Any trans/queer-friendly schools and communities? Help w/ school list? and WAMC: UMASS?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Your family situation sounds like you need to find resources for your children. First thing I would do is figure out what places you think are most amenable to their care as well. This may help narrow your list a bit, but you do need to be sure you can study with minimal distractions or concerns. Where are your family members (assuming they are supportive)?

Placeholder here for resources...
 
Last edited:
Your family situation sounds like you need to.find resources for your children. First thing I would do is figure out what places you think are most amenable to their care as well. This may help narrow your list a bit, but you do need to be sure you can study with minimal distractions or concerns. Where are your family members (assuming they are supportive)?

Placeholder here for resources...
Hi,

I appreciate your questions and advice.

Fortunately, their therapies are a part of their educational plan now since they are school-age. My eldest will graduating his therapy programs within 6 months and my youngest will most likely continue theirs. Their medical appointments and therapies have decreased substantially. And, if schools transfer to virtual learning again, at that point, we could complete my youngest sessions online.

My partner is a nurse. If we moved, he would try to find a weekend job like he has now and be home with them during the week for school drop off, bus pick up, sick days, virtual learning.

I have two adult family members who would relocate with us who are supportive.

Moving will be a stressful transition. But I function well when challenged. I enjoy planning. The ideal situation would be my children being in school during the week. If schools don’t go virtual, they may qualify for extended day activities. They’re in bed routinely by 8:30pm, leaving me time to exist for a few hours. I would have the weekdays to attend class, labs and everything else. And most likely, a weekend day to study on top of studying after the kids are asleep. It won’t be easy because of the sheer amount of information but, I feel confident I’ll manage.
 
Any help with a school list is appreciated.

If anyone can provide some schools that may be welcoming to my stats, I can research and decide from there.

I’m not sure which schools to apply. Or if I should find shadowing and/or research opportunities to improve my application?

Originally, I planned on applying to schools in New England because I’ve lived throughout. But as it gets closer…the anxiety of this whole process has me doubting my ability to be accepted d/t no research and shadowing, being non-traditional, a parent, failing a class, having a hiset, taking courses at a community college, being visibly trans. So, I want to widen the net and see if there are any schools that might be more accepting but first, I need to get my foot in the app pool with an school acceptable
GPA and MCAT. Honestly, I’d appreciate any schools that will accept my stats and I’ll narrow them down.
 
Last edited:
Resources:

First, I'm not sure you knew about the SDN LGBTQ forum here, but that may also provide some resources that can help you (archived/pinned topics). Hopefully there are a few people who lurk there who can help.

I also know that the national student organizations may also have some resources as well, so check out what AMSA and SNMA provide. Furthermore, there is the Medical Student Pride Alliance, which may also be helpful in finding peers and insights about what you should look for in schools. They have a premed association membership, and they are trying to form chapters at various schools.

Honestly, your stats, demographic, and sketch of a personal journey will generate interest, so you need to reframe and turn the tables. That is to say, what can these schools offer you to help support you and your family so you can graduate as the best doctor possible who can make the greatest impact. For me this means finding a supportive culture, clinical mentors, and learning environment that respects your value and expertise in their goals of serving society and their patients.

[If you decide to sign up for a membership and it asks for a contact for a prehealth advisor, use SDN/HPSA ([email protected]).]
 
Resources:

First, I'm not sure you knew about the SDN LGBTQ forum here, but that may also provide some resources that can help you (archived/pinned topics). Hopefully there are a few people who lurk there who can help.

I also know that the national student organizations may also have some resources as well, so check out what AMSA and SNMA provide. Furthermore, there is the Medical Student Pride Alliance, which may also be helpful in finding peers and insights about what you should look for in schools. They have a premed association membership, and they are trying to form chapters at various schools.

Honestly, your stats, demographic, and sketch of a personal journey will generate interest, so you need to reframe and turn the tables. That is to say, what can these schools offer you to help support you and your family so you can graduate as the best doctor possible who can make the greatest impact. For me this means finding a supportive culture, clinical mentors, and learning environment that respects your value and expertise in their goals of serving society and their patients.

[If you decide to sign up for a membership and it asks for a contact for a prehealth advisor, use SDN/HPSA ([email protected]).]
Thank you so much for all the wonderful resources and information. I appreciate it. You’ve made my journey a bit easier.

Your advice to reframe is helpful beyond measure. Thank you again. I’ll be sure to check out the resources.
 
Thank you so much for all the wonderful resources and information. I appreciate it. You’ve made my journey a bit easier.

Your advice to reframe is helpful beyond measure. Thank you again. I’ll be sure to check out the resources.
Glad to help out! Please DM me to see if any of these connections are working out in your preparations.
 
Top