Counseling Services is committed to providing an affirming therapeutic environment for students. This includes students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, or any other identifier that encompasses the intersection of an individual’s gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
All sexual orientations and gender identities are a natural part of the human experience. The following are some topics that can be explored in counseling:
- Exploring one’s sexual orientation, gender expression, and/or gender identity
- Exploring one’s gender training and gender socialization
- Exploring the coming out process and the experience of outing
- Challenges associated with biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism
- Integration of sexual orientation and/or gender identity with other identities such as race & ethnicity, religious/spiritual affiliations, political ideologies, and family of origin.
- Relationship Issues (Family, Friendships, Intimate Romantic/Sexual)
Above information by Wesleyan University.
Resources:
| Topic | Resource | Notes |
| LGBTQIA+ organizations | Hagerstown Hopes https://hagerstownhopesmd.org/ |
They provide a list of LGBT+ friendly businesses |
| Fairness WV | ||
| National Center for Transgender Equality https://transequality.org/documents/state/west-virginia |
They have a whole section on how to go about legal name and gender changes specifically for WV, as well as many other resources | |
| Domestic Violence | Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center (EPEC) https://epecwv.org/ |
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| Anti-Violence Project Hotline: (212) 714-1141 |
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| Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project Hotline: 1-800-832-1901 |
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| Mental Health | Eastridge Health Systems https://eastridgehealthsystems.org/ |
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| The Trevor Project www.TheTrevorProject.org/HelpHotline: 1-866-488-7386 (trained counselors available 24/7) Or, text START to 678-678 |
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| Trans Lifeline translifeline.org Hotline: 1-866-488-7386 |
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| Medical | Trans-friendly medical providers Visit Fairness WV |
This guide provides an overview for transgender West Virginians who are seeking a trans-friendly medical provider. |
| The WVU Positive Health Clinic | The staff works to provide a comprehensive, “one stop shopping” approach to the treatment of HIV/AIDS. They understand that HIV/AIDS affects more than just the physical aspects of the patient. The diagnosis of HIV/AIDS can affect a patient’s finances, housing, family, social relationships and access to health care. They work to continuously improve our services to meet the patient’s vast range of needs. | |
| Planned Parenthood Visit Planned Parenthood Site |
Planned Parenthood is one of the nation’s leading providers of high-quality, affordable health care, and the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With or without insurance, you can always come to us for your health care. | |
| OutCare Visit OutCare |
Outcare is nationwide resource providing extensive information on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer healthcare (LGBTQ healthcare). | |
| Shenandoah Women’s Care https://www.shencommhealth.com/womens-healthcare |
LGBTQ+ Informed OB/Gynecological Care | |
| Dr. Rainbow https://www.drrainbow.org/ |
LGBTQ+ healthcare | |
| Chase Brexton Health Care https://www.chasebrexton.org |
Our Mission: To provide compassionate, quality health care that honors diversity, inspires wellness, and improves our communities. | |
| Housing | WV Coalition to End Homelessness https://wvceh.org/ |
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| Pride | Panhandle Pride https://www.facebook.com/EasternPanhandleWVPride/ |
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| Rainbow Pride of West Virginia Visit Rainbow Pride |
Rainbow Pride of WV is more than one Board of Directors, more than any one individual. Pride is YOU. Founded 23 years ago and run by a team of volunteers, Rainbow Pride is only successful when you participate! We welcome every voice to the chorus and every face to the crowd. |