Trans @ GW

The George Washington University (GW) gives voice to our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion by welcoming all transgender (gender non-binary, gender non-conforming, gender fluid) students, staff, faculty, alumni, family members, and community partners. We recognize, celebrate, and support the unique contributions that people with transgender identities/experiences offer our campus community and the GW educational experience. All transgender people have a home at GW and at the Multicultural Student Services Center!

The George Washington University does not unlawfully discriminate against any person on any basis prohibited by federal law, the District of Columbia Human Rights Act, or other applicable law, including without limitation, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. This policy covers all programs, services, policies, and procedures of the university, including admission to education programs and employment.

For more information, please visit GW’s non-discrimination policy, which includes trans students, staff, and faculty.

Name, Gender Identity, Pronouns, and Legal Name, and Sex Changes

There is one process to change your first name (referred to as Chosen First Name), pronouns, and gender identity. There is a separate process to change your legal name and sex. Once you have changed either your legal or chosen name, you may also request a new GWorld card and/or a new GW email address at no cost.

Below is an overview of each process, and you may also refer to this IT Help Article on Name Changes for more information or contact [email protected].

Chosen First Name, Pronouns, and Gender Identity

Log in to GWeb, select the Personal Information Menu, My Profile, and then Personal Information. There, students, staff, and faculty may enter their Chosen First Name, Pronouns, and Gender Identity.

Most university systems update within 24 hours, and some may take as long as 72 hours. Your legal name will still appear on official documents such as Transcripts and Financial documents. If one or more systems have not been updated after this time, submit a Name Change help ticket to IT.

Legal Name and Sex

If you are a student or alumni who has not been employed by the University within the past two years, submit the Registrar’s Biographical Updates online form, including supporting documents.

If you have been employed by the University within the past two years, or are currently employed by the University, complete and submit the Data Change Request Form, along with supporting documents to [email protected].

Once your updated name is reflected on GWeb’s Personal Information page, your name will be updated across university systems within 72 hours. If your name has not been updated in one or more systems, please email [email protected] to request support.

GWorld Card

All GW students, faculty, and staff will have their chosen first name (rather than legal first name) printed on their GWorld card by default if their chosen name is submitted in GWeb at least one business day prior to requesting their GWorld card.

To have your current GWorld Card, updated to use your chosen first name, after submitting your chosen name in GWeb at least one business day prior, please stop by the GWorld Office with your current card to trade it out. At this time you may also submit a new photo in advance or take a photo in the GWorld Office. There is no fee as long as you turn in your current card.

Please reach out to the GWorld Office with any questions or concerns.

GW Email Address

If you would like to update your GW email address please submit the Email Change Request form.

Gender Inclusive Housing

Good News! At GW, you can choose to live with a student of any gender and biological sex! So, you have the power to choose the best possible roommate to help make your housing experience the best it can be.

Specifically, gender-inclusive housing (GIH) allows students who identify as different genders or have a different biological sex to live together in one apartment or room.

All students assigned to a GIH suite must opt-in and have a mutual roommate request. This opt-in program will allow students of different genders/sexes to be assigned to the same room or apartment. During the housing selection process, students will answer yes or no to the following lifestyle question about GIH: “I prefer to live in gender-inclusive housing." ONLY students who select yes will be opt-in.

Students who do not opt-in or do not have a mutual roommate request will continue to be assigned to co-ed buildings by suite, but not to the same room.

For more information, visit the GW Housing.

All-Person Bathrooms

Everyone deserves easy and safe access to bathrooms. At GW, our all-person bathrooms (APBs) help ensure that every member of the GW Community can access a bathroom that meets their needs.

GW’s APBs are single-stall restrooms that are available to be used by anyone and everyone. APBs benefit all members of the GW Community, including transgender people, disabled people, people with children of a different gender, people with attendants, and people who prefer additional privacy.

Look for the sign, "All Person Restroom," to help you locate the 100+ GIBs on the Foggy Bottom and Mt. Vernon Campuses. You may also use this helpful Google Maps link on your cell phone to find a GIB near you! (LINK HERE: bit.ly/gwbathrooms)

LGBTQIA+ Healthcare

All students receive high-quality healthcare at GW, including transgender students. GW Student Health Insurance coverage for transgender students is extensive and comprehensive. GW continues to do all we can to serve the needs of transgender students, especially around physical and mental health.

The primary source for GW student health services is the Student Health Center, located in the University Student Center. The Student Health Center offers comprehensive physical and mental health services to all students.

In addition, the GW Professional Psychology department staffs the Center Clinic, which provides additional low-cost mental health services for LGBTQIA+ students, including both individual and group counseling.

Healthy LGBTQIA+ students are successful LGBTQIA+ students and GW is here to help!

DC Transgender Resources

In addition to GW’s health services, the District of Columbia is home to some of the best health and advocacy organizations for transgender people. Two primary resources include:

Whitman-Walker Health (WWH) is a non-profit community health center that specifically provides service for and with trans individuals and other gender and sexual minorities. Services included health screenings, psychiatric care, pharmaceutical care (hormone administration and monitoring), etc. WWH is located at 1701 14th Street, NW, in Washington, DC. To make an appointment or to inquire about their services, visit Whitman-Walker Health online or call (202) 745-7400.
The National Center for Transgender Equality is a national social justice organization devoted to ending discrimination and violence against transgender people through education and advocacy on national issues of importance to transgender people. For more information, visit the National Center for Transgender Equality online or call (202) 903-0112.