The resources found in this section can support you as you come out. You know your situation better than anyone else. Engage with the resources below in whatever order and combination that will best suit you. As an important reminder, there is no pressure for you to come out, no ‘correct’ way to come out, or one time to come out. You have agency in this. The resources below are here for you as you invite people into this space of knowing.
The Pride Center Resource List includes resources on campus including support groups, gender-inclusive housing placements, changing your name on class rosters, etc. (with or without a legal name change), and where gender-neutral and accessible restrooms are located. There are also local Inland Empire resources and national resources on this list which include community-building opportunities, mental health resources, leadership opportunities, scholarships, and more.
See Pride Center Resource List
The University of Redlands offers housing in accordance with your gender identity. The Pride Center and Residence Life and Housing work together to support finding the best fit for every student when it comes to living arrangements.
See Trans Inclusive Housing Policy
Title IX Protects Students and Employees from Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, which enforces Title IX, has issued guidance confirming that discrimination on the basis of sex includes: (1) discrimination based on sexual orientation; and (2) discrimination based on gender identity. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity offered by a recipient of federal financial assistance.
In its Notice of Interpretation, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights discussed the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, and quoted the Court’s decision and its examples illustrating that: “it is impossible to discriminate against a person based on their sexual orientation or gender identity without discriminating against that person based on sex.”
For more information visit: U.S. Department of Education Confirms Title IX Protects Students from Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
At the University of Redlands, Title IX and related state law protections extend to all community members and visitors to our campuses:
“This University of Redlands (“University”) policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, student employees, contractors, vendors, volunteers, and visitors to any University campus, facility, and/or property and to University-sponsored activities and events, whether or not on University premises.” University of Redlands’ Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation, Policy Summary, p.1.
For more information about Title IX at the University of Redlands and to read the Title IX policy text visit the University Title IX Policy Website.
You do not have to come out to faculty and staff. However, if you do, below are some resources and suggestions to help you navigate coming out. If you want your professors to call you a different name or use new pronouns for you, there are a few options:
Head to the “Tech Support” Section below for information on how to change your name and/or pronouns (depending on the platform) in your redlands.edu Outlook email signature, Canvas, Self-Service Portal, and Zoom. If you are not in a place to do the Preferred Name Request, this is an option that can help support and affirm you while also navigating your specific circumstances.
The Preferred Name Request helps students change their name on class rosters, grade rosters, advisee listings, MyRedlands, email display, login name, and may also appear in the University of Redlands’ promotional materials, news releases, and related systems. The University will continue to use your legal first name within your academic record, diploma, official transcripts, enrollment verifications, financial record, and in most third-party database systems. Preferred Name Request Website
Coming out to your professor or work-study supervisor can be done over email, during the faculty member’s office hours, or just by changing your name and pronouns in the appropriate systems, whatever is the most affirming for you. You do not have to come out, but if you would like to, this step covers some information that you can include. After telling your professor or work-study supervisor of your new pronouns, for example, you can reaffirm this by updating your pronouns through the self-service portal (where you register for classes), Canvas, and more. Instructions on how to do this can be found in the “Tech Support” section below.
When initially reaching out to your professor via email, here are some things to consider including in your email:
Hi Professor (Insert Professor’s Last Name),
I am a student in your (insert class name and section number here). I am reaching out to let you know that the name and pronouns I use have changed. I now go by (share name) and use (share pronouns). Starting now, I will be submitting assignments and signing emails with this name and these pronouns. I wanted to share this with you so you can start to use my correct name and pronouns moving forward. If you have any questions, I would check out the University LGBTQIA2S+ Coming Out Support Process as it has advice for faculty when a student comes out. Thank you so much for your understanding and support.
Best,
(Sign with name and pronouns you use)
Dear Dr. (Insert Professor’s Last Name),
I am enrolled in (insert class name and section number here). I wanted to email you to let you know that you will see my name change on the class roster and for my redlands.edu. I recently submitted the Preferred Name Request and wanted to send this email as a courtesy. Moving forward, I ask that you call me by (insert name you go by) and use (share pronouns) pronouns for me. If you feel that it would be helpful, the University LGBTQIA2S+ Coming Out Support Process has a section for faculty and staff with advice for when a student comes out. Thank you for your support.
(Sign with the name you use)
Hi Prof. (Insert Professor’s Last Name),
I am currently taking your (insert class name and section number here). I am getting in contact with you to let you know that the name that I was originally listed on the roster has changed from J. Doe to Jack Doe. Additionally, I go by (share your pronouns here) pronouns. I would appreciate it as we move forward that you refer to me as (insert name) and use (insert pronouns) pronouns for me inside the class, outside class, and in writing (emails, assignment feedback, evaluations, etc.). The Pride Center has developed a University LGBTQIA2S+ Coming Out Support Process that includes helpful information for faculty and staff navigating a student coming out which offers advice and answers questions that you might have. I appreciate your support.
Thanks,
(Sign with the name you use)
When initially reaching out to your work-study supervisor, here are some things to consider including in your email:
Hi (Insert Work Study Supervisor’s Name),
I am a (insert work-study position) in the (insert work-study location). I am reaching out to let you know that the name and pronouns I use have changed. I now go by (share name) and use (share pronouns). Starting now, I will be submitting project work and signing emails with this name and these pronouns. I wanted to share this with you so you can start to use my correct name and pronouns moving forward. If you have any questions, I would check out the University LGBTQIA2S+ Coming Out Support Process as it has advice for staff when a student comes out. Thank you so much for your understanding and support.
Best,
(Sign with name and pronouns you use)
Dear (Insert Work Study Supervisor’s Name),
I am currently a (insert work-study position) in the (insert work-study location). I am getting in contact with you to let you know that the name that I was originally listed on the work-study paperwork will change from J. Doe to Jack Doe as I completed a legal name change. Additionally, I go by (share your pronouns here) pronouns. I would appreciate it as we move forward that you refer to me as (insert name) and use (insert pronouns) pronouns for me. The Pride Center has developed a University LGBTQIA2S+ Coming Out Support Process that includes helpful information for faculty and staff navigating a student coming out which offers advice and answers questions that you might have. I appreciate your support.
Thanks,
(Sign with the name you use)
Sometimes coming out happens when we correct someone in the moment, or sometimes folks prefer not to have a written record via e-mail. If you come out to your professor or work-study supervisor in a 1-1 dialogue, here are some things to consider:
