2 Wed, 02/16/2022 - 15:59

Want to participate in Safe Zone/Brave Space sessions? Follow us on UIS Connection for future opportunities!

What is Safe Zone/Brave Space?

“This is a safe place to talk about LGBTQIA+ and topics about sexual orientation and gender. I encourage difficult conversations and take actionable steps to be more inclusive.“

The Safe Zone program has rebranded as of Fall 2019. You are invited to become a Safe Zone/Brave Space member and display the sign on your office door. Although the program has always been about supporting students and asking members to engage in brave difficult conversations while working towards inclusion, this new name intends to send a stronger message of an action oriented mission for the members. Members agree that they work to provide a personal space that is free from homophobia, heterosexism, and transphobia; welcome difficult conversations on these topics; and serve as a resource to students with marginalized sexual and gender identities (LGBTQIA+).

The Safe Zone program’s mission is to promote awareness and improve the campus climate through educational opportunities that train participants on issues faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and those with marginalized gender and sexual identities, advocacy and intervention skills, intersectionality, and creating welcoming and supportive spaces for LGBTQIA+ students, those with marginalized gender and sexual identities, student allies, and all members of the UIS community.

The objectives for this program are:

Improve the campus climate and foster belonging of LGBTQIA+ individuals and those with marginalized gender and sexual identities.
Increase awareness and conversations of issues faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and those with marginalized gender and sexual identities.
Provide ongoing educational opportunities for participants that emphasizes intersectionality.
Educate and provide advocacy and intervention skills to participants when confronted with exclusionary, discriminatory, and prejudicial rhetoric and behavior towards LGBTQIA+ individuals and those with marginalized gender and sexual identities.
Train participants on creating more welcoming and supportive spaces.

Potential members must complete Fundamentals (online) and two advanced sessions (Transgender, Bi/Pansexuality, Religion, Safe Dating, NCBI Bias & Prejudice, or History). Earn the new Brave Space certification and the new sign by attending a Brave Space dialogue and sign the Brave Space Certification Pledge. UIS employees are approved for Release Time with permission of supervisor. All students, staff, and faculty are eligible to join.

InQUEERy

zalwi2 — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:49:50 +0000

InQUEERy zalwi2 Wed, 02/16/2022 - 15:49

Description

Students are trained to interact with their peers and stand up against homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism Students are trained to interact with their peers and stand up against homophobia, transphobia, heterosexism and other transgressions through innovative activities and workshops. InQUEERy peer educators deliver workshops and other activities for residence halls, classrooms, athletic teams, student organizations, and more! Using their personal narrative, peer educator training, and topical knowledge, students share their stories while integrating contemporary issues. Programs are available by request and available to any UIS group or department.

Scholarships

Students receive a $500 scholarship per semester after 1 year of InQUEERy involvement. Honorary members are still in their first year of involvement and receive $250 scholarship per semester. Interested students should fill out the InQUEERy team application form, which will be considered at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, depending on the amount of open positions.

Request a Program

Programs are available by request and available to any UIS group or department. Please use the Inqueery Peer Education Presentation request form. Requests are subject to the availability of peer educators and must be submitted four weeks in advance. You will contacted by a staff member after completion.

InQUEERy Interactive Programs & Activities

Crossing the Line: In this, the presenters engage students in an activity called Crossing the Line. Crossing the Line highlights contemporary information about LGBTQ+ rights and legislation by asking participants to move across a line in the middle of the room to express the answer they believe is correct. After each question, a brief facilitated discussion ensues that also includes information to be better inform. The activity is followed by a Q&A session for the audience. Estimated time: 60-90 minutes.
Gender this Stick Figure: This lighthearted and fun presentation educates on and deconstructs the gender binary. The presenters will have two stick figures, without any markings. The participants will be asked to provide descriptive suggestions that define each stick figure such as hair, tops, bottoms, accessories, job, identities, etc. The presenters will then deconstruct the process of gendering the stick figures, show that the gender binary is strong and present in society, and how that is challenging to many. Difficult and uncommon terminology will be defined and explained, which gives the presentation a deeper meaning. 60-90 minutes.
Guess the Straight Person: This is a fun, exciting, and interactive game show type presentation, where the audience will ask questions to a set of contestants with the goal of trying to guess the individuals’ sexual orientations. Through this, the audience will learn stereotypes that are commonly attributed to the LGBTQIA+ community and the basis of their origin. The learning objective is to get the idea that it is not possible to tell someone’s orientation by outward appearances, interests, hobbies, etc. The presentation includes some personal stories and an open question and answer format. 60-90 minutes.

Our Programs

zalwi2 — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:46:35 +0000

Our Programs zalwi2 Wed, 02/16/2022 - 15:46

Get involved in LGBTQIA+ Life at UIS

Numerous events occur throughout the year that create awareness, provide education, and social opportunities. Some of our events are Queertober, Trans Visibility Week, Day of Silence to Break the Silence, and Lavender Graduation. We also offer opportunities to be involved, such as our Student Ambassador Program, Fluidity, and LGBTea. Any LGBTQIA+ and allied individuals are welcome to join in all Gender & Sexuality Student Services programs!

Queertober

Queertober is a month full of events that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community! In the month of October, we host a variety of events in collaboration with campus partners as an opportunity to show some extra pride and allyship. A staple event during the month is Closet Door on the Quad, held in honor of National Coming Out Day. Attendees can volunteer to participate or can remain in the audience to show support!

Trans Visibility Week (TVW)

TVW provides engaging educational events pertaining to the trans community. The week occurs in honor of International Transgender Day of Visibility, March 31st, which is dedicated to celebrating trans people and raising awareness of prejudice and discrimination faced by trans individuals worldwide.

Day of Silence to Break the Silence

On the annual Day of Silence, hundreds of thousands of students nationwide take some form of a vow of silence to call attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBTQIA+ bullying and harassment. The Day of Silence exists to create change for schools and communities. We host an annual Break the Silence event to encourage individuals to embrace their identities and to ask the UIS community to unite in raising awareness of the anti-LGBTQIA+ bullying and harassment that occurs to intersecting marginalized communities; including black, indigenous, and communities of color, individuals with disabilities, and undocumented immigrants.

Lavender Graduation Celebration

Student Ambassador Program (qSAP)

The Student Ambassador Program (qSAP) is a registered student organization working towards the development of programs, student outreach, and initiatives intended to better the campus climate for LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and faculty. It provides leadership experience for students and tangible support for GSSS functions. Student Ambassadors are afforded opportunities to serve in a variety of capacities and participate in training opportunities unique to a college/university setting to cultivate their leadership and service potentials.

LGBTea

LGBTea is a weekly social. It offers a comfortable, accepting, and non-judgmental social atmosphere for LGBTQIA+ and allied students. LGBTea operates out of our Student Lounge (Student Life Bldg. Rm 22) and students hang out, watch movies, listen to music, make plans for the weekend, and play games (Just to name a few!). We typically host these socials weekly throughout the academic year on Thursdays from 4-6pm CST, but may be adjusted based on campus scheduling, programming needs, and holidays. To verify a scheduled social, please refer to UIS Connection, where all updated event information can be found.

Fluidity

Want a safe & confidential group to share coming out stories, explore your identity, and listen to other UIS students? This weekly group is facilitated by GSSS staff. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential. Students across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum and their allies meet on a weekly basis and discuss topics relevant to their experiences including campus, community and interpersonal situation. Fluidity provides a safe and confidential space for those exploring their sexual and/or gender identity with peers. It provides support and advocacy for it’s members and is a judgment-free zone. If you would like to participate in our Fluidity group, please check out UIS Connection for full details.

Affirmation Station

In need of identity-affirming clothing, accessories, and MORE? The Affirmation Station is a free, no-strings-attached, identity-affirming initiative for UIS students. Items available include but are not limited to: clothes, shoes, accessories, makeup, and hair products. Stop by and select anything you would like! Bags can be provided for discreet travel. The Affirmation Station can be found in the GSSS hallway, located in the Student Life Building, Suite 22. Typical operating hours are Monday – Friday from 9am-5pm. You can also access the GSSS hallway directly by entering through our discreet side-entrance located on the south side of the building. Looking for something specific? Fill out a request form to let us know! If you are interested in donating items to the Affirmation Station, please contact us at gss@uis.edu or 217-206-8316.

Transitioning at UIS

zalwi2 — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:04:34 +0000

Transitioning at UIS zalwi2 Wed, 02/16/2022 - 15:04

Transitioning is the process of changing one’s gender presentation. There is not one way to transition, and each person can decide what they feel comfortable doing during their transition process. Transitioning can consist of (and not limited to) name change, gender change, hormones, and/or sex reassignment surgery. This page contains information on name and gender change in Sangamon County and UIS, changing a birth certificate, accessing health care such as hormones at the Howard Brown Health Center, and a professor notification letter.

Health Services @ UIS

Health Services can help administer hormone injections but is unable to prescribe medication. Staff have plans to update forms to help trans students identify with a preferred name and correctly indicate their gender.

Counseling Center @ UIS

Counselors are available to students to provide support and referral to resources.

Name and Gender Change for Sangamon County

The following information below is how to change your name in Sangamon County.

Step One – Change of name form:

File paper work at the Sangamon County Circuit Clerks Office.

Sangamon County Clerks Office Address:

Room 405
200 South Ninth Street
Springfield, IL 62701

Step Two:

Must have your name change request published in the paper for three consecutive weeks in the classified section in either the State Journal Register or the Illinois Times. Contact either the State Journal Register at (217) 788-1300 or the Illinois Times at (217) 753-2226. The cost of this is $50.

Step Three:

Court Date – This must be scheduled at least six weeks after the first day your name change began running in the paper. Must have certificate from newspaper that states your name change request ran in the paper.

Department of Motor Vehicles

Once you have had your change of name form signed and notarized by the County Clerks Office, you can then take your forms to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and change your name on your driver’s license or state identification card.

Location of DMV:

2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy
Springfield, IL 62703

Name & Gender Change @ UIS

A request to change your name must be made in person at the Records and Registration Office.

If you are a student and have never been employed by the University, present legal documentation (such as a marriage license, passport, court order, and/or social security card) and photo ID reflecting your new name to Records to change your name.
If you are a student and current employee at any University of Illinois location, present your updated Social Security Card, as legal documentation reflecting the change, to the person responsible for human resources in your employing unit. In addition, review the Personnel Information tab in NESSIE for other places you may need to update your name.
If you are a student and have not been employed by the University within the last 18 months, present legal documentation (such as a marriage license, passport, court order, and/or social security card) and photo ID reflecting your new name to Records to change your name.
If you are a student and your employment with the University has ended within the last 18th months, present your updated Social Security Card, as legal documentation reflecting the change to the UIS Human Resource Office at: Human Resource Building (HRB) Room 30
If you are currently employed or were previously employed by the University of Illinois, employee names on record with the University must be the legal name on record with the US Social Security Administration. If it is not, both the employee and University can be in violation of Federal tax laws.

Contact Information

Contact: Records (217) 206-6709 or registrar@uis.edu.

Gender Designation Change Information @ UIS

A request to change your gender designation at UIS must be made in person at the Records and Registration Office. To request a change to your gender designation, you must present a written letter stating how your gender identity should be documented moving forward.

Transcripts

Once your name is officially changed (see above), the Records and Registration Office can reissue you a new diploma (with cost) and transcripts (with cost).

Gender Change on Birth Certificate

An individual with an existing birth certificate may submit a request to have the gender changed on their birth certificate after undergoing an operation or procedure that has the effect of reflecting, enhancing, or changing their gender. Genital reassignment surgery is not required. The procedures included can be but are not limited to laser hair removal, hormones, or any surgery. To change your gender marker on your birth certificate, you must complete the “Affidavit for a New Birth Certificate After Completion of Gender Reassignment” form. After completion, the form can be taken to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records.

Location of Illinois Department of Public Health:
925 East Ridgely Ave.
Springfield, IL 62702

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Hormone Options

Some transgender people decide to take hormones as part of their transition process. It is important to receive your hormones from a health care professional so that you are administered the proper amount of hormones appropriate for you and to be continued to be monitored.

The standards of care from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, require a health care professional to conduct a psychological assessment before referring a patient to an endocrinologist or other health care provider, that can administer hormones.

Planned Parenthood Transgender Hormone Therapy Health Center (Springfield)

Springfield – 601 North Bruns Lane

Intake for Springfield completed at The Phoenix Center – call 217-528-5253 for an appointment
Hormone therapy. Hormones may be prescribed to make the body more feminine or more masculine. Because the effects of hormone therapy may be permanent, it is important to discuss options and desired effects with a health care provider.

Hormone therapy may include:

Feminizing medications. Estradiol and Progestin preparations

Anti-androgen medications. Spironolactone, Finasteride and Minoxidil

Masculinizing Medications. Testosterone preparations

Hormone therapy plan and ongoing care

Care planning includes an examination and treatment planning by a team consisting of an advanced practice nurse and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).

Initial visit. Examination and lab work plus discussion of treatment goals and expectations, side effects, and risks of therapy with an advanced practice nurse and clinical social worker.

Second visit. Review of lab results, and prescription for hormone therapy.

Ongoing visits. Two to four times per year to monitor health, address goals, review medications and update lab testing as needed.

Already in therapy. Patients can provide a therapy letter in place of meeting with a PPIL LCSW (initial visit). The letter should include the following, as outlined in the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards Of Care

The client’s general identifying characteristics;
Results of the client’s psychosocial assessment, including any diagnoses;
The duration of the referring health professional’s relationship with the client, including the type of evaluation and therapy or counseling to date;
An explanation that the criteria for hormone therapy have been met, and a brief description of the clinical rationale for supporting the client’s request for hormone therapy;
A statement about the fact that informed consent has been obtained from the patient;
A statement that the referring health professional is available for coordination of care and welcomes a phone call to establish this.

Howard Brown Health Center (Chicago)

The Howard Brown Health Center exists to eliminate the disparities in health care experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people through research, education and the provision of services that promote health and wellness.

The Howard Brown Health Center is committed to improving the health of transgender individuals. Their staff are perhaps more knowledgeable and sensitive around the needs of transgender people than many local providers. You can receive hormones in a more accelerated manner, the THInC three step program, without the typical requirements of therapy and a carry letter.

Services:

Medical Services
Primary care physicians
Behavioral Health Department

Howard Brown’s THInC Process

THInC is a three step program that is designed to assist those who are interested in accessing hormones. THInC stands for Trans Hormones-Informed Consent. Most providers require their clients to demonstrate “lived experience,” which means you must live in your preferred gender for a certain amount of time, and require a letter from a therapist before you can access hormones. The HBHC bypasses this process by empowering their clients to make choices for themselves about their lives and their transition process.

This means that when a person gives consent for hormones:

The person has a cognitive ability to make an independent decision. In other words, that person understands the potential risks and benefits of the choice and is able to anticipate how that choice may impact them now and in the future.
The person has the information needed to make an informed decision.

The 3-steps:

Medical Appointment- The medical provider will discuss your specific needs as well as do an extensive medical exam with blood work.
Hormone Advocate Appointment- Is a face-to-face meeting to assist you in designing, planning, and communicating your personal transition plan.
2nd Medical Appointment- At this appointment you will review your blood work with your medical provider. You will then decide if hormones are the best option for you.

Cost

The Howard Brown Health Center accepts most major health insurances. If you do not have insurance, HBHC offers a sliding scale based on income.

Professor Notification Letter & Form

Notifying your professor of your preferred gender pronouns or gender identity can be difficult. To help with the coming out process and unintentional outing on the first day of class, we have set up a service in which you can fill out this professor notification form and we will contact the specific professors you indicate and provide some education if needed. Please fill out the form for each of your classes. When UIS adopts a preferred name policy then this service will no longer be needed as preferred names will show up on class rosters.

Sample Email to Professors:

Dear__________________,

This email is to inform you of a student in your class at UIS who identifies as transgender. The student would like to remain anonymous as to not out themselves and has a preferred name. The student may or may not identify with the name that is seen on your class roster. Below is a bulleted list of ways in which you can be inclusive of all your students and ensure that they feel comfortable and safe.

Do not assume the gender identity of your students
Never group your students by gender (not everyone easily fits a male or female binary).
Ask the preferred gender pronouns (PGPs) of all of your students (If you need more information on PGPs please visit the web page go.uis.edu/trans.)
Do not ask the student to explain their gender identity, if they wish, they will discuss this with you.
If the student does discuss their gender identity with you, please keep it private. Just because they talk to you about their identity does not mean that they are out to their peers.

If you are looking for more information on transgender and other other gender variant identities please visit the “Trans @ UIS Guide” online.

If you have any questions, please email the Gender and Sexuality Student Services at gss@uis.edu.

Thank you,
The UIS Gender and Sexuality Student Services

Trans Guide

zalwi2 — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 20:46:05 +0000

Trans Guide zalwi2 Wed, 02/16/2022 - 14:46

Education

The following is helpful information regarding gender neutral pronoun usage, terminology, and problematic word usage. Additionally, you can request a workshop or presentation on transgender and gender identity from the Gender and Sexuality Student Services.

Request a Workshop or Presentation

InQUEERy – Students are trained to interact with their peers to combat homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism through innovative activities and workshops. The InQueery team of student peer educators provides workshops and other activities in residence halls, classrooms, athletic teams, and student organizations. Using their personal narrative, students share their stories while integrating contemporary issues. Learn more about inQUEERy and the presentations offered.
Safe Zone – Safe Zone members are identified by this sign that they hang on their office door or living space, or by other Safe Zone visual indicators, and are trained to be better allies to LGBTQ students. Members agree that they work to provide a personal space that is free from homophobia, heterosexism, and transphobia while serving as a resource to LGBTQ and allied students. All students, staff, and faculty are eligible to join. “This is a safe place to talk about LGBTQ and heterosexual issues and concerns.” Safe Zone provides the Transgender Advanced Session. Session description: Transgender people continue to be an invisible, often forgotten community. This session helps participants develop self-awareness and compassion and to think critically about their own assumptions and vulnerabilities as related to gender. Participants will learn about the gender binary, understand accurate terms, explore potential gender transition processes, and consider common concerns and challenges in higher education. This session is recommended for any person wanting to learn how to become a better ally to this population. Learn more about Safe Zone, register for the session, and learn how to become a member!

Gender Neutral Pronouns

Gender	Pronouns (Pronounciation)	Example
Female	She Her Hers	She went to her bedroom. I am her sister. She shaves herself.
Male	He Him His	He went to his bedroom. I am his sister. He shaves himself.
Gender Neutral	They Them Their	They went to their bedroom. I am their sister. They shave themself.
Gender Neutral	Ze (zee) Hir (here) Hirs (heres)	Ze went to hir bedroom. I am hir sister. Ze shaves hirself.
Spivak	E (ee) Em (em) Eirs (airs)	E went to eir bedroom. I am eir sister. E shaves emself.

Look for this sign at UIS

Facilities

Safe restroom use is important to the University of Illinois Springfield and to the UIS Gender and Sexuality Student Services. Below we have listed the locations of the eight single use lockable restrooms on campus that are signed as gender-neutral. We hope to improve the amount and visibility of these restrooms in the future.

Gender Neutral Restrooms

Human Resources Building (HRB) – Located in the southwest hallway of that building.
Business Services Building (BSB) – Located near the Campus Services Print Shop area.
Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) – Located in the southeast quadrant of the building.
University Hall (UHB) – Located on the first floor, in the Admissions and Records office area
The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) – Located on the first floor, around the corner from the main public restrooms, drinking fountains and vending machines.
Public Affairs Center (PAC) – Located on the first floor around the corner from the Bursar’s Office.
Founders Residence Hall (FRH) – Located around the corner from the front desk on the first floor near the classrooms.
Student Union (STU) – Located on the first floor next to the elevator.

Peeing In Peace Guide

The Peeing In Peace guide, developed by the Transgender Law Center, is a resource guide for safe restroom use. Inside you will find information on language and definitions, harassment and how to handle it, and how to prevent harassment.

Policy

Preferred Name Policy

The University of Illinois (all three campuses) allows students to include a preferred name on some systems. These systems include class rosters, the display name in Banner Self-Service, and the display name in a number of learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Compass, and Moodle), most online phone directories, and on the University i-card. The University will also retain your full legal name, which is used when required by the University, such as in tax documents, contracts, academic transcripts, diplomas, and certain health records. The comprehensive information on the Preferred Name Policy are available on the UI website.

UIS Nondiscrimination Policy

Currently, gender identity and expression are included in the University of Illinois nondiscrimination policy. View the campus nondiscrimination policy.

Illinois Nondiscrimination Policy

The Illinois Human Rights Act nondiscrimination policy includes sexual orientation, which is intended to cover gender identity, for employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Inclusive Language on all UIS Forms

Currently UIS does not include “Transgender” and/or “Other” as a gender designation on the application for Admission, Housing, or is it required on campus wide institutional assessments but some do such as. However, many student services departments voluntarily do this such as intake forms in Counseling Services, Health Services, and Career Development Center.

UIS Gender Inclusive Housing Policy

Gender Inclusive Housing (GIH) will provide a welcoming space for students to choose their roommates, regardless of gender, to promote a healthy and safe living and learning environment. GIH allows students to live in an environment where they can express their gender or sexual orientation in a way that is true to themselves in a safe and supported way. If you have questions about gender-identity, gender expression, or transgender student support, please contact Dre Duvendack (aduve2@uis.edu), Program Coordinator at the Gender & Sexuality Student Services.

Campus Pride Trans Policy Clearinghouse

Find out about policies at other colleges and universities.

*If you have any questions about relevant UIS, state or federal policies or you feel that you are being discriminated against due to your gender identity please contact the office of Access and Equal Opportunity, aeo@uis.edu, 217-206-6222) who will work with Dre Duvendack (Program Coordinator, Gender and Sexuality Student Services) and/or Justin Rose (Director, Diversity and Inclusion) on request to address your concerns.

Resources

Lesbian Guide

zalwi2 — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 19:26:36 +0000

Lesbian Guide zalwi2 Wed, 02/16/2022 - 13:26

Welcome to the Lesbian Resource Guide @ UIS. This is a guide to help lesbians at UIS to find the resources they may need. We want to make sure that queer women at UIS are able to find support on this campus. One of the ways we can do this is to find online and print resources that are relevant to lesbians whether that be resources about coming out, fashion, health, or finding a book for class. The Lesbian Resource Guide is a living document which means that we are open to suggestions for other resources that we might have missed. If you would like to leave a resource suggestion please email us at gss@uis.edu

Lesbian is a term used to describe female-identified people attracted romantically, erotically, spiritually, and/or emotionally to other female-identified people. The term lesbian is derived from the name of the Greek island of Lesbos and as such is sometimes considered a Eurocentric category that does not necessarily represent the identities of African-Americans and other non-European ethnic groups. This being said, individual female-identified people from diverse ethnic groups, including African-Americans, embrace the term ‘lesbian’ as an identity label.

Online Resources

I Think I Might Be A Lesbian, Now What Do I Do?
An online brochure from Advocates for Youth.

Elderly Lesbians
Old Lesbians Organizing for Change works to combat ageism in the LGBTQ community by social networking with lesbians age 60 and over

Fashion
All Women Stalk is a lesbian fashion blog.

Illinois Gay Wedding
This is a website that provides resources for Illinois same sex couples who want to get married or have a commitment ceremony.

Lesbian Chicago
The L Stop is an online resource for Chicago’s lesbian community that has article with a wide range of topics.

Lesbian Stereotypes
Here is a Huffington Post article that analyses some lesbian stereotypes and explains why they are problematic.

Here is a list of popular lesbian stereotypes from the feminist website Jezebel.

Pop Culture and Special Interests

After Ellen is a website that is devote to lesbian pop culture, entertainment, and celebrities.

Autostraddle is a website that talks about LBTQIA women and a wide range of topics from food/DIY, politics, feminism, gender, technology, and others.

Queer Disabled Dating
This is an article that talks about the intersectionality of disability and queerness when dating.

Jewish LGBT Resources
This is a website to learn more about the Jewish faith and it contains LGBTQ resources.

State Rights

Lambda Legal
This is an interactive map that shows which states have marriage equality and workplace protections for LGBTQ people.

Books from Lending Library

Learn more about our lending library.

Nine Nights on the Windy Tree
The Girls’ Next Door
The Essential Dykes to Watch Out For
Rubyfruit Jungle
Choices
An Emergence of Green
Well of Loneliness
Desert of the Heart
Sex and Other Sacred Games: Love, Desire, Passion, and Possession
Aya The Secrets Come Out: Volume 3
Worlds Apart: An Anthology of Lesbian and Gay Science Fiction and Fantasy
The Lesbian Primer
Lesbian Teachers: An Invisible Presence
Invisible Lives
Dyke Life
Lesbian Studies Present and Future
What a Lesbian Looks Like: Writings by Lesbians on their Lives and Lifestyle
Journal of Lesbian Studies
Lesbian Woman
Sappho Was A Right-On Woman
Woman+ Woman
Sisters, Sexperts, Queers
The Lesbian Path
A Restricted Country
Loving Boldly: Issues Facing Lesbians
Sunday’s Women
Lesbian Culture: An Anthology
Lesbian Texts and Contexts
Lesbian Subjects
Lesbian, Women & Society
Butch/femme
Inventing Lesbian Cultures in America
Lesbian Ethics
NWSA Lesbian Issue
Call Me Lesbian
The Lesbian Issue
Lesbian Philosophy: Explorations
Lesbian Psychologies
Making A Way: Lesbians Out Front
Lesbian Quotations
My Lesbian Husband
Lesbian (Out)Law
Boots of Leather, Slippers of Gold
Lesbian Passion: Loving Ourselves and Each Other
Lesbians Over 60 Speak for Themselves
The Joy of Lesbian Sex
Lesbian Sex
The Lesbian Community
Surpassing the Love of Men
Ceremonies of the Heart
This is What Lesbian Looks Like
Looking Like What You Are: Sexual Style, Race, and Lesbian Identity
My American History
Dyke Ideas
The Femme Mystique
Lesbian Couples
The Lesbian Family Life Cycle
Of Woman Born
Surface Tension
Boston Marriages
We Say We Love Each Other
And Say Hi to Joyce
Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers
Why Can’t Sharon Kowalski Come Home?
Politics of the Heart: A Lesbian Parenting Anthology

Lesbians in History

These lesbians can be found in the Gender and Sexuality Student Services’ History Display.

Willa Cather is an American writer who is best known for her novels “O Pioneers!” and “My Antonia.”
Bessie Smith is an American blues singer who is known for her recording “Downhearted Blues.”
Virginia Wolfe is a British writer who helped create the Hogarth Press and two of her novels are “Orlando” and “Mrs. Dalloway.”
Audre Lord is an American poet and served as the Poet Laureate of New York from 1990-1991.
Barbara Jordan is an American politician who served in the senate and gave a speech in support for the resignation of President Nixon.-
Eleanor Roosevelt is an American reformer, diplomat, and writer. Some of her accomplishments include participating in the League of Women’s Voters, and the Women’s Trade Union League.

Frequently Asked Questions at UIS

Have a question to add or ask please write us at gss@uis.edu.

1. Where do I go to meet other lesbians at UIS or Springfield? What support services are available?

Weekly LGBTea, weekly support and discussion groups called “Fluidity” and “SHADES.” Meetings and socials sponsored by the student group Queer Straight Alliance (QSA). Local area LGBTQ youth attend the Phoenix Center youth group.

2. What academic opportunities are there at UIS?

Women and Gender Studies at UIS would be a great program for anyone who would be interested in studying subjects related to sexual orientation, gender, or feminism. Here are some of the offered courses: WGS 232: ECCE: U.S. Sexual Minorities, WGS 301: Women, Gender & Society, WGS 357: LGBTQ & Allies Peer Education, WGS 411: Feminist Theories, WGS 418: Queer Theory.