Moorpark College is committed to creating a nurturing atmosphere rich in learning experiences, free of fear and discrimination for all. To this end, the SAFEZONE training program was developed to support LGBTQIA+ students, employees, and allies.
The SAFEZONE emblem not only signifies a pledge of commitment, but that the person displaying the placard has been trained to support this unique population. It was through the dedication of the MC SAFEZONE committee and the help of The Gay Alliance, College of the Canyons, and Bakersfield College that MC's training program was developed.
Interested in being SAFEZONE trained? Our next training is February 26th from 9am to 1pm in-person! Click below to sign-up. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Allison Case Barton at abarton@vcccd.edu or Jasmine Betka at jasmine_betka1@vcccd.edu.
SAFEZONE Training Sign-up.
Resources for Coming Out
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The Trevor Project
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Human Rights Campaign Foundation
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Coming Out: Living Authentically as LGBTQ+ Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders
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Coming Out: Living Authentically as Black LGBTQ+ People Human Rights Campaign Foundation
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Salir del Clóset: Vivir Auténticamente como Latinoamericanes
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Five Pieces of Advice for Coming Out as Bi, Pan, Queer or Fluid
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Coming Out: Living Authentically as Transgender or Non-Binary
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Coming Out: Living Authentically as Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual+
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UnitedHealthcare
Tips for Coming Out to Yourself
Coming out to yourself is sometimes all you need to do.
- Identity exploration is a great way to explore your identity.
- Consider watching Queer characters and shows. Reflect on who you identify with.
- LGBTQIA+ Podcasts are a great way to learn more about a variety of Queer topics and from Queer voices.
- Buzzfeed: 20 Best Queer Podcasts To Tune Into While Going About Your Daily Queer Life
- Influencer Club’s List of Top LGBT YouTubers [2024]
- Searching for vloggers you can relate to can help with identity and experiences
- Check out the MC Library LGBTQIA+ Reading and Resource Guide
- Reading books is a great way to be entertained while gaining deeper insight.
- Coming out to yourself is a great way to explore your identity and accept yourself. Remember, identity is fluid and may change. Here are some exercises to consider trying:
- Say it to yourself in a mirror
- Write it down on paper
- Go for a walk and say it out loud in a private place
- Coming out is a lifelong journey. It will be filled with ups and downs. You may be out in some spaces and not others. Being out is complicated, but remember, you never need to feel guilt or shame for being out or not.
Resources for Being an Ally
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Buffer
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Venture Out Project
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American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education
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ACLU Kansas
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Human Rights Campaign Foundation
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Harvard
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Additional Resources:
LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Resources
The Moorpark College Student Health Center offers students access to free mental health. The MC Student Health Center's mental health care is a safe space to explore identity and feelings. Call (805) 378-1413 for more information.
Additional Community Resources:
- Trans Lifeline:
- To access this lifeline, call: 877-565-8860.
- BlackLine
- Operated by and primarily for members of the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.
- Call or text: 1-800-604-5841
- DeQH Helpline
- Provides peer-support to individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ and South Asian
- Call: 908-367-3374
- INARA Warmline
- Is operated by members of the Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity
- Call: 71-QTM-INARA (717-864-6272)
- StrongHearts Helpline
- Native American and Alaska Native survivors, family members, and friends affected by domestic, dating and sexual violence.
- Text or call 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762-8483)
- TrevorLifeline, TrevorText
- Supports LGBTQ+ young people in active crisis situations
- Call 1-866-488-7386. For text-based support, text “START” to 678-678.
- 988 “PRIDE” Lifeline
- Text “PRIDE” to 988 or Call 988 and select option 3 or Select LGBTQI+ in the pre-chat survey at 988lifeline.org
Mental Health Websites and Information
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Guides built for and with LGBTQ+ teens to help you explore your identity and support your mental health.
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The Trevor Project
- HRC
- Diversity for Social Impact
Ways to protect your mental health as an LGBTQIA+ individual
- Set Boundaries
- Dealing with inappropriate behavior can be challenging. Establish boundaries, allow yourself to step away from uncomfortable situations, consider your comfort level in responding, and remember you can only control yourself, not others.
- Be mindful of how much news and media you are taking in. It can be beneficial to limit your exposure if you are feeling overwhelmed.
- Unplug
- Social media often contains anti-LGBTQIA+ content, leading to increased stress, fear, and anger. To manage this, limit exposure to such content, set specific times for news consumption, take breaks if feeling anxious, block hate spreaders, and follow positivity.
- Find a Healthy Outlet
- Did you know that engaging in artistic activities can reduce stress and boost serotonin? You do not need to create a masterpiece, rather, just enjoy a creative outlet. Dance, sing, paint, draw, sculpt, craft, bead, crochet, woodwork, or do what you find fun!
- Exercise can reduce stress, depression, anxiety and improve sleep and mood. Aim for 2.5 to 3 hours of moderate activity a week. Try walking, hiking, yoga, home exercises, a sport, or anything that gets you safely moving!
- Get Connected
- Pride Center at Moorpark College
- Come hang out in a safe and inclusive LGBTQIA+ space. The space contains places to meet, relax, and work. Enter through ASMC in campus center to find the center! Opens Fall 2024.
- Campus Center Room 147
- Join MOORPRIDE, a LGBTQIA+ club on campus. The club is a great place to get involved, make friends, and have fun. Contact Jasmine for more information at jasmine_betka1@vcccd.edu
Understanding LGBTQ+ legislation and advocacy:
Track Current Laws
GLAAD Law
EEOC
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EEOC Rolls Back LGBTQ+ Protections, Raising Concerns Over Civil Rights Enforcement
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EEOC tells its workers to halt LGBTQ+ discrimination claim processing
The Human Rights Campaign Resources
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Understanding Executive Orders and What They Mean for the LGBTQ+ Community
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LGBTQ+ Voting Barriers: Results from the 2019 LGBTQ+ Voter Experience Study
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Did you know "more than 10% of LGBTQ+ voters, more than a quarter of transgender voters, and over 40% of BIPOC transgender voters were unable to vote due to being unknowingly dropped from the voter rolls" (HRC)? Read more about voting barriers for the LGBTQ+ community.
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The Equality Act
- The Equality Act would provide consistent and explicit anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people across key areas of life, including employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service. The Equality Act has already passed in the House but needs to pass in the Senate. Learn more about how you can help advocate for the Equality Act.
Myths and Facts: Battling Disinformation About Transgender Rights
Lawmakers across the country have recently proposed a number of bills that target the transgender community. Learn more about the truth behind these bills.
State Maps
See state maps that show the laws and policies that affect LGBTQ+ people in areas of non-discrimination, healthcare, youth, and more.
Map of Adoption and Fostering Laws
Specific Anti-LGBTQ+ bill examples
Refusal of medical care in Ohio
Ohio's 'Don't Say Gay' Bill
Texas anti-transgender medical treatments law explained
Legislation Affecting LGBTQ+ People
240 Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills have been filed in 2022 (as of March 20th)
Legislation tracker
Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills in 2022
Anti-LGBT Curriculum Laws
Advocacy
LGBTQ+ Conversion Therapy
Conversion therapy costs an estimate $9.23 billion dollars a year in the United States. Read more on why.
Map of Conversion Therapy Laws in the United States
Statistics
Gallup Polls
Historical Timelines
LGBTQ History in Government Documents: Timeline of Documents
GLSEN LGBTQ HISTORY TIMELINE REFERENCE
Cold War, Lavender Scare, and LGBTQ+ Activism
Campus Resources
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Pride Center at Moorpark College
- Come hang out in a safe and inclusive LGBTQIA+ space. The space contains places to meet, relax, and work. Enter through ASMC in campus center to find the center! Opens Spring 2025
- Campus Center Room 147
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Join MOORPRIDE: The Pride club at Moorpark College
- The club is a great place to get involved, make friends, and have fun.
- Contact Jasmine for more information at jasmine_betka1@vcccd.edu or Allison Case Barton at abarton@vcccd.edu
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Mission Statement: "We seek the betterment of our LGBTQIA+ and ally students through friendship, education, and social support."
New meeting times will be established Spring 2025
For more information, please contact Jasmine Betka at jasmine_betka1@vcccd.edu or Allison Case Barton at abarton@vcccd.edu
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MC Student health Center
- Staff at the MC Student Health Center are trained to support and care for LGBTQIA+ students.
- The MC Student Health Center is an excellent on-campus resource for enrolled students. It offers 6 free sessions of psychological counseling as well as a myriad of medical services and health education outreach events through its experienced medical, nursing, and psychiatric staff.
- Call or visit for an appointment:
- (805) 378-1413
- Admin. Bldg. Rm A-111
- Check out our online resources:
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Clubs
- Joining any campus club is a great way to make friends and get connect.
- Check out a list of available clubs online.
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SAFEZONE
- The SAFEZONE program aims to train employees and students on how to better support the LGBTQIA+ community. The SAFEZONE website shares tons of LGBTQIA+ campus and community resources.
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Reporting a problem
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Moorpark College Campus Police: (805) 378-1455
Moorpark College Title IX Information
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For Faculty/Staff
Local Resources
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Diversity Collective offers great community resources.
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The Coalition for Family Harmony
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The Ventura County Pride Clinic
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PFLAG Ventura
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Interface Children and Family Services
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Runaway and homeless youth shelter services (ages 12-17)
Phone Lines
- www.211la.org/Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK or go to www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
- Mental Health Crisis: 911 or 866-998-2243
- Medical Emergency: 911
- Abuse/Rape/Domestic Violence: 805-656-1111
- Alcohol/Drug Services: 805-577-1724
- Information and Referral Services
- Ventura County: Dial 211 or go to http://www.211ventura.org
- LA County: https://www.211la.org/
National Resources
The Homeless Youth Handbook provides homeless youth and youth-serving organizations with resources state-by-state, and has LGBTQ+ specific section.
The Trevor Project is an excellent online resource for LGBTQ people and allies. It has 24/7 phone, text, and chat lines, and all kinds of other resources.
Lambda Legal describes itself as "...the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work."
According to its website: "The National Center for Transgender Equality is a national social justice organization devoted to ending discrimination and violence against transgender people through education and advocacy on national issues of importance to transgender people.
By empowering transgender people and our allies to educate and influence policymakers and others, NCTE facilitates a strong and clear voice for transgender equality in our nation's capital and around the country."
US: (877) 565-8860
From the website: "This line is primarily for transgender people experiencing a crisis. This includes people who may be struggling with their gender identity and are not sure that they are transgender. While our goal is to prevent self harm, we welcome the call of any transgender person in need. We will do our very best to connect them with services that can help them meet that need. If you are not sure whether you should call or not, then please call us. Our hotline is staffed by the true experts on transgender experience, transgender people themselves. Our volunteers are all trans identified and educated in the range of difficulties transgender people experience. Our volunteers are dedicated to improving the lives of transgender people."
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Booklet
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This pamphlet, produced by Each Mind Matters is a helpful guide to understanding the basics of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. It offers suggestions to aid in the "coming out" process, as well as some guidance about if and when mental health is in jeopardy/what to do to get help.
From the website: "Founded in 2001, GCN is an international network of Christians working for fully inclusive Christian community and a world where all people are treated as the beloved children of God. It is our mission to transform attitudes toward LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) people and bring about a day when the church is the biggest ally and defender of LGBT people rather than a chief opponent..."
The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth around the globe.
"Welcome to my corner of the internet! I’m sK, and this is my free online resource for social justice, gender, and sexuality. The goal is to make it easy for you to learn, teach, and effect positive change in all three realms."
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National Resource Center on LGBT Aging
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SAGE (Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Elders)
Other Resources
Moorpark College is committed to the equitable treatment of employees and students in the LGBTQ+ community. If you have concerns or suggestions about how to create a more welcoming space for individuals or the community as a whole, please contact:
Elizabeth David
Dean of Student Learning Arts Media and Communications and Conduct/BIT
7075 Campus Road
Moorpark, CA 93021
MC faculty and staff participate in a recent SAFEZONE training session. In this photo, participants are holding cards describing the various stages of "coming out".
Who should be trained?
Ventura County College District employees are encouraged to get SAFEZONE trained. We also will host trainings for students, clubs, and other service areas.
Is SAFEZONE just for Moorpark College employees?
The SAFEZONE team is based at Moorpark College, but we are happy to coordinate trainings for Oxnard College, Ventura College, and the district team.
How often should I get trained?
Information is continuously changing, so we recommend that if it has been a few years since you have been trained, you consider getting trained again.
How can I register for the training?
We do not have a regular set schedule for when we offer SAFEZONE trainings, but we do advertise them ahead of time, so stay on the lookout for upcoming trainings. You can also reach out to Allison Case Barton (abarton@vcccd.edu) or Jasmine Betka (jasmine_betka1@vcccd.edu) to be put on a list and we will notify you when we host the next training.
There are several All-Gender restrooms on the MC Campus, and now all 2nd floor restrooms of the Academic Center (AC) building are all gender. (The restrooms on the 1st and 3rd floors are still single-gender.)
The second-floor restroom at EATM is an All-Gender restroom.
Student Services Annex (SSA) by Campus Center as seen from Raider Walk. The 2 restrooms are on the other side of the building. 
The Music Building, as seen from Raider Walk. The all-gender restrooms are inside. |
One of the all-gender restrooms on the parking lot side of the SSA. 
One of the two all-gender restrooms in the Music Building |
Entrance to the Child Dev. Ctr. (CDC) 
Once in the CDC, there are 4 all-gender toilet rooms like this one. |
When entering the CDC you have to wait at the entrance to be "buzzed in" by a friendly receptionist. 
Signage for AG restrooms in AC building. |
AG restroom in the field house with football field in the background. |
AG restroom in field house on flag pole end of the football stadium. |
The following Moorpark College faculty and staff members are trained and ready to listen.
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Dave Anter Veronique Boucquey Asst. Professor of Psychology 805.553.4834
Professor of Math Professor of Criminal Justice Counselor Technical Director, PAC Professor of Psychology 805-553-4193 jcampbell@vcccd.edu SHC Coordinator Professor of Biology 805 553-4722 Dean DSPS Specialist/ASL Interpreter Professor of Music Professor of Art History/Internship Adv. Theater Arts Dept Adjunct Prof. Professor of Biology Michael Grimes Adjunct Comm. Studies |
Eric Lopez, Custodial Supervisor 805-291-6070 CDC Supervisor Professor of Phys & Astron
Emmanuel Guerrero Tutorial Specialist II
Jacqueline Winter Tutorial Specialist jacqueline_winter1@vcccd.edu
Jasmine Betka Health Educator
Jackie Kinsey Librarian
Ashley Barbier Anthropology Faculty |
FAQs
I see the SAFEZONE placard in various places around campus. What does it signify?
The SAFEZONE placard identifies the bearer or poster as someone that pledges commitment to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer, questioning, and ally individuals. In order to earn the right to post or bear the placard, attendance at a special SAFEZONE training is required.
I have transitioned and would like to change the personal information on my school records. How do I do that?
To change your personal information in your VCCCD records you just need to complete and submit the Request to Change Personal Information form, also downloadable below.
I have not changed my name legally yet, but wish to have a different name on class rosters. How do I do that?
To change your name as it appears on class rosters, simply send an email from your @my.vcccd.edu to either of these email addresses:
mcadmissions@vcccd.edu OR mcrecords@vcccd.edu
Use the following verbiage:
To Whom it May Concern in Admissions and Records,
My name as it appears in MC records and class rosters is [fill in your legal name]. I would like my name to appear on class rosters as [fill in the name you want to see on class rosters] from now on.
If you have any questions, please contact David Anter.
I graduated from Moorpark College before I transitioned, and would like a new diploma with my correct name on it. How do I do that?
To obtain a new diploma with the correct name on it, you complete and submit the Duplicate Degree/Certificate Request form or you can download it here.
I have transitioned and would now like to change my birth certificate. What is the procedure?
According to Lambda Legal, it depends upon the state, each with its own laws, procedures, and fees. By the way, Lambda Legal is worth a visit: www.lambdalegal.org. This non-profit organization has all kinds of state-by-state info on legal rights for LGBTQ people covering topics such as document change, healthcare, marriage, parenting, and more.
How would a trans man or woman make a gender change in a driver's license, passport, or other government-issued documents?
The National Centre for Transgender Equality is a one-stop shop for information on both federal- and state-issued document changes, along with downloadable forms for many requests.
Why do we need to use all the terms (lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, tran*, queer, etc.)? Don't they divide instead of unite?
Think of it like this: To a non-surfer, a surfboard is something that you stand on to float on the water; a wave is just water moving in an interesting shape. But to a surfer there are long boards, short boards, guns, hybrids, and so on. Waves vary as well. Although all surfers share some common concerns (eg: beach health, safety, access), they consider the kind of surfer they are as an important form of self-identification.
Realistically, this does risk fractures of a minority group (think women vs. Black right to vote. Both were "rights" issues, but these groups clearly have significant cultural differences). Often, larger communities made up of multiple subgroups gain political and social footing by joining forces, while maintaining a strong sense of identity within the subgroup, as does the LGBTQ+ community. For more info, check this out.
Readings and Stories
Check out the MC Library LGBTQIA+ Reading and Resource Guide
Understanding the Sex/Gender/Sexuality Spectrum
Huffpost
Here’s What This Asexual Homoromantic Couple Wants You To Know About Their Lives
TED Talk
Why we need gender neutral bathrooms.
The Genderbread Person
Scientific American: Visualizing Sex as a Spectrum
Historical Look at Gender and Colonialism
Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ Identities Today and Centuries Ago
The “Deviant” African Genders That Colonialism Condemned
LGBTQ+
Buzzfeed
17 Rules That LGBTQ+ People Follow that Most Straight People are Clueless About
18 LGBTQ+ books recommended on Buzzfeed
20 Queer Podcasts recommended on Buzzfeed
Research Based on Cass Model
If you like reading research, check this out!
LGBTQIA+ Identities and Intersectionality
Coming Out: Living Authentically as Black LGBTQ+ People
Salir del Clóset: Vivir Auténticamente como Latinoamericanes LGBTQ+
Coming Out: Living Authentically as LGBTQ+ Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders
Other
Radiolab (NPR)
The Gondolier
Resources
We will use this space to build a repository of classroom and service area resources to help build a more inclusive campus. Please check back often, as we will be continually adding new information. Have a great idea? Let us know! We would be happy to share!
PowerPoint Resources for the start of class:
Safezone trained:
Consider including an introductory slide or two to actively indicate that your class is a safe space for all. Here is a sample PowerPoint. Feel free to use this, or modify the information and make it your own! Some of the resources are specific to the MC campus.
Not yet Safezone trained:
Even if you are not yet safezone trained, we encourage you to include an inclusive introductory slide or two. Although you cannot display the specific SZ logo yet, here are some sample PowerPoint slides and resources. Feel free to use these, or modify the information and make it your own! Some of the resources are specific to the MC campus.
Asking about names and pronouns:
Asking about a student's name or pronouns can feel tricky. Here are some resources and suggestions to help!
Before class survey
Consider doing a class survey at the start of the semester to provide students the opportunity to share about themselves. Surveys are one of the best ways to provide a safe, low-pressure opportunity for students to share about themselves. We included some sample questions that can help facilitate the process. Fell free to use these, add other questions, or make it your own. However, it is important to remember that not all students are in a safe environment, and guardian oversight may make it difficult to communicate about their identity. Therefore, consider the survey format and if answers will be hidden or not. We included the "...should I use for you in this space" element to acknowledge that names and pronouns may change depending on the space a student is in.
Introductory Email:
Introductory emails about names and pronouns can be fun! Although not all students may be in a space to communicate about their name or pronouns via email, an email asking about names and pronouns can let students know that you care. It can also provide a space to share useful resources.
We loved this email from a professor so much, that with her permission, we thought we would share as a model for inspiration.
Remember, try to avoid using the term "preferred," as it can indicate another option or reduce someone's sense of identity.
During Class:
There are many ways that one can inquire about names and pronouns.
A few general guidelines to consider:
- In general, avoid adding "preferred" when asking a question about names and pronouns. Here is an article explaining why "preferred" should be dropped.
- It is nice to specify "in this space" as to acknowledge that not all spaces are the same for people. Here is a source that elaborates.
- Always set the example by providing your own name/pronouns first.
In person? Consider handing out an index card with the following questions "Name? Can I use it in class? Pronouns? Can I use them in class?" Read more on why this professor does it.
Resources:
Bias-free language in academics
LGBTQ+ Resources for the Holidays:
Sexual Health Care
The MC Student Health Center offers sexual health care for students.
Call (805) 378-1413 for information on:
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing
- Pap tests
- Birth control
- Information on PrEP/PEP
We also have a sexual health booklet: Let's Talk About Sex Booklet
Other resources and guides
- Healthy Bodies, Safer Sex: A comprehensive guide to safer sex, relationships, and reproductive health for trans or non-binary people and their partners
- LGBTQ Foundation (British Organization): Sex Guide
- NHS: Sexual health for lesbian and bisexual women
- CDPH: STD Prevention for Gay Men and Other MSM
- Stanford's: PrEP 101
- Stanford's: Queer Black Media Representation
- Stanford's: Attraction
- Stanford's: Well-Being Guides