A little something for everyone

It is that time of year: the hustle and bustle of "move-in," people driving the wrong way down one-way streets. It is the beginning of a new school year at IU, and the University and its various departments are advertising the gamut of its resources, activities and groups available for students. The University and its various departments offer a gamut of resources, activities and groups for students to get involved in outside of their traditional curriculum. And what better time than at the beginning of the year to join an organization? And for transgender, genderqueer, intersex or "two-spirit" students, there is no exception! \nThese students have a unique experience. Not only are they dealing with the anxieties of a new town, new state and a new college lifestyle like everyone else, they are also dealing with the complexities and perhaps discrepancies of their inner (and sometimes outer) world. For these students, questioning their gender and, moreover, their entire identity, may be a central focus for them -- or, perhaps, a source of anxiety. \nTransgender persons may feel at odds with their "biological" sex and even with their own psychological ascription of their gender. Some may change this medically, some only psychologically or spiritually. Some live both as man and woman, spiritually united with their "whole self." Support and guidance is integral at this stage. \nThe Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Student Support Services office provides just that support and guidance. Not only does it offer this resource for the trans community, but it offers support, resources and guidance for gay, lesbian and bisexual students as well. \nThe office -- located across from Dunn Meadow at 705 E. Seventh St., just west of La Casa -- is a wonderful, friendly and safe space to check out books and movies for self-exploration or class projects. It holds programming for the IU community at large and even offers free counseling! As the counseling intern at the center, I provide therapy for individuals and couples, group therapy, consultation, presentation, support and much more. \nOne of the many efforts of the office is to reach out to the trans community. In addition to the office resources, I am offering a support group called "Queerying Gender" for transgender, intersex, genderqueer and two-spirit individuals. This support group is sponsored by the office and is also cofacilitated by another learned therapist, Corinne Datchi-Philips. Together, we hope to provide a trusting, safe, supportive environment where all who attend can learn and grow. We also plan to provide resources and necessary referrals, along with intelligent discourse about how gender impacts our identities. The group is set to meet every Friday from 3:30-4:45 p.m. beginning September 8, 2006, and is open to all students, staff and community members who are dealing with these essential gender issues. \nFor more information about the group, please contact the center at 855-4252, www.iub.edu/~glbt/, or e-mail the facilitators at trans@indiana.edu. As the new academic year comes into full swing, it is important for all IU students and staff (as well as Bloomington community members) to know there is a little something for everyone.