Resources For LGBTQIA+ Students

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You Deserve Access to Information and Resources that Allow You to Thrive

Student Health & Counseling Services (SHCS) is committed to an ongoing process of ensuring that our students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and other LGBTQIA+ identities feel comfortable and respected when seeking our services.

If you have suggestions for how we can improve this page, please send an email to Health Education & Promotion at hep@shcs.ucdavis.edu.

LGBTQIA+ Health & Well-Being at SHCS: What You Need to Know

  • Patient Rights and Responsibilities

  • We want you to have the best healthcare possible. Our Patient Rights and Responsibilities affirm that everyone has the right to the same consideration and respect as anyone else, regardless of race, age, beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity or lifestyle.

    If you feel your rights have not been respected, or wish to file a complaint, compliment, or suggestion, you can:

    -Complete a Comments form and deposit in one of the locked comment boxes at the Student Health & Wellness Center.
    -Contact the Student Health and Counseling Services Quality Management Office at 530-752-6559

  • Privacy and Confidentiality
  • UC Davis SHCS is committed to protecting medical, mental health and personal information about you. This includes information you provide about your gender identity and sexual orientation. Please see the following pages on our website:

    Notice of Privacy Practices
    Confidentiality and Release of Health Information

    If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with UC Davis SHCS or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. To file a written complaint with UC Davis SHCS contact: UC Davis SHCS Privacy Officer at (530) 752-7667. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint

    If you are covered under another person's health plan in California and are concerned about confidentiality, then you can check out My Health, My Info for assistance with submitting a Confidential Communication Request to your insurance provider.
  • Choosing a Medical or Mental Health Provider

  • It is always important to establish an ongoing, trusting relationship with a provider so that you can receive the best care possible. Several members of our medical and counseling staff are part of the LGBTQIA+ community or have specialized training in queer and trans care.

    We recommend spending some time browsing the bios of all of our medical and counseling staff to find one that you think would best meet your needs. 

    If you are transgender or non-binary, you can check out our Gender Care Team to learn about their training and the services they provide.

    Please remember that you are always able to switch providers on your Health-e-Messaging portal if you feel that your needs are not being met.

  • Updating Your Health Records: Name, Pronouns and Gender Identity

  • Please let us know your gender identity, pronouns, and what you would like to be called by notifying our staff. You can update your lived name within Health-e-Messaging (patient portal) or by visiting us in-person; this will be reflected within SHCS systems only. If you would like to update your lived name across all campus systems, please make the update in the UC Davis Directory. (Note that the name SHCS Providers will see and call you is the name you most recently updated -- either in your patient portal or the campus directory). 

    Use the Office of the University Registrar's Changes to Personal Information page to find information on changing your personal information on university records.

  • Trans Health Services and SHIP Insurance
  • Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS) provides on-site trans healthcare services. The UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) covers health treatment and care services for trans folks seeking hormone therapy and gender confirmation surgeries. Visit our Trans Health Services and SHIP Insurance page for an overview of what services are available to students through both UC SHIP and SHCS.
  • Gender-Inclusive Restrooms
  • The Student Health and Wellness Center has two gender-inclusive restrooms for public use:

    -1st Floor, near Acute Care (Room 1008)
    -2nd Floor, near Optometry, next to Primary Care 3 Reception Desk (Room 2002)

    North Hall has one gender-inclusive restroom for public use:

    -Room 110

    The Cowell building has 3 gender inclusive restrooms available on the 1st floor. 

    The LGBTQIA+ Resource Center provides a comprehensive listing of gender-inclusive restrooms on campus.

Campus Resource Centers

Trans-Specific Resources

Resources By Health Topic

  • Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs

  • Many LGBTQIA+ folx deal with extra stressors that might lead to substance use, and we recognize that it can sometimes be difficult to find LGBTQIA+ spaces that support healthy behaviors around alcohol and other substances. In addition, it is well documented that alcohol and tobacco industries target queer and trans communities. Here are some resources to help you navigate situations involving alcohol, tobacco and other drug use while at UC Davis.

    -Safe Party: The Safe Party website is a one-stop-shop for alcohol harm reduction. Find gender-neutral Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) charts, learn the signs of alcohol poisoning and find safe transportation options.
     

    -Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Intervention Services (ATODIS) and Recovery Resources: The UC Davis ATODIS Coordinator is experienced and trained in LGBTQIA+ allyship. They meet with individuals as well as partners to work through substance-related struggles. The ATODIS Coordinator is also the advisor to Aggie RISE, our community for students in recovery. Click here for recovery resources.
     

    -Naloxone/Narcan: Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal medication, is available at the Student Health and Counseling Services Pharmacy. No prescription is needed and walk-ins are welcome. Third parties (family/friends of loved ones struggling with opioid use) are eligible for Narcan.
     

    Non-UC-Davis Resources

    -This Free Life: Smokefree.gov's public education campaign designed to prevent and reduce tobacco use among LGBTQIA+ young adults
     

    -Cheers Queers: A social marketing campaign by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation that shares messages about drinking more safely to help people have a good time when they go out.
     

    -Fact Sheets by LGBTHealthLink: ​Check out these LGBT-centered fact sheets on general wellness, cancer and tobacco.

  • Basic Needs (Food, Housing, Financial Support)

  • Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center: The mission of Aggie Compass is to help mitigate the effects of food and housing insecurity on students while working to change policy, systems and environment that will affect long term change.
     

    -Immediate Crisis Resources: Visit this page for resources related to crisis resolution, emergency shelter, immediate food, financial hardship, mental health crisis resources and longer-term support

    -Financial Support

    -Food

    -Housing

    -Mental Well-Being

     

    The Pantry: The mission of The Pantry is to aid UC Davis students in their pursuit of higher education by ensuring that no student ever has to miss a meal or go without basic necessities due financial reasons.

     

    SHCS’ Nutrition and Food Resources

  • Healthy Relationships, Sexual Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Support

  • You deserve healthy relationships that are centered on consent and respect.
     

    Healthy Relationships

    -Healthy Relationships (CARE)

    -Let’s Talk About It: A Guide to Consent and Sexcessful Communication

     

    Sexual Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Support

    Resources and Reporting Options (CARE)
     

    Center for Advocacy, Resources and Education (CARE)

    -Get Help

    ---Know Your Rights

    ---Make a Report

    ---Talk to an Advocate

    ---After a Sexual Assault

    ---After Intimate Partner Violence and/or Stalking
     

    Harassment & Discrimination Assistance and Prevention Program
     

    UC Davis Sexual Violence Prevention & Response

  • If You Have a Cervix

  • -At 21 (Health Education & Promotion’s campaign to promote education and resources for people who have a cervix):

    ---A Guide to Taking Care of Your Pelvic Health for Cisgender Women (HEP)

    ---A Guide to Taking Care of Your Pelvic Health for Transgender and Non-binary Folx Who Have a Cervix (HEP)


    -What to Expect: A Guide to Exams that Require an Attendant

    -SHCS Blog: Your Pelvic Health is Important 

  • If You Menstruate

  • Knowing your body is a critical part of your health and well-being -- and every person’s body is different. For people who menstruate, this includes knowing what’s typical for you during your cycle so you can let a healthcare provider know if something seems out of the ordinary. Here is a list of resources to help you maintain your menstrual health.  

    Menstrual Product Access

    -WRRC Resource Room

    -The Pantry

    -UC Davis Sexcess Map: Look for the red dots to find where you can access menstrual products in Davis and the surrounding area. This is updated annually, so make sure to call the location first!

    -Love Lab Online Orders: UC Davis students can access pads and tampons -- as well as safer sex products -- by placing an order through the Love Lab.

     

    Menstrual Health Info

    -Pelvic and menstrual Health Tips from Health Education & Promotion

    -SHCS Health Topic: Irregular Periods

    -SHCS Health Topic: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

    -Menstruation (Planned Parenthood)

     

    Cycle Tracking Apps

    Cycle tracking is a great way to find out what's typical for your body, and to help determine if something seems out of the ordinary. 

    -Clue (iOS and Android)

    -Flo (iOS and Android)

    -Health (iOS) -- this is the health app that comes with iPhone!)

    -Spot On Period Tracker - powered by Planned Parenthood

  • If You Need Birth Control

  • Birth control is not always about preventing pregnancy -- although that can be an amazing benefit! Hormonal birth control is sometimes used to make menstrual periods lighter and less frequent, or even improve symptoms from endometriosis. Check out the following resources to learn more about the different forms of birth control and method(s) that might work best for you -- and how to access them.


    Student Health & Counseling Services

    -SHCS Health Topic: Birth Control

    -SHCS Health Topic: Emergency Contraception

    -Missed Birth Control Pill Guidelines

    -#ILoveBirthControl

    -Pregnancy Testing and Options
     

    Bedsider.org’s Method Explorer

  • Mental Well-Being

  • You matter, and so does your mental well-being! Here are some empowering campus resources that are inclusive of LGBTQIA+ folx.
     

    -LGBTQIA+ Resource Center’s Community Counselor: This counselor is on staff to help students access mental health services and other wellness-related resources on and off campus.
     

    -Each Aggie Matters: UC Davis' Mental Health Movement uniting the campus community in an open and affirming dialogue about mental health.

    ---If you are in crisis and need immediate support

    ---If you want to meet with someone

    ---If you want to practice self-care
     

    -Aggie Compass’ Mental Wellness Page
     

    Non-UC-Davis Resources:

    -Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386): National organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA+ young people ages 13–24.
     

    -Trans Lifeline (1-877-565-8860): A non-profit dedicated to the well being of transgender people, Trans Lifeline runs a hotline staffed by transgender people, for transgender people. Volunteers are ready to respond to whatever support needs trans community members might have.

  • Nutrition and Food

  • You deserve to be able to nourish your body in a way that is meaningful to you so that your body can support you throughout your life. Here are some resources on campus that can help you access food and build lifelong nutritional skills.
     

    -Food Access Map: A map developed by students to make it easier for students to find food and food resources on campus that meet their needs. From microwave locations, free food locations, locations based on dietary preferences and much more, the Food Access Map has you covered.
     

    -UC Davis Teaching Kitchen: The SHCS Teaching Kitchen mission is to educate UC Davis students in evidence-based nutritional concepts and cooking skills to optimize health during their time here in college and throughout a lifetime.

    ---Check out their Pinterest and Instagram for recipes, tips and nutrition facts!

  • Physical Activity and Movement

  • Physical activity has several proven benefits, such as giving you more energy, better sleep and mood, and lowering your risk of heart disease. Going to a gym can be great, but we acknowledge that it can also be uncomfortable to people for a multitude of reasons -- including the possibility of hateful or harmful interactions on the basis of ability, size and gender identity or expression. Here are some resources to help you move your body in ways that are most enjoyable to you.

    -Physical Activity Map: This resource helps students find locations for movement based on the type of activities they enjoy, both on and off-campus. 

    -SHCS' Physical Activity Page: This resource can help you get started with various forms of movement like dance, yoga, strength training and walking, in locations where you feel most comfortable.

    -Biking Safety: The Helmet Hair Don't Care Pledge provides free bike helmets to all students to decrease the risk of unintentional injury.

  • Safety and Transportation Support

  • You are a strong and capable person, and violence against you is never okay or your fault. The threats of violence and harassment cause many LGBTQIA+ folks to be fearful of everyday actions such as walking across campus or around town (especially at night). We include the following resources as supportive options that may help you feel safer and more comfortable.

     

    -Campus Safety and Wellness (UC Davis)

    -Safety Tips (UC Davis Police Department)

    -Safe Rides (UC Davis Police Department)

    -Transportation (Safe Party)

    -UC Davis Campus Map

    ---Turn on the Campus Blue Lights switch under Student & Staff Resources to find where the emergency call stations are located on campus

  • Sexual Well-Being

  • Navigating sexual health and relationships can be challenging as an LGBTQIA+ person, but it can also be amazing and liberating! Sexual well-being is an important part of overall health and well-being. Sexual well-being includes centering consent and communication, understanding your desires and boundaries, knowing your body and engaging in safer sex practices that can prevent unintended pregnancy and STIs/HIV.
     

    Student Health & Counseling Services

    -Sexual Well-Being (Health Education & Promotion): main page for SHCS’ sexual health resources
     

    -Sexual Health Google Drive: all of Health Education & Promotion’s printed educational materials
     

    -The Love Lab: A mobile cart at Health Education & Promotion (HEP) that has a wide range of safer sex products for a wide range of bodies -- including external and internal condoms, dental dams, and nitrile gloves. It is also stocked with water-based and silicone-based lubricant, along with inclusive sexual health information. Non-latex options are also available (Online Order Form).
     

    -GYT (Get Yourself Tested!) UC Davis: SHCS offers comprehensive STI/HIV testing for all registered UC Davis students, regardless of insurance provider. For tailored care, talk to your healthcare provider about the type(s) of sex you have had (oral, vaginal, and/or anal) and -- if applicable -- whether you were a receptive partner (bottom), insertive partner (top) or both (vers). Throat and/or anal swabs might need to be collected for more thorough testing. If you use it, test it!
     

    -PrEP and PEP: ​SHCS providers can prescribe these HIV prevention medications, which can be filled at the SHCS Pharmacy. Co-pay assistance cards for PrEP are also available.
     

    -Let’s Talk About It: A Guide to Consent and Sexcessful Communication
     

    -UC Davis Sexcess Map: Use the map to find sexual health resources on and around campus, with pricing information. Resources include safer sex products, pregnancy tests, menstrual supplies, STI/HIV testing locations, and emergency contraception.
     

    -Birth Control and Pregnancy (see If You Need Birth Control below)
     

    -Zero HIV Stigma: A campus-wide campaign to encourage the UC Davis community to talk about HIV, get themselves tested, and support people living with HIV.
     

    Non-UC-Davis Resources:

    -TheBody.com: Comprehensive online resource for prevention of, testing for, treatment of and living with HIV.
     

    -Safer Sex for Trans Bodies: A comprehensive sexual health guide from the HRC Foundation and Whitman-Walker Health, written by and for members of the transgender community.
     

    -Scartleteen: ​Inclusive, comprehensive sexuality and relationships information for teens and emerging adults.
     

    -Go Ask Alice!: The health question-and-answer Internet resource produced by Alice! Health Promotion at Columbia University, which focuses on young adults. Regularly features LGBTQIA+ health information.
     

    -FORGE: FORGE's mission is to support, educate and advocate for the rights and lives of transgender individuals and SOFFAs (Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies).

Community and National Resources