If you are exploring what gender means to you, and you think you might benefit from chatting with someone in our office, we invite you to reach out to us.
The following information may be helpful to those who identify as trans, genderqueer, gender non-binary, or who are considering a gender transition.
Yes! Gender inclusive housing is now available as a housing option to anyone at the College. Visit our page on gender inclusive housing to learn more.
Harvard University includes gender identity in our non-discrimination statement, so people who use restrooms aligned with their gender identity are protected by the university. Furthermore, there is an ordinance in Cambridge and Boston that requires businesses to allow a person to use a bathroom aligned with their gender identity.
The Office of Gender Equity also maintainsa map of Gender Inclusive Restrooms on campus. You will need to use your HUID to log in and view the map.
Surgery: Harvard's Blue Cross Blue Shield Plan covers gender-affirming surgeries (upper and lower).
Hormones: Healthcare providers at University Health Services (UHS) are familiar with hormone therapy and have experience working with trans students. After speaking with a provider about your desire to pursue hormones, they will go over a consent form detailing the effects hormones may have on your body and will discuss necessary testing and follow-up appointments. Generally a referral to an endocrinologist is not needed, but the provider will discuss your specific needs based on your medical history.
We acknowledge that navigating the ins and outs of health care converage can be daunting, so please feel free to reach out to us for support or visit the HUHS BGLTQ Health Support page.
Information provided by the Registrar's Office and Campus Service Center.
How do I change my name on student records?
You may change your official name on the student record once you have legally changed your name by completing this form and attaching supporting documentation. You may change your chosen name at any time via my.harvard. If you need a diploma or transcript showing your preferred name please visit our office on the 4th floor of the Smith Campus Center or email us at transcript@fas.harvard.edu. If you have concerns about your gender identity matching your credentials but have not changed your legal name please check in with the Registrar's Office for assistance.
How can I use my chosen name on my degree?
You may update your chosen name at any time on my.harvard by clicking on the pencil next to your name in the personal information tab.
Will faculty and staff see my chosen name and pronouns on my.harvard?
Yes. Faculty and staff will see only your preferred first name on my.harvard now and on course rosters by Spring 2016. If you provided gender pronouns those will also be visible on my.harvard now and on course rosters by Spring 2016. We make this information available to other users of student information, but it is up to those other offices to take this information and to make it available in their systems. Therefore, some places that access student information may draw on official name rather than preferred first name. Should you have any concerns or issues with this process please contact Mike Burke, Registrar, to discuss options.
Who has access to my legal name?
We make preferred name available to other offices but it is their responsibility to manage their information systems. This means that some offices may use your official name in lieu of your preferred name. However, faculty and staff with access to my.harvard and course rosters will only see your preferred first name and official last name. Administrative users in our office and offices such as the Housing Office can view all names. If you have questions or concerns please contact Mike Burke, Registrar, to discuss options.
Harvard affiliates who would like to have their Harvard ID replaced to reflect their gender identity/expression can have their ID card reprinted. There is no ID card fee for this service. We will use the “preferred first name” that is listed in the University Directory (MIDAS) and take an updated photo. Last names can only be changed if there has been a legal name change. Visit your local ID office and request an updated Harvard ID card to reflect your gender identity/expression. Prior to coming to the ID office, please ensure that your preferred name is listed in MIDAS and bring your current Harvard ID card to exchange for the new ID card. Bring a government-issued photo ID if you do not have a current Harvard ID card or if you are legally changing your last name.
Timing for Fall 2023 TBD
DROP IN SUPPORT GROUP FOR TRANS* STUDENTS
This is a confidential support and psycho-education group for undergraduate and graduate students who identify as transgender, gender queer, non-binary, gender non-conforming, or questioning. This group provides a safe and affirming space to build community, share experiences, ask questions, and gain information. Topics include social and legal aspects of gender transition, coming out during college, navigating family issues, medical interventions, physical and mental health, dating and relationships, coming out in internships/job settings, and more.
There are a number of possible resources you can turn to if you feel you've been harassed or discriminated against based on your gender and/or sex. You are, of course, welcome to come to us at the Office of BGLTQ Student Life—we are happy to talk to you about your experiences, and to help connect you with resources that can meet your needs. Additionally, the staff at the Office of Gender Equity, the Title IX Office, Counseling and Mental Health Services, and the peer counseling groups are available to speak with you and to help you process your experiences.
Some additional resources include, but are not limited to, the following:
After speaking to any of the advisors mentioned above, you can continue to pursue the matter through informal mediation and conflict resolution in conjuction with the Title IX Office or the Office for Dispute Resolution, or through filing a formal complaint and involving the administrative board. Additionally, you might consider pursuing a No-Contact Order, a Cease-and-Desist Order, a No Trespassing Order, or an Abuse or Harassment Prevention Order from HUPD or the Middlesex County courts.
Please know that we at the Office of BGLTQ Student Life are a resource in situations where you feel threatened or discriminated against. Additionally, we can connect you with appropriate resources or help you through the process.
Everyone is welcome in our office space! We are located in the Lower Level of Thayer Hall. Elevators can be accessed in the entrance next to Memorial Church. If you have any concerns about accessibility, please reach out to us at BGLTQ@fas.harvard.edu.
