LGBTQ+ StudentsResources for Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Personal Development

While many of these resources are geared towards youth and students, many of these resources can also be helpful for LGBTQ+ Gustavus employees. Note that Gustavus also has a LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group. 

LGBTQ+ Crisis Support Resources

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.

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988
Call or text 988. There is also an internet chat feature on their website. Services are available in Spanish. Callers can press 3 (or text Q to 988) to speak with staff trained in working with LGBTQ+ persons.

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 Counseling Hub, JSU 105 (near the Center for Inclusive Excellence). Information about the Counseling Center's other support groups and workshops can be found on this page.

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 gender-neutral changing areas and restrooms in Lund Center on campus? Private, gender-neutral changing rooms and restrooms are located in the newly remodeled cardio area of Lund (on the second level of the fitness center). Lockers are also available in the hallways to store personal items while using the facilities. Additionally, two single-occupancy, gender-neutral restrooms with private showers can be found on the main level of Lund, near the locker rooms and pool area.

Changing Your Name?
Here is a guide to how to change your name through the different systems on campus.

Reporting a Bias Incident or Hate Crime at Gustavus

The Career Development Center's Resources for LGBTQ+ Career Development

Health Service's List of LGBTQ+ Health Resources

LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group
This group is designated for Gustavus faculty and staff who identify as LGBTQ+ or are questioning their gender identity or sexuality.

Minnesota Based Organizations/Resources

Minnesota's LGBTQ+ Mental Health Providers' Professional Network

Pride Counseling Services in Mankato Resource Page
A mental health clinic in Mankato that specializes in serving LGBTQ+ populations. Check out their list of "Gender Affirming Services" and "Safer & Affirming gathering spaces [in Mankato and St. Peter]".

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.

Transformational Therapy Services
They are located in Rockford, MN and can provide telehealth therapy statewide. They offer a variety of services including specialized care for LGBTQ+ individuals (including support for gender transitions). Also offers ADHD and Autism assessment.

Transmission Ministry Collective
"Transmission Ministry Collective is an online community dedicated to the spiritual care, faith formation, and leadership potential of transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive Christians." This organization hosts peer-run online support groups for general trans and non-binary 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, inter-sex, 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.

TransLash
"We Tell Trans Stories To Save Trans Lives" A media outlet for and by transgender people--blog posts, news, podcasts, zines, and other stories.

Transgender Law Center
A trans-led legal advocacy group.

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).

Rest For Resistance
Narratives of queer persons of color written by queer persons of color.

Trans Healthcare and Hormone Therapy

GLAAD: Medical Association Statements Supporting Trans Youth Healthcare and Against Discriminatory Bills

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.

SafeNeedleDisposal.org
What to do with sharps in Minnesota.

Managing Anxiety/Fear of Needles
7 Tips for Overcoming Fear of Self-Injection
6 Tips for Dealing with Needle Anxiety

Guidelines for the Primary and Gender-Affirming Care of Transgender and Gender Non-binary 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.

Referrals for Gender Affirming Care

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Comprehensive Gender Care (Including Gender Affirming Surgeries)

Other Medical Care Resources

  • Rural AIDS Action Network (HIV and Hepatitis C testing and case management services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.) 

Information About LGBTQ+ Identies

LGBTQ+ Pride Flags
Information about different LGBTQ+ groups and their pride flags by the Human Rights Campaign.

A Guide to Gender Identitiy Terms

Gender Identity Terminology

Sexualities and their Definitions

Romantic Orientations

LGBTQIA+ Wiki
A dedicated resource for LGBTQIA+ topics, including sexual and romantic orientations, gender identities, and the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole.

Gender Wiki

Sexuality & Orientation Wiki

PBS - Map of Gender Diverse Cultures

Asexual People and Relationships

Other Resources

A Coming Out Handbook for LGBTQ+ Young People by The Trevor Project

6 Ways to Deal with Gender Dysphoria

19 Ways to Help Gender Dysphoria

Facialteam's Tea Time Series
A collection of colorful conversations on a range of topics for trans people. The aim is to inform, raise awareness and provide visibility of the many realities that exist today for trans people and their families. 

The Center for Inclusive Excellence also has a resource page for LGBTQ+ Students. Check it out here.

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.