Community Conversation => Transgender talk => Topic started by: T2Logan on August 23, 2010, 11:34:31 AM Return to Full Version
Title: Professors and School - a question
Post by: T2Logan on August 23, 2010, 11:34:31 AM
Post by: T2Logan on August 23, 2010, 11:34:31 AM
I haven't posted here in quite a while, but I still read :) I wasn't quite sure where to place this question, so I hope this is ok.
I've made the decision that I would like to go as Logan in the classroom setting. I have been introducing myself to people as Logan and my partner has been referring to me as "he/him," so that's great. I'm just very scared about the professors since I don't know them personally or their views on such matters. I have an email I'm going to put here to see if you guys could review it for me. If you have any advice I'd very much appreciate it :) I re-read it and it seems...cold? Someone told me to keep it simple so I tried, but I don't want to sound mean about it either!
Dear (professor),
This fall I will be in your (class name – section) on (days / times) and I am listed on the roster as *female name*. However, I am female-to-male transgendered and do not use the name *female name*. I would prefer it if you could please call me Logan and use male pronouns in class. I wanted to email you before classes start to let you know ahead of time as well as to avoid confusion. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this feel free to email me.
Thank you for your time,
Logan
I've made the decision that I would like to go as Logan in the classroom setting. I have been introducing myself to people as Logan and my partner has been referring to me as "he/him," so that's great. I'm just very scared about the professors since I don't know them personally or their views on such matters. I have an email I'm going to put here to see if you guys could review it for me. If you have any advice I'd very much appreciate it :) I re-read it and it seems...cold? Someone told me to keep it simple so I tried, but I don't want to sound mean about it either!
Dear (professor),
This fall I will be in your (class name – section) on (days / times) and I am listed on the roster as *female name*. However, I am female-to-male transgendered and do not use the name *female name*. I would prefer it if you could please call me Logan and use male pronouns in class. I wanted to email you before classes start to let you know ahead of time as well as to avoid confusion. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this feel free to email me.
Thank you for your time,
Logan
Title: Re: Professors and School - a question
Post by: juliekins on August 23, 2010, 11:54:52 AM
Post by: juliekins on August 23, 2010, 11:54:52 AM
I think that it's appropriate and fine. However, I would investigate your college's anti-discrimination policy for it's staff and students. This way, if a professor is acting out of line, you know where to turn and what to do. You would make the administration aware of any prejudicial actions against you.
Unless this is a religious institution, I don't think you will have any difficulties.
Good Luck~
Unless this is a religious institution, I don't think you will have any difficulties.
Good Luck~
Title: Re: Professors and School - a question
Post by: Diane Elizabeth on August 23, 2010, 12:15:10 PM
Post by: Diane Elizabeth on August 23, 2010, 12:15:10 PM
When I went back to school. My professor asked each person how they want to be called. I was not out yet and went by my male name. Wish I had the courage to say I want to be called by "dyan" Good luck to you....
Title: Re: Professors and School - a question
Post by: Izumi on August 23, 2010, 12:40:15 PM
Post by: Izumi on August 23, 2010, 12:40:15 PM
Quote from: T2Logan on August 23, 2010, 11:34:31 AM
I haven't posted here in quite a while, but I still read :) I wasn't quite sure where to place this question, so I hope this is ok.
I've made the decision that I would like to go as Logan in the classroom setting. I have been introducing myself to people as Logan and my partner has been referring to me as "he/him," so that's great. I'm just very scared about the professors since I don't know them personally or their views on such matters. I have an email I'm going to put here to see if you guys could review it for me. If you have any advice I'd very much appreciate it :) I re-read it and it seems...cold? Someone told me to keep it simple so I tried, but I don't want to sound mean about it either!
Dear (professor),
This fall I will be in your (class name – section) on (days / times) and I am listed on the roster as *female name*. However, I am female-to-male transgendered and do not use the name *female name*. I would prefer it if you could please call me Logan and use male pronouns in class. I wanted to email you before classes start to let you know ahead of time as well as to avoid confusion. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this feel free to email me.
Thank you for your time,
Logan
I am a professor in college, we are given a handbook of discrimination prevention every year, they have to abide by your wishes or be liable for harassment. So you should have no problems with professors, but if they do give you trouble report it and it will end REAL quick. Schools take this seriously, very seriously.
Ugh... i have to teach starting today.... poor students.... poor poor students....
Title: Re: Professors and School - a question
Post by: kyril on August 23, 2010, 12:51:23 PM
Post by: kyril on August 23, 2010, 12:51:23 PM
It's a very good idea to send something like this before class starts. Most professors in small classes will generally ask what you prefer to be called, but they may inadvertently "out" you first, either by calling out your birth name on the roster when they're taking attendance the first day or by some other means.
My biology professor this past term had us do a sort of "introduce yourself" assignment, but then the following day, before she read and graded them, she assigned us to groups for an in-class assignment by putting up the first names of the members of each group on Powerpoint. I had the choice of pretending not to exist and not getting credit for the assignment or acknowledging that I was my birth name in order to find my group.
My biology professor this past term had us do a sort of "introduce yourself" assignment, but then the following day, before she read and graded them, she assigned us to groups for an in-class assignment by putting up the first names of the members of each group on Powerpoint. I had the choice of pretending not to exist and not getting credit for the assignment or acknowledging that I was my birth name in order to find my group.
Title: Re: Professors and School - a question
Post by: T2Logan on August 23, 2010, 01:08:31 PM
Post by: T2Logan on August 23, 2010, 01:08:31 PM
Thank you all for the support and good feedback :)
I will moste definitely take a look at the discrimination policy. One of my friends that went here before me said I should talk to the LGBT group and see if they have an advocate that could support me if troubles arise. I guess I will go ahead and send out the emails. I will update with what the responses are.
I will moste definitely take a look at the discrimination policy. One of my friends that went here before me said I should talk to the LGBT group and see if they have an advocate that could support me if troubles arise. I guess I will go ahead and send out the emails. I will update with what the responses are.