Trans Resources
Trans and Nonbinary Resources and Support
Berklee seeks to be a safe and inclusive campus community for all students, faculty, and staff. In consideration of academic success and wellbeing, and our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we ask that you take the time to acknowledge the diversity that exists within our community and, in particular, provide a safe and supportive space for transgender and gender-nonconforming community members. To ensure that our trans community members are safe and supported, we have developed several resources, and we encourage you to become familiar with this information. In addition, we will sponsor several dialogues and trainings for those of you who want to learn more about the trans community.
Below, you will find information and resources for transgender, genderqueer, or gender-nonconforming students, faculty, staff, and guests. This includes information on name changes and information about health insurance, inclusive housing options, inclusive restrooms, and additional resources at Berklee and on the internet.
Learn about the process to change one's name, gender marker, or pronoun on the Name Change Policy, Gender Identity, and Personal Pronouns page.
Students, faculty, and staff can use the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition guide to work through the legal name change process. This guide also includes information on how to update your gender marker on legal documentation.
Students who wish to change their legal names should contact the Office of the Registrar with legal documentation, such as an updated driver's license or birth certificate.
Creating an Inclusive Environment
The following guidelines were adapted from suggested practices offered by the Trans Student Educational Resources (TSER), GLSEN's Transgender Model District Policy, the California State School Board Association's policy brief titled Providing a Safe, Nondiscriminatory School Environment for Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Students, and Supporting Gender-Variant Students in the Classroom by Maureen McMullen.
- Names and pronouns: Students, faculty, and staff should be allowed to be addressed by the name and the pronoun that corresponds to their gender identity without being required to obtain a court-ordered name or gender change, or to change their official records. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s gender identity will likely be considered discriminatory.
- Tip for faculty: On the first day of class, have students introduce themselves with the name they would like to be called instead of reading off of a roster. This gives students a chance to share the name they are most comfortable with upfront.
- Set the tone: Include a sample statement and link to Berklee’s Equity and Title IX Policy and Process on your syllabus so students know that they can report concerns and that you value this in our community. Create guidelines, and communicate them on the first day of class, requesting that students practice civility and inclusion of all perspectives, which includes students’ names and correct pronouns. Request that students contact you if they have names that differ from the roster: "If you have a name that differs from the one that appears on the roster, please inform me before the second class period so that I can use your correct name and pronouns."
- Access to sex-segregated facilities: Although schools may maintain separate restrooms or other facilities for males and females, allow everyone to use the facility that corresponds to their gender identity. Where available, a gender-neutral restroom or facility may be offered to any Berklee community member who desires increased privacy, regardless of the underlying reason. No one who is entitled to use a facility consistent with their gender identity can be required to use an alternative arrangement. Any alternative arrangement should be used only at the request of the individual and, if applicable, in a manner that keeps the individual's gender identity confidential (e.g., providing the individual with a single-user facility when everyone else is using a group facility).
- Privacy for trans students, faculty, and staff: Students, faculty, and staff must be able to decide when, with whom, and how much highly personal information they want to share about themselves. This includes the right to control dissemination of highly personal and private information, such as one’s gender identity, trans status, or sexual orientation.
- Gender-based activities: Evaluate gender-based activities, rules, policies, and practices—including classroom activities—and maintain only those that serve an important educational purpose. Allow everyone to participate in any such activity or conform to any such rule, policy, or practice consistent with their gender identity.
- Model desired behavior, and adapt more inclusive language: Try to incorporate new, more inclusive phrases into your vocabulary. Replace gendered language (e.g., "ladies and gentlemen") with gender-inclusive language (e.g., "people" or "students"). Avoid titles such as "Mr.," "Mrs.," and "Ms." Instead of calling the class "guys" or "dudes," use "folks," "everyone," "you all," or "you." Modify or qualify any statements on gender. For example, instead of saying "Men/Boys always..." or "Women/Girls always...," say something like "Routinely male-identified people..." or "Historically female-presenting people…" and "Gender nonconforming people can change this dynamic by…"
- Reporting: Report instances of harassment, discrimination, or bullying on the basis of a student’s gender identity or expression to Kelly Downes, Berklee’s chief equity officer and Title IX coordinator, at equity@berklee.edu.
Navigating Gender Affirming Care
This document was assembled to assist and support you in navigating gender affirming care in the healthcare system and includes information on things such as changing your gender with your health insurance company and navigating surgery.
Inclusive Restrooms
Berklee College of Music
All-Gender and Single-Use Designated Restrooms
| Building | Floor | Location | Room Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1096 Boylston Street | 2 | In level 2 stairwell | All-gender restroom |
| 1108 Boylston Street | A | Level A elevator lobby | All-gender restroom |
| 1140 Boylston Street | 1 | By room 1-Z | All-gender restroom |
| 1140 Boylston Street | 1 | By room 1-Z | All-gender restroom |
| 135 Massachusetts Avenue | 3 | Level 3 elevator lobby | All-gender restroom |
| 150 Massachusetts Avenue | A | By room A75 | All-gender restroom |
| 150 Massachusetts Avenue | B | Student commuter lounge | All-gender restroom |
| 155 Massachusetts Avenue | 2 | By room 204B | All-gender restroom |
| 155 Massachusetts Avenue | 2 | By room 204B | All-gender restroom |
| 155 Massachusetts Avenue | B | By room B24 | All-gender restroom |
| 160 Massachusetts Avenue | 4 | By room 420 (fitness room) | All-gender restroom |
| 160 Massachusetts Avenue | 4 | By room 420 (fitness room) | All-gender restroom |
| 160 Massachusetts Avenue | B | By room B258 | All-gender restroom |
| 160 Massachusetts Avenue | B | By room B212 | All-gender restroom |
| 161 Massachusetts Avenue | 2 | By room 242 | All-gender restroom |
| 161 Massachusetts Avenue | 2 | By room 242 | All-gender restroom |
| 161 Massachusetts Avenue | 3 | By room 331 | All-gender restroom |
| 161 Massachusetts Avenue | 3 | In Alumni Affairs suite 321 | All-gender restroom |
| 161 Massachusetts Avenue | 3 | In Physical Plant suite 301 | All-gender restroom |
| 161 Massachusetts Avenue | 4 | In EPD suite | All-gender restroom |
| 161 Massachusetts Avenue | 4 | In EPD suite | All-gender restroom |
| 171 Massachusetts Avenue | 1 | By practice room X-13 | All-gender restroom |
| 171 Massachusetts Avenue | 1 | By practice room X-23 | All-gender restroom |
| 171 Massachusetts Avenue | B | By practice room D-19 | All-gender restroom |
| 22 Fenway | 1 | By room 104 | All-gender restroom |
| 22 Fenway | 2 | By room 204 | All-gender restroom |
| 22 Fenway | 3 | By room 307 | All-gender restroom |
| 22 Fenway | 4 | By room 407 | All-gender restroom |
| 270 Haviland Street | 1 | Inside room 103 | All-gender restroom |
| 270 Haviland Street | 1 | By student lounge | All-gender restroom |
| 270 Haviland Street | B | By fitness room | All-gender restroom |
| 7 Haviland Street | 1 | Main lobby | All-gender restroom |
| 7 Haviland Street | 2 | By room 224 | All-gender restroom |
| 7 Haviland Street | 3 | Main lobby | All-gender restroom |
| 939 Boylston Street | 1 | Main lobby | All-gender restroom |
| 939 Boylston Street | 2 | By Student Advising and Success front desk | All-gender restroom |
| 939 Boylston Street | 2 | By Student Advising and Success front desk | All-gender restroom |
| 939 Boylston Street | 2 | By Student Advising and Success front desk | All-gender restroom |
| 98 Hemenway Street | B | By level B practice rooms | All-gender restroom |
| 1108 Boylston Street | 2 | By room 221 | Single-use female restroom |
| 1108 Boylston Street | 3 | By room 321 | Single-use female restroom |
| 1108 Boylston Street | A | By practice room A17 | Single-use female restroom |
| 1140 Boylston Street | 2 | By room 2N | Single-use female restroom |
| 1140 Boylston Street | 3 | By room 3E | Single-use female restroom |
| 1140 Boylston Street | 3 | By room 3Y | Single-use female restroom |
| 1140 Boylston Street | 4 | By room 4F | Single-use female restroom |
| 1140 Boylston Street | 5 | By room 5E2 | Single-use female restroom |
| 1140 Boylston Street | 5 | By room 5W | Single-use female restroom |
| 136 Massachusetts Avenue | B | Green room | Single-use female restroom |
| 150 Massachusetts Avenue | 3 | Housing Office | Single-use female restroom |
| 155 Massachusetts Avenue | 3 | Off the elevator on the right | Single-use female restroom |
| 155 Massachusetts Avenue | 4 | By room 410 | Single-use female restroom |
| 160 Massachusetts Avenue | 3M | By room 303M (Aramark office) | Single-use female restroom |
| 161 Massachusetts Avenue | 4 | By room 443 | Single-use female restroom |
| 7 Haviland Street | 1 | By room 130 | Single-use female restroom |
| 7 Haviland Street | 2 | By room 222 | Single-use female restroom |
| 7 Haviland Street | 3 | By room 313 | Single-use female restroom |
| 939 Boylston Street | 2 | By room 207 | Single-use female restroom |
| 1108 Boylston Street | 2 | By room 221 | Single-use male restroom |
| 1108 Boylston Street | 3 | By room 321 | Single-use male restroom |
| 1108 Boylston Street | A | By practice room A17 | Single-use male restroom |
| 130 Massachusetts Avenue | 1 | Via level 1 stairwell | Single-use male restroom |
| 136 Massachusetts Avenue | 2 | Inside the Willan Davis Conference Room, room 201 | Single-use male restroom |
| 136 Massachusetts Avenue | B | Green room | Single-use male restroom |
| 150 Massachusetts Avenue | 3 | Housing Office | Single-use male restroom |
| 155 Massachusetts Avenue | 3 | Off the elevator on the right | Single-use male restroom |
| 155 Massachusetts Avenue | 4 | By room 410 | Single-use male restroom |
| 160 Massachusetts Avenue | 3M | By room 303M (Aramark office) | Single-use male restroom |
| 7 Haviland Street | 1 | By room 130 | Single-use male restroom |
| 7 Haviland Street | 2 | By room 222 | Single-use male restroom |
| 7 Haviland Street | 3 | By room 306 | Single-use male restroom |
| 939 Boylston Street | 2 | By room 207 | Single-use male restroom |
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
All-Gender and Single-Use Designated Restrooms
| Building | Floor | Location | Room Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1112 Boylston Street | 2 | By room 2B | All-gender restroom |
| 1112 Boylston Street | 2 | By room 2B | All-gender restroom |
| 1112 Boylston Street | 3 | By room 3G | All-gender restroom |
| 1112 Boylston Street | 3 | By room 3G | All-gender restroom |
| 132 Ipswich Street | 2 | By room 217 | All-gender restroom |
| 24 Fenway | A | Inside Cafe 24 | All-gender restroom |
| 26 Fenway | A | Main lobby | All-gender restroom |
| 31 Hemenway Street | 1 | Inside dress room | All-gender restroom |
| 32 Fenway | A | By room 004 | All-gender restroom |
| 54 Fenway | A | By room 004 | All-gender restroom |
| 8 Fenway | 1 | Inside room 111 | All-gender restroom |
| 1161 Boylston Street | A | By kitchenette | Single-use female restroom |
| 132 Ipswich Street | 1 | By room 111 | Single-use female restroom |
| 132 Ipswich Street | 2 | By room 217 | Single-use female restroom |
| 132 Ipswich Street | 3 | By room 316 | Single-use female restroom |
| 1161 Boylston Street | A | By kitchenette | Single-use male restroom |
| 132 Ipswich Street | 1 | By room 111 | Single-use male restroom |
| 132 Ipswich Street | 2 | By room 217 | Single-use male restroom |
| 132 Ipswich Street | 3 | By room 316 | Single-use male restroom |
Berklee's Campus in Valencia, Spain
All-Gender and Single-Use Designated Restrooms
| Building | Floor | Location | Room Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palau de les Arts | B | B02 | All-gender restroom |
| Palau de les Arts | B | B04 | All-gender restroom |
| Palau de les Arts | B | B07 | All-gender restroom |
| Palau de les Arts | B | B09 | All-gender restroom |
| Palau de les Arts | B | B13 | All-gender restroom |
Name Change Policy
Learn about the name change policy, gender identity, and personal pronouns.
Health Insurance Info
Berklee's student health insurance plan offers medical coverage for trans individuals. For more information, please review Blue Cross Blue Shield's Transgender Services Medical Policy*:
*Please note that Berklee's student health insurance is considered a "Commercial PPO" plan.
Berklee's health insurance plan for faculty and staff health also offers medical coverage for trans individuals. For more information, please review Tufts's guidelines for coverage.
You may also reference this spreadsheet for information on gender affirming coverage for most Massachusetts insurance plans.
Inclusive Housing
Housing for students at Berklee is done on the basis of gender identity, not sex assigned at birth. A more gender-inclusive housing policy is currently being drafted and will be available soon. If you have specific questions about your future or current living arrangements on campus, please visit the Housing and Residential Life website or contact the housing office directly at housing@berklee.edu.
Policies and Resources
Local Support Resources
- Several local support groups exist to meet the needs of the gender diverse population in Boston. BATS (Boston Area Transgender Support) is an all ages and all genders group that meets in Cambridge. COMPASS is a trans-masculine group that meets in Boston. BAGLY (Boston Area GLBTQ Youth) has gender support programs for individuals through age 18. Fenway Health offers several gender identity specific groups: Transgender Peer Support Group, Support for Non-Trans Partners of Trans People, and support for Parents of Trans Individuals.
- For crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people ages 13–24: The Trevor Project
- If you've been the victim of harassment, discrimination, or bullying on the basis of your gender, please file an equity report.
- Review Berklee's Equity and Title IX Policy and Process, which includes protections on the basis of gender expression/identity and transgender status.
- If you would like support, we encourage you to seek our counseling services for students, faculty, and staff.
- Trans individuals experiencing a crisis may choose to call the Trans Lifeline at 867-565-8860.
- The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ+ Youth offers a list of local resources.
- A College Guide for LGBTQ+ Students is available.
- LGBTQ+ Scholarships for College Students is another potential resource.
- If you're a Massachusetts resident interested in information on how to change your name and gender marker on various forms of legal identification, check out this quick guide from Fenway Health.
- Other great web resources include the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition and TransPulse Transgender Resources.
- Read this article for an explanation of the asterisk in trans.
Research Information on Gender-Affirming Care
- National Library Of Medicine: Gender Affirming Care
- JAMA Networks of Ethics and Medical Research: Benefits of GAC for Trans Youth
- Scientific American: The Science of Gender Affirming Care
- Columbia University Department of Psychiatry: Gender Affirming Care Saves Lives
- National Library of Medicine: GAC Is Preventative Care
- Office of Population Affairs: GAC for Young People
- American Psychiatric Association: Long-Term Benefits of Gender-Affirming Surgery
- National Library of Medicine: 40-Year Study on Gender Affirming Surgery