Spectrum Center

Many are aware of a leaked memo by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that seeks to narrowly define gender by a person’s biology, which would drastically roll back recognition and protection of transgender people under federal civil rights law (Green, Brenner, and Pear, Oct. 21, 2018, New York Times). This communication has deeply impacted many people within our communities. The Spectrum Center is a space affirming of trans, gender-non conforming, and intersex communities. The Center staff are here for trans, non-conforming, and intersex students, staff, and faculty members at the institution and beyond. You can reach out to the Spectrum Center at spectrumcenter@umich.edu or by phone at (734) 763-4186. We have compiled a list of campus, local, and national resources available to trans, gender-non conforming, and intersex communities. We recognize that piecing together the information and resources you may need can be overwhelming and confusing. We are available and prepared to help navigate these resources. Please take a look at the resources below pertaining to this situation.

Resources accessible by phone 24/7:

• Trans Lifeline - (877) 565-8860

• The Trevor Project - (866) 488-7386

• CAPS After Hours Urgent Support - (734) 764-8312

Local and State Resources:

• Updating records and documents

  • Spectrum Center Website - Information to update your campus records on Ann Arbor campus.

  • Know Your Rights Project - Free, LGBT-centered legal support to people residing across the state of Michigan.

  • Washtenaw ID Project - Ensure that all residents of Washtenaw County have access to a government-issued ID that validates their identity and residency.

  • Student Legal Services - Provides free legal services for current students and free notary services to current students, current staff, and current faculty at the institution.

  • ID Document Center | Michigan - For name and gender changes in the state of Michigan.

• Support resources

  • Trans CenterSpace - weekly drop-in group for trans and non-binary students

  • Trans Care at University Health Services

  • Center for Education on Women+ (CEW+) - Provides emergency counseling sessions for LGBTQ+ identifying individuals seeking a safe space to dialogue about potential policy changes spearheaded by the Department of Health & Human Services. Call 734-764-6360 for an appointment.

• Groups at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

  • LGBTQ student organizations including the Coalition for Queer and Trans People of Color

  • Staff and Faculty Groups

National Resources:

• National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) - Nation's leading social justice advocacy organization winning life-saving change for transgender people.

• ID Document Center (NCTE) - For name and gender changes

• Trans Law Center - “changes law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression.”

• Sylvia Rivera Law Project - “works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine their gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination, or violence.”

• InterACT - Focused on peer support for parents and/or intersex adults, on political activism and awareness-building, on promoting research, and on advocacy in the medical community

• Lambda Legal - Their mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of LGBT people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.

Articles Available Online:

Here's What Trump's Proposed Memo Really Means for Trans People