Trans* Student...where t go?

[cyclingkayaker88]

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Okay, so I have really debated posting about this, because I'm not one to come out and *waive* my freak flag, but alas...I have spent so much debating which school is best for me. I am a trans* student (Female to Male), and am very comfortable with who I am...and have no inner conflict within. However, with that being said, I don't flaunt my identity or come out to everyone whereas in this stage in my life, I pass very well. All of my legal documents have been changed as well.

However, with that being said, I have scars from my top surgery..that are semi-visible...and I use the stall in a guy's restroom as I do not desire a lower surgery. I live in Ohio currently and have applied to a variety of schools both in-state and out-of-state. My biggest concern when going to graduate school is making other student and faculty uncomfortable to a point where it impacts what bathroom *they* want me to use, and it impacts the daily learning environment where I will be able to feel how tense they are, etc.

It is SO important for me to feel comfortable where I am going to school - that I do need to be able to fit in and be myself. I'm afraid that not all students and faculty will be accepting at every school despite what their policies and students right laws say.

Schools I do not think I would have a problem at (if I am accepted): University of Wisconsin-Madison (tuition would be 105,000+), University of Miami, and Emory University

Schools I am not sure about: Ohio University, Ohio State University, Indiana University

Thoughts? Please be honest and respectful. Thank you.

 

[bengirlxD]

Being trans should not stop you from going anywhere. Apply where your heart desires and do your best. You are just as normal and capable as anyone else who is a good candidate for a particular school. I currently live in the Atlanta area and I think Emory would be a great school because of how diverse it is but at the same time I think your choice of school should not be restricted to certain areas. You can find people even in the most conservative of places to be a friend and be comfortable with. Good luck on your academic career

 

[astarblaze]

You didn't mention any schools in these areas, but if you're interested in going further afield, I have trans friends in the SF Bay Area and Boston area who are very happy and have quite a bit of support. My feeling is that there's much more awareness/less stigma in those areas than many other places in the country. So UCSF, Samuel Merritt, BU, MGHI, etc might be worth looking into, though all are rather pricy. Unfortunately I don't know much about the Ohio and Indiana schools....
Ideally you would feel safe and supported wherever you go, but unfortunately we haven't gotten there yet. 🙁

Best of luck!

 

[katelly]

I have no idea about any of those schools or cities. But as another option, University of Montana is is a great town (Missoula) with a really diverse community. I know Montana doesn't exactly evoke the idea of accepting communities but its a great place.

If you knew you had an ally on the faculty that could go a long way I would think. Would you be comfortable asking if anyone would be an ally for you during an interview- or maybe as a follow up if the interview goes well? If it made them uncomfortable that could tell you a lot about the program and how you would feel a year into it. Better to find out early maybe?
Also, I would think about the size of the program. Being in a small school might make a difference- if you could know everyone personally. or maybe you want to be a bigger program where you can blend in a little more?

Thanks for sharing! I think a lot of us here would be happy to have you in our class!

 

[cyclingkayaker88]

Thank you so much for responding, everyone. As this is the month most schools will get back to me, I am silently freaking out on the inside. I really do believe that most schools will be supportive and individuals as I am learning that the APTA and being a Physical Therapist is truly being involved with society as a proponent.

I asked one school which they said the "encourage professionalism and would emphasize that." I feel that was a generic answer that was not really addressing the core of the question I was getting at. That is where the dilemma kind of is - the support of the others /liberal areas vs. cost of the school. Are the other schools you have mentioned that would be supportive, do they mostly consist of students that are in-state or a mixture?

Thank you for your support and feedback everyone!

 

[scrawnyguy]

Okay, so I have really debated posting about this, because I'm not one to come out and *waive* my freak flag, but alas...I have spent so much debating which school is best for me. I am a trans* student (Female to Male), and am very comfortable with who I am...and have no inner conflict within. However, with that being said, I don't flaunt my identity or come out to everyone whereas in this stage in my life, I pass very well. All of my legal documents have been changed as well.

However, with that being said, I have scars from my top surgery..that are semi-visible...and I use the stall in a guy's restroom as I do not desire a lower surgery. I live in Ohio currently and have applied to a variety of schools both in-state and out-of-state. My biggest concern when going to graduate school is making other student and faculty uncomfortable to a point where it impacts what bathroom *they* want me to use, and it impacts the daily learning environment where I will be able to feel how tense they are, etc.

It is SO important for me to feel comfortable where I am going to school - that I do need to be able to fit in and be myself. I'm afraid that not all students and faculty will be accepting at every school despite what their policies and students right laws say.

Schools I do not think I would have a problem at (if I am accepted): University of Wisconsin-Madison (tuition would be 105,000+), University of Miami, and Emory University

Schools I am not sure about: Ohio University, Ohio State University, Indiana University

Thoughts? Please be honest and respectful. Thank you.

I lived in Columbus, OH for a couple of years and there seems to be a growing LGBTQ community in the area.

http://www.queerty.com/move-over-sa...olumbus-becoming-americas-1-gay-city-20110617

 

[cyclingkayaker88]

Thank you!

 

[NJ DPT HOPEFUL]

I may be naive but I'd like to think that this wouldn't have an effect on PT school. I'd think everyone would too concerned with their labs to really put much thought into something like a classmate's sexuality. I'd say go to whatever program you are accepted to that you like, shouldn't be different than any other student. Good luck

 

[redrose424]

Okay, so I have really debated posting about this, because I'm not one to come out and *waive* my freak flag, but alas...I have spent so much debating which school is best for me. I am a trans* student (Female to Male), and am very comfortable with who I am...and have no inner conflict within. However, with that being said, I don't flaunt my identity or come out to everyone whereas in this stage in my life, I pass very well. All of my legal documents have been changed as well.

However, with that being said, I have scars from my top surgery..that are semi-visible...and I use the stall in a guy's restroom as I do not desire a lower surgery. I live in Ohio currently and have applied to a variety of schools both in-state and out-of-state. My biggest concern when going to graduate school is making other student and faculty uncomfortable to a point where it impacts what bathroom *they* want me to use, and it impacts the daily learning environment where I will be able to feel how tense they are, etc.

It is SO important for me to feel comfortable where I am going to school - that I do need to be able to fit in and be myself. I'm afraid that not all students and faculty will be accepting at every school despite what their policies and students right laws say.

Schools I do not think I would have a problem at (if I am accepted): University of Wisconsin-Madison (tuition would be 105,000+), University of Miami, and Emory University

Schools I am not sure about: Ohio University, Ohio State University, Indiana University

Thoughts? Please be honest and respectful. Thank you.

I second Bengirl's answer. I also live in the Atlanta area, and I think the community here is quite strong. Emory is a good school. There is also Mercer and GSU that have PT programs in Atlanta, but I think you could very well be happy here!

 

[cyclingkayaker88]

For people that decide to go to a school based on their strong academic foundation and the diverse culture they offer (which obviously not all programs can hold a candle to), how do you justify paying for the most expensive tuition?

Thanks!

 

[outley]

I think OSU and OU would be very accepting!

 

[SeaBiscuitSails]

Have you discounted Emory? People are from all over; but then there is the cost to consider. Also oh I forget now which school in Texas is in Austin? It's a very progressive area. Also the Boston area, San Francisco, Los Angeles. I wish you luck where ever you end up and hope you find a good place to call home- we all need that and you are no exception.

 

[starrsgirl]

Best of luck in your decisions! Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. I hope your post (just by saying "hey!" I'm here too) encourages lots of other students who may bring different perspectives into a class. I would value you as a classmate!