What kinds of Trans programs are offered at USC?
The LGBT Resource Center works closely with the Queer & Ally Student Assembly (QuASA) to sponsor several programs and services for Trans students and aims to continually educate the campus community about Trans identities:
- Gender Justice Month in November – visit the center’s website for a schedule of events or email quasa@usc.edu to assist with the coordination of these events. Past events included a film screening of Boy I Am, Athens Boy Choir featuring Katz, a Transfeminist Panel Discussion, and topic themes from Japan, India, Thailand and the Pacific Islands.
- Gender Chats – a monthly confidential discussion group in partnership with the University Park Health Center Counseling Services, for more information email Director Vincent Vigil at vincenev@usc.edu.
- Ally Program – a ‘safe zone’ program that educates faculty, staff and students about the complexities and intersection of identities for LGBT students
Is there Trans-friendly student housing on campus?
USC Office of Residential Education and LGBT Resource Center are proud to sponsor the Rainbow Floor for LGBT and Ally students. All students regardless of their year in school can apply to live on this special interest community. The housing option is in apartments with single-person restroom and shower facilities.
How do I find gender-neutral restrooms on campus?
Please click here to see a list of restrooms and locations. A new gender-neutral bathroom just opened in the Tutor Campus Center on the second floor.
Are Trans-related health needs covered by employee health insurance benefits?
Yes, university employees are able to choose their own health care professional which means the option of a trans friendly physician can be selected. You can choose from two types of medical plans: a preferred provider organization (PPO) and health maintenance organizations (HMO). The PPO (USC Network Medical Plan) gives you the most flexibility in your choice of health care providers. The HMOs (CaliforniaCare, Kaiser Permanente, and PacifiCare) place limits on your choice of health care providers. For more information, click here.
Are Trans-related health needs covered by the Undergraduate or Graduate health insurance programs?
Many areas regarding transgender care are supported by the University Park Health Center Aetna insurance plan. Visits to see a clinician at the University Park Health Center are without a fee except for certain tests, procedures or prescriptions. If you are referred to a clinician outside the Health Center, a visit to a USC clinician is covered at 90% as are tests and prescriptions for care not provided at the Health Center. Medications are covered under pharmacy benefits. Sex reassignment surgery is not a covered benefit at this time.
Dr. Johanna Olson, Director of the Transgender Youth Program, and Dr. Marvin Belzer at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles are available for referrals. Students must get a referral through the USC Health Center. They see individuals up to their 25th birthday. This can involve in-house counseling/mental health referrals once patients are evaluated.
You may make an appointment at the Men’s or Women’s Clinic or a primary care clinician for a referral at 213.740.2778.
Dr. Claudia Borzutzky, a Physician at the USC Health Center, is available to provide ongoing care for maintenance of hormone therapy and lab testing. Appointments may be scheduled through her.
Insurance questions? Please call Debbie Hansen, RN at 213 740-2180.
Where can I get medical care regardless of my health insurance coverage?
The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center offers a Trans Health Program with services on a sliding scale. The Transgender Health Program provides comprehensive primary health care as well as trans-specific services such as Pap smears for trans men, prostate exams for trans women, hormone-therapy supervision and post-surgical care for those who have undergone sex-reassignment surgery.
In addition, you can contact the following resources:
Is "gender identity" included in the USC non-discrimination policy?
Yes, the non-discrimination policy includes gender identity and expression. As noted, “Gender includes both the actual sex of an employee or applicant for employment and that person’s gender identity, appearance or behavior, whether or not that identity, appearance or behavior is traditionally associated with that person’s sex at birth.” To read more, click here.
How may I change my name with the university?*
To change a name with the university, students must complete the "Change or Correction of Name Form" at the Registrar’s Office (click here for more information). The Registrar Office requires verification with either written verification from the LGBT Resource Center, written verification from the student’s physician or completion of the State of California DL 328 Form.
Completion of the DL 328 is recommended that way students can use this form to change their name and gender on their California state identification card and then to change their name and gender with the university. This is only a suggestion that most students prefer to change it all at once.
If a student prefers to avoid working directly with the Registrar's Office, then the LGBT Resource Center can work with the Registrar's Office on the student's behalf.
How may I change my gender with the university?*
If a student legally changed their name with their state, then proof of this gender change on their state issued identification card can be presented to the Registrar Office to change gender with the university. This can be completed when submitting the Name Change Form to the Registrar.
Student can also change their gender with the Registrar Office with written verification from the student’s physician or completion of the State of California DL 328 Form.
If a student prefers to avoid working directly with the Registrar's Office, then the LGBT Resource Center can work with the Registrar's Office on the student's behalf.
* name and gender will not change on federal documents like financial aid