Equity and inclusion of our transgender students is a priority at BSU. Our policies and practices reflect best practice designed to promote the success of transgender and nonbinary students. BSU values equity for all.
Housing
Inclusive Housing
BSU is committed to providing a safe and inclusive living environment for transgender and nonbinary students. We do this through offering:
- Housing assignments based on gender identity;
- Gender-inclusive housing which permits students of different gender identities to share living quarters;
- Rainbow Housing, in partnership with the Pride Center, which allows students to elect to live in a gender-inclusive housing option allowing LGBTQIA+ students and allies to live in a safe and inclusive environment.;
- The Lavender Living and Learning Community which provides LGBTQ+ (includes but not limited to asexual, bisexual, gay, lesbian, non-binary, pansexual, transgender, two-spirit, queer, questioning, and ally) students with safe and consistent spaces to build community, foster identity development, and increase knowledge of LGBTQ+ topics and scholarship. The Pride Center co-sponsors this LLC with the English department and includes a one-credit class component.
Restrooms
Gender Inclusive Single Occupancy Restrooms
At BSU, everyone has the right to use restrooms on campus that are consistent with their gender identity as long as the facilities are used for their intended purpose.
BSU also has 44 publicly accessible single occupancy restrooms that are gender inclusive which means that people of all gender identities may use these restrooms. BSU has made a commitment to adding at least one gender inclusive single occupancy restroom (GISOR) in every new and significantly renovated building. You can download a list of current GISOR locations on campus.
First Name in Use, Gender Identity, and Pronouns in Use
As part of the University’s values of equity and inclusion, BSU is proud to offer students, faculty/librarians, administrators, staff, and alumnx [1] the option to indicate their First Name in Use, Gender Identity, and Pronouns in Use. BSU students who opt in will have their names and pronouns they use displayed wherever legal name is not required (e.g., BSU identification card, email address, class rosters, and more.
Learn more about the Name in Use option (previously referred to as Preferred Name) including where Name in Use can be used. Many of our online classroom platforms (e.g., Zoom, Blackboard) enable students to update name and pronouns to reflect their true identities.
[1] Alumnx is a gender free way to refer to alumni
Athletics
BSU has a Trans-Inclusive Intercollegiate and Club Sport Policy. Bridgewater State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression. In support of the principles of equity and inclusion, Bridgewater State University Athletics and Recreation commits to transgender-inclusive policies to facilitate and encourage the participation of transgender students, staff, faculty and visitors.
Health Insurance
BSU recognizes how important it is that transgender and nonbinary students receive health care that is inclusive and affirming. As part of our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our transgender and nonbinary students, BSU offers a fully trans-inclusive student health insurance plan. To learn more about Trans-related student health care coverage, please see Part 5 Covered Services: Gender Affirming Services (Transgender -Related Services) section of the BSU Student Health Insurance Policy.
Studying Abroad
Transgender individuals have unique considerations when travelling abroad. BSU works individually with transgender or nonbinary students to proactively address safety or identity concerns prior to travelling abroad.
Transgender Identities Groups (TIG)
Led by student workers in the Pride Center, the Transgender Identities Group (TIG) meets bi-weekly and offers transgender and nonbinary students a safe space to affirm and support one another.
Chest Binder Program
The Pride Center provides free chest binders (specially-designed chest compression garments) to any trans student in need who cannot afford or safely obtain one. Contact the Pride Center at GLBTA@miyao2009.com for more information.
Safe Zone 2.0
The Pride Center provides educational workshops to the entire campus community that fosters greater transgender inclusion and equity. In Safe Zone 2.0 trainings, we emphasize the ways in which faculty, staff, and students can support our transgender students and our LGBTQIA+ students of color.
Safety and Respect
BSU prioritizes safety and respect for all students, including transgender students. If you feel like you have experienced bias or discrimination at BSU, know that there are many recourses available to you. BSU is on your side.