Trans and Nonbinary Resources and Support
Berklee seeks to be a safe and inclusive campus community for all students, faculty, and staff. In consideration of academic success and wellbeing, and our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we ask that you take the time to acknowledge the diversity that exists within our community and, in particular, provide a safe and supportive space for transgender and gender-nonconforming community members. To ensure that our trans* community members are safe and supported, we have developed several resources, and we encourage you to become familiar with this information. In addition, we will sponsor several dialogues and trainings for those of you who want to learn more about the trans* community.
Below, you will find information and resources for transgender, genderqueer, or gender-nonconforming students, faculty, staff, and guests. This includes information on name changes and information about health insurance, inclusive housing options, inclusive restrooms, and additional resources at Berklee and on the internet.
To access student submission forms to change one's name, gender marker, or pronoun, please go to the Name, Gender Identity, and Gender Pronoun Update Form.
To access faculty and staff submission forms to change one's name, gender identity, or pronoun, please go to the Faculty/Staff Name Change and Gender Information Form.
Students, faculty, and staff can use the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition guide to work through the legal name change process. This guide also includes information on how to update your gender marker on legal documentation.
Students who wish to change their legal names should contact the Office of the Registrar with legal documentation, such as an updated driver's license or birth certificate.
Creating an Inclusive Environment
The following guidelines were adapted from suggested practices offered by the Trans Student Educational Resources (TSER), GLSEN's Transgender Model District Policy, the California State School Board Association's policy brief titled Providing a Safe, Nondiscriminatory School Environment for Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Students, and Supporting Gender-Variant Students in the Classroom by Maureen McMullen.
- Names and pronouns: Students, faculty, and staff should be allowed to be addressed by the name and the pronoun that corresponds to their gender identity without being required to obtain a court-ordered name or gender change, or to change their official records. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s gender identity will likely be considered discriminatory.
- Tip for faculty: On the first day of class, have students introduce themselves with the name they would like to be called instead of reading off of a roster. This gives students a chance to share the name they are most comfortable with upfront.
- Set the tone: Include a sample statement and link to Berklee’s Equity Policy on your syllabus so students know that they can report concerns and that you value this in our community. Create guidelines, and communicate them on the first day of class, requesting that students practice civility and inclusion of all perspectives, which includes students’ names and correct pronouns. Request that students contact you if they have names that differ from the roster: "If you have a name that differs from the one that appears on the roster, please inform me before the second class period so that I can use your correct name and pronouns."
- Access to sex-segregated facilities: Although schools may maintain separate restrooms or other facilities for males and females, allow everyone to use the facility that corresponds to their gender identity. Where available, a gender-neutral restroom or facility may be offered to any Berklee community member who desires increased privacy, regardless of the underlying reason. No one who is entitled to use a facility consistent with their gender identity can be required to use an alternative arrangement. Any alternative arrangement should be used only at the request of the individual and, if applicable, in a manner that keeps the individual's gender identity confidential (e.g., providing the individual with a single-user facility when everyone else is using a group facility).
- Privacy for trans* students, faculty, and staff: Students, faculty, and staff must be able to decide when, with whom, and how much highly personal information they want to share about themselves. This includes the right to control dissemination of highly personal and private information, such as one’s gender identity, trans* status, or sexual orientation.
- Gender-based activities: Evaluate gender-based activities, rules, policies, and practices—including classroom activities—and maintain only those that serve an important educational purpose. Allow everyone to participate in any such activity or conform to any such rule, policy, or practice consistent with their gender identity.
- Model desired behavior, and adapt more inclusive language: Try to incorporate new, more inclusive phrases into your vocabulary. Replace gendered language (e.g., "ladies and gentlemen") with gender-inclusive language (e.g., "people" or "students"). Avoid titles such as "Mr.," "Mrs.," and "Ms." Instead of calling the class "guys" or "dudes," use "folks," "everyone," "you all," or "you." Modify or qualify any statements on gender. For example, instead of saying "Men/Boys always..." or "Women/Girls always...," say something like "Routinely male-identified people..." or "Historically female-presenting people…" and "Gender nonconforming people can change this dynamic by…"
- Reporting: Report instances of harassment, discrimination, or bullying on the basis of a student’s gender identity or expression to Kelly Downes, Berklee’s chief equity officer and Title IX coordinator, at equity@berklee.edu.
This document was assembled to assist and support you in navigating gender affirming care in the healthcare system and includes information on things such as changing your gender with your health insurance company and navigating surgery. Students, faculty, and staff can use the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition guide to work through the legal name change process. This guide also includes information on how to update your gender marker on legal documentation. Students who wish to change their legal names with Berklee once they have done so through the court should contact the Office of the Registrar with legal documentation, such as an updated driver's/state license or birth certificate. Students, faculty, and staff have the ability to inform the institution of their name used, gender identity, and gender pronoun. Every person has the right to be addressed by the name, gender identity, and pronoun that is appropriate for their identity. These important preferences can differ from legal and permanent records. This policy will articulate the purpose of this resource, how it works, and in what context preferred identifiers can and can not be used. Faculty can also access a training guide that outlines how the used name policy impacts what they'll see in my.berklee.edu and on ol.berklee.edu. A student, faculty, or staff member may wish to go by a name that they use over their legal name. In general, it is inappropriate to ask for "preferred" names or pronouns as this language indicates that the names and pronouns someone uses are optional and that the request is also optional. Calling someone by the name and pronoun they use is not optional. Names used can be a middle name, nickname, or any other choice that will differ from the name they were assigned at birth and legally have documented. In addition, inappropriate use of the used name policy (e.g., to avoid legal obligation or to impersonate another) may be cause for denying the request. No student, staff, or faculty member is required to submit a used name. If a used name is not submitted, then the legal name will be used by default. If a student chooses to submit a used name, it will appear in, but may not be limited to the following: If a staff or faculty member chooses to submit a used name, it may be used in, but not limited to the following: Regardless of the used name being submitted, the legal name (unless legally changed through the courts) will appear in, but not be limited to the following for students: Regardless of the used name being submitted, the legal name (unless legally changed through the courts) will appear in, but not be limited to the following for staff and faculty: A gender pronoun (GP) is used when talking about a specific person. We recognize that there are numerous gender identities and gender pronouns that people use. A student, staff, or faculty member may report a GP as one way of informing others about their gender identity. Gender pronouns are used in order to respect the way people identify and to avoid making assumptions about peoples' identities. Additionally, Berklee recognizes that gender identity exists in a world of markers and expressions. While we are required to collect information on legal birth sex (during the time of admission and enrollment or hiring, and as indicated by female or male), a student, staff, or faculty member has the option to submit information on their gender identity. No student, staff, or faculty member is required to submit a gender pronoun. If a gender pronoun is not submitted, then this field will be left blank. For students, gender pronoun and gender identity information will appear in, but may not be limited to advisee lists and housing reports. For staff and faculty, gender pronouns and gender identity information will not be immediately used or distributed in the same manner as it will for students. Unless a faculty or staff member instructs Human Resources to share this data with a manager or other designated person(s), this information will be kept private. The following are examples of gender identities that may be submitted: (*please note that an update on this list is being developed) The following are examples of gender pronouns that may be submitted: Berklee endeavors to educate appropriate campus community members about name and pronoun preferences as fully as possible, and it is expected that all members of the Berklee community will respect the used names and pronouns of others. Continued use of a person's non-used gender pronouns after notice of used gender pronouns may constitute a violation of policy. Furthermore, while Berklee makes every effort to make requested name or pronoun changes in all appropriate places and in a timely manner, there may be instances where the change is missed or does not integrate into certain systems. If you have questions about updating your name, gender, or pronouns in Berklee systems, please contact the Office of the Registrar. For student submission forms, please go to: For faculty and staff submission forms, please go to: Berklee reserves the right to amend, suspend, or cancel this policy at any time, with or without notice. In the event that a conflict exists between this policy and the terms and conditions of the Berklee faculty union contract agreement, the union contract agreement will supersede this policy. Berklee's student health insurance plan offers medical coverage for trans* individuals. For more information, please review Blue Cross Blue Shield's Transgender Services Medical Policy*: *Please note that Berklee's student health insurance is considered a "Commercial PPO" plan. Berklee's health insurance plan for faculty and staff health also offers medical coverage for trans* individuals. For more information, please review Tuft's guidelines for coverage. You may also reference this spreadsheet for information on gender affirming coverage for most Massachusetts insurance plans. Housing for students at Berklee is done on the basis of gender identity, not sex assigned at birth. A more gender-inclusive housing policy is currently being drafted and will be available soon. If you have specific questions about your future or current living arrangements on campus, please visit the Housing and Residential Life website or contact the housing office directly at housing@berklee.edu.Navigating Gender Affirming Care
Inclusive Restrooms
Berklee College of Music
All-Gender and Single-Use Gender Designated RestroomsBuilding Floor Location Room Name 1096 Boylston Street 2 In level 2 stairwell All-gender restroom 1108 Boylston Street A Level A elevator lobby All-gender restroom 1140 Boylston Street 1 By room 1-Z All-gender restroom 1140 Boylston Street 1 By room 1-Z All-gender restroom 135 Massachusetts Avenue 3 Level 3 elevator lobby All-gender restroom 150 Massachusetts Avenue A By room A75 All-gender restroom 150 Massachusetts Avenue B Student commuter lounge All-gender restroom 155 Massachusetts Avenue 2 By room 204B All-gender restroom 155 Massachusetts Avenue 2 By room 204B All-gender restroom 155 Massachusetts Avenue B By room B24 All-gender restroom 160 Massachusetts Avenue 4 By room 420 (fitness room) All-gender restroom 160 Massachusetts Avenue 4 By room 420 (fitness room) All-gender restroom 160 Massachusetts Avenue B By room B258 All-gender restroom 160 Massachusetts Avenue B By room B212 All-gender restroom 161 Massachusetts Avenue 2 By room 242 All-gender restroom 161 Massachusetts Avenue 2 By room 242 All-gender restroom 161 Massachusetts Avenue 3 By room 331 All-gender restroom 161 Massachusetts Avenue 3 In Alumni Affairs suite 321 All-gender restroom 161 Massachusetts Avenue 3 In Physical Plant suite 301 All-gender restroom 161 Massachusetts Avenue 4 In EPD suite All-gender restroom 161 Massachusetts Avenue 4 In EPD suite All-gender restroom 171 Massachusetts Avenue 1 By practice room X-13 All-gender restroom 171 Massachusetts Avenue 1 By practice room X-23 All-gender restroom 171 Massachusetts Avenue B By practice room D-19 All-gender restroom 22 Fenway 1 By room 104 All-gender restroom 22 Fenway 2 By room 204 All-gender restroom 22 Fenway 3 By room 307 All-gender restroom 22 Fenway 4 By room 407 All-gender restroom 270 Haviland Street 1 Inside room 103 All-gender restroom 270 Haviland Street 1 By student lounge All-gender restroom 270 Haviland Street B By fitness room All-gender restroom 7 Haviland Street 1 Main lobby All-gender restroom 7 Haviland Street 2 By room 224 All-gender restroom 7 Haviland Street 3 Main lobby All-gender restroom 939 Boylston Street 1 Main lobby All-gender restroom 939 Boylston Street 2 By Student Advising and Success front desk All-gender restroom 939 Boylston Street 2 By Student Advising and Success front desk All-gender restroom 939 Boylston Street 2 By Student Advising and Success front desk All-gender restroom 98 Hemenway Street B By level B practice rooms All-gender restroom 1108 Boylston Street 2 By room 221 Single-use female restroom 1108 Boylston Street 3 By room 321 Single-use female restroom 1108 Boylston Street A By practice room A17 Single-use female restroom 1140 Boylston Street 2 By room 2N Single-use female restroom 1140 Boylston Street 3 By room 3E Single-use female restroom 1140 Boylston Street 3 By room 3Y Single-use female restroom 1140 Boylston Street 4 By room 4F Single-use female restroom 1140 Boylston Street 5 By room 5E2 Single-use female restroom 1140 Boylston Street 5 By room 5W Single-use female restroom 136 Massachusetts Avenue B Green room Single-use female restroom 150 Massachusetts Avenue 3 Housing Office Single-use female restroom 155 Massachusetts Avenue 3 Off the elevator on the right Single-use female restroom 155 Massachusetts Avenue 4 By room 410 Single-use female restroom 160 Massachusetts Avenue 3M By room 303M (Aramark office) Single-use female restroom 161 Massachusetts Avenue 4 By room 443 Single-use female restroom 7 Haviland Street 1 By room 130 Single-use female restroom 7 Haviland Street 2 By room 222 Single-use female restroom 7 Haviland Street 3 By room 313 Single-use female restroom 939 Boylston Street 2 By room 207 Single-use female restroom 1108 Boylston Street 2 By room 221 Single-use male restroom 1108 Boylston Street 3 By room 321 Single-use male restroom 1108 Boylston Street A By practice room A17 Single-use male restroom 130 Massachusetts Avenue 1 Via level 1 stairwell Single-use male restroom 136 Massachusetts Avenue 2 Inside the Willan Davis Conference Room, room 201 Single-use male restroom 136 Massachusetts Avenue B Green room Single-use male restroom 150 Massachusetts Avenue 3 Housing Office Single-use male restroom 155 Massachusetts Avenue 3 Off the elevator on the right Single-use male restroom 155 Massachusetts Avenue 4 By room 410 Single-use male restroom 160 Massachusetts Avenue 3M By room 303M (Aramark office) Single-use male restroom 7 Haviland Street 1 By room 130 Single-use male restroom 7 Haviland Street 2 By room 222 Single-use male restroom 7 Haviland Street 3 By room 306 Single-use male restroom 939 Boylston Street 2 By room 207 Single-use male restroom Boston Conservatory at Berklee
All-Gender and Single-Use Gender Designated RestroomsBuilding Floor Location Room Name 1112 Boylston Street 2 By room 2B All-gender restroom 1112 Boylston Street 2 By room 2B All-gender restroom 1112 Boylston Street 3 By room 3G All-gender restroom 1112 Boylston Street 3 By room 3G All-gender restroom 132 Ipswich Street 2 By room 217 All-gender restroom 24 Fenway A Inside Cafe 24 All-gender restroom 26 Fenway A Main lobby All-gender restroom 31 Hemenway Street 1 Inside dress room All-gender restroom 32 Fenway A By room 004 All-gender restroom 54 Fenway A By room 004 All-gender restroom 8 Fenway 1 Inside room 111 All-gender restroom 1161 Boylston Street A By kitchenette Single-use female restroom 132 Ipswich Street 1 By room 111 Single-use female restroom 132 Ipswich Street 2 By room 217 Single-use female restroom 132 Ipswich Street 3 By room 316 Single-use female restroom 1161 Boylston Street A By kitchenette Single-use male restroom 132 Ipswich Street 1 By room 111 Single-use male restroom 132 Ipswich Street 2 By room 217 Single-use male restroom 132 Ipswich Street 3 By room 316 Single-use male restroom Berklee's Campus in Valencia, Spain
All-Gender and Single-Use Gender Designated RestroomsBuilding Floor Location Room Name Palau de les Arts B B02 All-gender restroom Palau de les Arts B B04 All-gender restroom Palau de les Arts B B07 All-gender restroom Palau de les Arts B B09 All-gender restroom Palau de les Arts B B13 All-gender restroom Name Change Policy
Legal Name Change Guidance
What is a used (preferred) name?
Where will my used name (if submitted) and my legal name be used?
What is a gender pronoun?
Used Name, Gender Identity, and Gender Pronoun Update Form
Faculty/Staff Name Change and Gender Information Form
Health Insurance Info
Inclusive Housing
Policies and Resources
Local Support Resources
Resource Guides for Gender-Affirming Care in Massachusetts/New England
Clinics that Provide Specified Gender-Affirming Care in Boston