LGBTQ+ Students
Resources for Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Personal Development
(Resources regarding trans healthcare and hormone therapy are listed at the end of this page.)
On Campus
Queer & Questioning Support Group at Gustavus
The Gustavus Counseling Center created the Queer & Questioning group as a safe and confidential space for students who identify as LGBTQ+ or are questioning their sexual or gender identity. In this group we examine diverse gender and sexual identities and hold room for supporting each person wherever they are at in their identity development process. If you are interested in this group, please fill out this form to be emailed meeting reminders and other information. For any other questions, contact ageringe@gustavus.edu or jortmeier@gustavus.edu. Meetings are Fridays at 2:30 pm - 3:20 pm in the JCC 49er Room (left of the Campus Activities Office information desk, past the elevator).
Queers & Allies at Gustavus
Queers & Allies is a student-led organization concerned with fostering a supportive environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and allied students on campus. The above link will direct you to contact information and social media links for the group.
Gender Neutral Restrooms on Campus
A map showing which buildings on campus have gender neutral bathrooms. This was created by members of Student Senate.
Looking for all gender changing areas and restrooms in the Lund athletic center on campus? There are are several private, all gender changing rooms and restrooms in the newly remodeled cardio area of Lund. The center also has new lockers in this hallway to store personal items while using the facilities.
Changing Your Name?
This is a helpful guide to changing your name with various offices on campus. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Dean of Students office (dos@gustavus.edu) and they can help you through this process. Here is another webpage that may provide additional useful information about changing your name in your name and pronouns in your GUS Account.
The Career Development Center's Resources for LGBTQ+ Career Development
Health Service's List of LGBTQ+ Health Resources
In Minnesota
Minnesota's LGBTQ+ Mental Health Providers' Professional Network
South Central Minnesota Pride
A non-profit organization whose mission is to promote pride and visibility for LGBTQ and allied communities in South Central Minnesota. Each fall they run a pride festival in Mankato.
Transmission Ministry Collective
"Transmission Ministry Collective is an online community dedicated to the spiritual care, faith formation, and leadership potential of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive Christians." This organization hosts peer-run online support groups for general trans and nonbinary folx, trans Christians of color, and a gender exploration group for anyone who think they don't "fit entirely in the cisgender box". Other services include LGBTQ+ Bible studies, workshops, resources for family members of trans and gender expansive folx, and resources for ministry professionals.
OutFront Minnesota
OutFront Minnesota serves the GLBT and allied communities of Minnesota with a wide variety of programs and services
(612) 822-0127
Transforming Families Minnesota
Support for transgender, gender-nonconforming, and gender questioning youth and their families to come together.
(612) 321-8416
National Organizations
Refuge Restrooms
Refuge Restrooms is a web application (also available as a smart device app) that seeks to provide safe restroom access for transgender, intersex, and gender nonconforming individuals. Users can search for restrooms by proximity to a search location, add new restroom listings, as well as comment and rate existing listings.
Genderbands
An organization that offers free binders and grants for covering gender-affirming surgery for individuals who identify as being on the trans spectrum. Applications can be submitted in English or Spanish. Genderbands also hosts several online support and social groups for trans individuals of different ages and for parents of trans children.
LGBTQ+ Youth Are Not Alone
Online communities and mental health resources for LGBTQ+ students.
The Trevor Project (866) 488-7386
24/7 support for LGBTQ+ persons through phone (see above number), internet messaging, and text messaging (text START to 678-678). There are additional resources are on their website.
Trans Lifeline (877) 565-8860
A hotline and non-profit organization "offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis - for the trans community, by the trans community". Callers can connect with support staff who speak Spanish.
The Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN)
Informational resources for people who identify as asexual or are questioning. AVEN also includes information about romantic orientations (e.g., aromatic, grayromantic, and demiromantic).
National Queer and Trans Therapist of Color Network
Rest For Resistance
Narratives of queer persons of color written by queer persons of color.
National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance
A collection of LGBTQ+ Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander organizations who aim to “promote visibility, educate our community, enhance grassroots organizing, expand collaborations, and challenge anti-LGBTQ bias and racism.”
Trans Healthcare and Hormone Therapy
This section is in the process of being updated.
Getting Trans-Competent Healthcare: How to work with your nurse or doctor
Trans Health Guide: Hormone Therapy
Commonly Used Medications for Transition
Feminizing Hormone Resources
Types of Feminizing Hormones and FAQs
Feminizing Hormone Therapy
Information on Estrogen Hormone Therapy
Hormone Monitoring Summary
Effects and Expected Time Course Regimen Consisting of Anti-Androgen and Estrogen
Masculinizing Hormone Resources
Masculinizing Hormones
Information on Testosterone Hormone Therapy
Hormone Monitoring Summary
Effects and Expected Time Course Regimen Consisting of Testosterone
Giving Hormones by Intramuscular Injection*
*We provide this resource to give an understanding of a common route through which hormone therapy is administered. Always refer to an authorized medical provider's directions when administering medications.
Guidelines for the Primary and Gender-Affirming Care of Transgender and Gender Nonbinary People
This is an extensive resource and its intended audience is professionals who provide primary medical care. However, we feel that it can be a useful resource for the patient/client to access to know that these guidelines exist for medical providers and to offer the patient/client an understanding of the medical care they are entitled to.
Other Resources
9 Keys for Dealing with Gender Dysphoria
19 Ways to Help Gender Dysphoria
PBS - Map of Gender Diverse Cultures
Asexual People and Relationships
If you have suggestions for further resources, feel free to share them with ageringe@gustavus.edu. We are happy to include them on this page.