Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender Student Services

Buster Bronco writing on a whiteboard.

Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender Student Services
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5372 USA
(269) 387-2133

Transgender Resources

Transitioning can be a long and stressful process but the following resources may be able to help with transitioning including medical or legal. The Office of LBGT Student Services does not endorse any specific practice or legal advocacy, this is only to share information of what is in the accessible area. The Office of LBGT Student Services encourages those who are considering transitioning to do their own research and ask questions to find the best options that work for them.

View WMU Sindecuse Health Center

View List of Area Trans-Friendly Resources

If you would like to submit additional information, resource providers, or feedback regarding our list of resources, please contact us at lbgt-info@wmich.edu.

Medical providers may abide by WPATH Standards of Care (ver. 8) where a letter from a licensed therapist is required before proceeding with hormones or any surgical procedures. Insurance companies may ask for additional documentation (such as an additional letter from another licensed therapist).

Legally transitioning may include name, birth certificate, and/or gender marker change. Factors that may influence ease (or difficulty) in changing legal documents may depend on where your birth certificate was issued, financial resources, and/or where you are currently living. 

To legally change your name within the state of Michigan, individuals over the age of 22 must:

  • Submit a name change petition to county court
  • Publish a notice of the petition in a local newspaper
  • Provide 2 sets of fingerprints for a criminal background check

To update your 'sex designation' on a Michigan state ID or driver's license, individuals must:

For more information, view our document changes page.

Medically transitioning can include hormones and/or surgical procedures in addition to routine medical wellness.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can include topical, oral, or injection depending on dosage and type of hormone (such as estrogen versus testosterone). Prolonged use of hormones may also include scheduled visits with an endocrinologist to do regular blood work and to regulate any adverse health outcomes. Please speak with a trusted medical professional about what options might work best for you. 

Surgical procedures may include face, torso, and/or genitalia. Pursuing any surgical procedure is a personal decision that should be discussed with a trusted medical professional. Access and availability of reliable surgeons may be dependent on type of procedure, therapist letter requirements (if any), location, recovery time, minimum required consultation appointments, insurance and/or funding.

Transgender individuals may wish to speak in a range that is reflective of their identity. Transgender voice therapy services may include speech, language, and pragmatic functioning as they relate to gender. For transgender voice services through WMU, visit the Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences page or call (269) 387-7000. All clients must get an evaluation before starting individual weekly voice therapy on a semester basis.  For more information about the availability of transgender voice therapy, read about the speech pathology master's programs.