What colleges are the most transgender friendly?

Hi all! I'm starting my college search. As a person who identifies as transgender, I'm looking for colleges that are supportive and inclusive. Can you all suggest any top colleges in the U.S. that are particularly welcoming for transgender students? Thanks a ton!

Hi there! Indeed, there are many colleges in the U.S. that are making strides in becoming more inclusive environments for transgender students. Some of these schools have policies in place that cater specifically to transgender and non-binary students' needs, like gender-neutral housing, restrooms, and health insurance that covers transition-related health care.

One of the well-known universities that are highly rated for their inclusivity is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). They have a variety of policies and programs in place, such as allowing students to change their name and gender identity on university records without legal changing it, gender-inclusive housing options, and health insurance plans that include coverage for hormone therapy and gender affirmation procedures.

The University of California, Berkeley is another institution that is much praised for its welcoming nature. The school provides gender-inclusive housing, multi-stall gender-inclusive bathrooms, and allows students to self-identify their names and pronouns on university records. The campus also has the Gender Equity Resource Center, which offers a myriad of resources for transgender students.

Another worth mentioning is Stanford University. It is widely recognized for its supportive environment with measures such as offering gender-neutral bathrooms and housing, health coverage plan including gender affirmation surgery, and also a community center for transgender students to find resources, support, and connect with others.

The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) also stands out for its support for transgender students. UPenn provides options for gender-neutral housing and restrooms, in addition to health insurance that covers hormone replacement therapy and gender affirmation surgeries. They also have an LGBT Center that offers peer mentorship and a host of other resources for transgender students.

These are just a few examples, as more and more universities are evolving to become more inclusive towards the needs of transgender and non-binary students. Be sure to research the universities' specific policies and resources as you continue your search, to ensure they align with your personal needs and expectations. Best of luck in your college search!