TAMU/BCS Queer Resource Guide

March 24th, 2025 

The Queer Empowerment Council at Texas A&M is overjoyed at the injunction granted by Judge Rosenthal today which allows for Draggieland to be held at Rudder Theatre on Thursday, March 27th. The fight for queer acceptance continues, but this is an excellent display of the resilience of queer joy as that is an unstoppable force despite those that wish to destroy it. Our work with FIRE is just getting started, but this sets a precedent for free speech on college campuses. Tickets are available at tx.ag/Draggieland2025Tickets. Please follow us on @Draggieland on Instagram for more details on how to support us further.

February 28th, 2025

The Queer Empowerment Council (QEC) of Texas A&M University is profoundly disheartened by the recent decision made by the Board of Regents during their special meeting, which resulted in an outright ban on drag shows across all campuses within the Texas A&M University System. This decision directly affects Draggieland, an acclaimed event that has become a hallmark of celebration and expression within our community. 

Draggieland has been a vibrant and award-winning student-run event for many years, embodying queer joy and unity. Its cancellation at Rudder Theatre, scheduled for March 27, 2025, represents not just the loss of an event, but a significant blow to the LGBTQ+ community's representation and expression on campus. The power of drag as a medium of art is undeniable, serving as a platform for self-discovery, inclusivity, and celebration of diversity. QEC firmly believes that the Board of Regents' decision undermines these values, which are vital to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. The cancellation follows the loss of our Pride Center due to the implications of SB 17, making it all the more crucial for events like Draggieland to continue. 

In response to this setback, QEC is actively exploring alternative options to reschedule Draggieland, either on the same date or at a later time in a different venue. We are committed to ensuring that our voices are heard, and that Draggieland will go on, no matter the obstacles we face. Refunds for ticket holders have begun being processed, with the QEC working diligently to support our community during this time. We encourage those who wish to show their support to sign our petition at tx.ag/DragPetition, visit tx.ag/QECStore for donations, and purchase merchandise if you are in the Bryan-College Station area. Your contributions will help us continue our mission of advocacy and representation.

Disclaimer - This section includes a brief description of legal and policy issues surrounding the A&M queer community. This does not constitute a legal opinion, document, or an overview of policies affecting the queer community at large. Although we try to keep up with it, due to the current political climate we are unable to keep this page fully updated.

The main policies affecting Texas A&M

All A&M Drag show cancellation

On February 28, 2025, The Texas A&M Board of Regents passed a resolution banning drag performances on all 11 A&M system campuses, the full text of which can be found  here. This forces the cancellation of our annual Draggieland event, which has been a hallmark of celebration and expression within our community for years. Draggieland has been a vibrant and award-winning student-run event embodying queer joy, unity, and a celebration of womanhood. Its forced cancellation at Rudder Theatre, scheduled for March 27, 2025, represents not just the loss of an event, but a significant blow to the LGBTQ+ community's representation and expression on campus. QEC is currently seeking an alternate location for Draggieland, and has filed a lawsuit to oppose this decision with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE).

West Texas A&M Drag show cancellation

West Texas A&M, which is a member of the Texas A&M system, was to put on a student-lead drag show on March 31, 2023. On March 20, 2023, West Texas President Walter Wendler canceled the drag show, claiming that drag shows “discriminate against womanhood” and are comparable to blackface. In response, Spectrum WT (group for LGBTQ+ students and allies) filed a lawsuit against the university for violating free speech. On September 22, 2023, U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmarky ruled that the university did not violate student’s freedom of speech, allowing the ban to remain in place. On March 15, 2024, the Supreme Court declined to intervene in the lawsuit.

SB 12

On June 18, 2023, the Texas Senate approved Senate Bill  (SB) No. 12. This bill became effective on September 1, 2023, but has since been ruled unconstitutional.

The bill states: “A person who controls the premises of a commercial enterprise may not allow a sexually oriented performance to be presented on the premises in the presence of an individual younger than 18 years of age.” (Sec. 769.002,  Subsection A)

“A person who violates this section is liable to this state for a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each violation.” (Sec. 769.002,  Subsection B)

In response, lawsuits were pressed by business owners, actors and drag performers arguing that the bill is too broad and infringes on First Amendment rights to free speech. On September 26, 2023, a federal judge (US District Judge David Hittner of Houston) struck down SB 12 as a violation of the First Amendment right to free speech. In response to this, the author of SB 12 (Senator Bryan Hughs) said he will challenge the ruling. A spokesperson for the Texas Attorney General’s Office said they will appeal the ruling; however, no appeal has been made at this time, so Draggieland and other shows are still able to happen.

SB 17

On June 17, 2023, the Texas Senate approved Senate Bill (SB) No. 17. This bill became effective on January 1, 2024. 

The bill states: “An institution of higher education may not establish or maintain a diversity, equity, and inclusion office or hire or assign an employee of the institution, or contact with a third party, to perform the duties of a diversity, equity, and inclusion office.” (Sec. 51.9317, Subsection B)

Title IX

On April 19, 2024, the Biden administration released updated Title IX regulations which expanded protections for LGBTQ+ and pregnant and parenting students and more flexible handling of sexual assault cases, among other changes. However, the state of Texas sued the administration over the changes, and on July 11, U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk issued a Memorandum and Order blocking the new Title IX regulations in the state of Texas until the lawsuit has been resolved.  As a result Texas A&M is prohibited from enacting any part of the new Title IX regulations. A statement about this ruling by the Texas A&M system can be found here. 

Ending of HRT at Student Health Services

On July 1st, 2024 ,Texas A&M University Health Services (UHS) announced via email to students receiving gender-affirming care from UHS they will no longer offer gender-affirming medical care.  This change, which takes effect August 1st, only a month away from its announcement, was given with no prior discussion or warning to the students it affects. Representatives from UHS said that this decision was made from a resutructiring of resources, not because of political pressure. See our statement, email template, petition, and other ways you can help here. Also see our list of alternative sources for care in the "Medical & Mental Health Resources" > "Trans-specific resources" section.

Texas DPS to stop updating gender markers

On August 20, 2024, the Texas Department of Public Safety has stopped updating gender markers on driver's licenses and state IDs. Although not limited to Texas A&M, this affects A&M students and the BCS community at large.  Please see the "Legal Resources" > "Name and gender marker changes" section for more information.

How this affects us

The Board of Regent's ban on drag performances forces the cancellation of our annual Draggieland event, which has been a hallmark of celebration and expression within our community for years. Draggieland has been a vibrant and award-winning student-run event embodying queer joy, unity, and a celebration of womanhood. Its forced cancellation at Rudder Theatre, scheduled for March 27, 2025, represents not just the loss of an event, but a significant blow to the LGBTQ+ community's representation and expression on campus. This, on the tail of Judge Matthew Kacsmarky’s ruling in favor of the West Texas A&M drag show cancellation sets a dangerous precedent for the authority of university administrators in regards to freedom of speech. The ban and ruling also mark a departure from the norm; numerous federal judges in other states have ruled against drag bans, protecting first amendment rights. This was reinforced by the ruling of SB 12 as unconstitutional, thereby supporting and reaffirming the right to free speech. Despite this, the Board of Regents ruled to stifle free expression on A&M system campuses.  

QEC is actively working to find an alternative location for Draggieland. Refunds have been processed, and all who purchased tickets will be contacted once such a location is found. We will also post on our social media, newsletter, and other official communication for those who had not already purchased tickets but wish to attend. In the meantime, we encourage those who wish to show their support to sign our petition at tx.ag/DragPetition, visit tx.ag/QECStore for donations and merchandise, and contact the Board of Regents to voice your concerns over the ban. A threat to free speech for some is a threat to free speech for all.

Judge Kacsmarky’s ruling on Title IX also deprives women, LGBTQ+, pregnant and parenting, and other students in Texas from the equal treatment that their peers across the nation are afforded. This ruling allows for continued discrimination, codified harassment, and the upholding of excess hurtles that students must jump through simply to feel safe and protected on their campuses. It suggests that Texas is more interested in protecting their ability to discriminate than the safety and dignity of their own students.

As a result of SB 17, the Texas A&M Pride Center has been officially rebranded as the Student Life Center. Although the physical space and some programming still remains, the new center is not allowed to host many of its usual events specifically about queer issues such as Lavender Graduation, Pride Mentors, and The Coming Out Monologues. These events are now being run by QEC instead. You can find them on the "Our Events" tab of this website. In addition, other campus resources such as the Women’s Health Center have been rebranded or absorbed into other departments.

The cessation of gender affirming care at University Health Services, despite UHS stating the change was not political in nature, is still a grave disappointment to the LGBTQ+ community here at Texas A&M. Removing access to gender-affirming care through UHS leaves students with very few options to find care, especially for students who are already struggling with the cost of education itself. Despite the university’s claim to support the mental and physical well-being of all its students, by no longer offering gender-affirming care, Texas A&M is directly harming the mental and physical health of an already vulnerable portion of its student body. We at the Queer Empowerment Council are working to offer resources to those in need of alternative sources of care. Please see our statement, email template, petition, and other ways you can help here, as well as our list of clinics below in our medical and mental health resources section.

For more information, visit the QEC Bento for links to resources and our affiliated student groups: QEC bento.

Name and gender marker changes:

• To change your gender marker in Howdy, go to “My Information” > “Personal Information” > “Preferred first name”

• For legal name & gender changes:

  • In Travis County (Austin area): https://lawlibrary.traviscountytx.gov/docs/GenderMarker_and_NC_Kit_March_2017.pdf

  • In Texas in general: https://texaslawhelp.org/guide/texas-name-and-gender-marker-change-guide

• Useful guides for ID changes: https://translifeline.org/resources/id-change-library/ and https://transequality.org/documents

• As of Aug 20, 2024, Texas DPS has ceased updating gender marker changes on Texas Driver's Licenses and State IDs. This does NOT affect court orders to change other documentation such as birth certificates- those changes are still just fine. It also does not affect anyone who has previously changed gender markers through the DPS. In addition, the DPS is collecting data on anyone who attempts to change their gender markers. Please proceed with caution and reach out to the ALCU of Texas or Lambda Legal (https://lambdalegal.org/helpdesk/) if you are affected by this change.

• Non-exhaustive list of things to change after a legal name change:

  • Government documents: social security card, state ID, driver's license, passport, voter registration

    • Links to many of these agencies: https://guides.sll.texas.gov/name-changes/updating-your-documents#:~:text=What%20documents%20do%20I%20need,employment%2C%20benefits%2C%20and%20taxes

  • Employment, medical, and financial: HR and any work documentation, insurance (car, health, renter's, etc.), bank account, credit/debit card, doctors or other medical specialists, professional organizations or clubs

  • General: Cell phone account, voicemail, email signature, TV & internet subscriptions, paypal and venmo, social media, Howdy or other school documentation

LGBTQ+ Legislation and advocacy:

• Trevor Project legislation heatmap by state: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/advocacy/

• Human Right Campaign: https://www.hrc.org/

• National Center for Transgender Equality: legal resources, know-your-rights guides, education materials, and more:  https://transequality.org/

• Queer education and advocacy materials: https://itgetsbetter.org/

Voting & General Politics:

• VoteTexas.gov: register to vote  & request mail-in ballot in Texas https://www.votetexas.gov/resources/

• Vote.org: register to vote & request mail-in ballot outside Texas: https://www.vote.org/

• TX Secretary of State website: register to vote online, change name or address, request or track a mail-in ballot, and find voting dates and locations https://teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov/MVP/mvp.do

  • For Brazos county specifically (the Bryan-College Station area): https://www.brazosvotes.org/ 

• Vote411: provides personalized guides for what is on the ballot, easy comparison of candidates and propositions, how to register or change where you are registered, and more: https://www.vote411.org/

• League of Women Voters: nonpartisan organization not restricted to just women, focused on expanding voting access and resources for select political hot topics: https://www.lwv.org/

• Contact your representatives: 

  • US House of Representatives: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative#:~:text=If%20you%20know%20who%20your,the%20U.S.%20House%20switchboard%20operator.

  • US Senate: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm

  • Texas: https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home

• 5calls: Website and app to easily contact government representatives on personalized topics: https://5calls.org/

Judiciary:

• Texas Bar Association pubic resources, open records requests, and find-a-lawyer tool, also often has links to veteran and disaster relief services on the home page: https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Public_Home

• Help with accessing and understanding law, self-help, and ask-a-lawyer services: https://texaslawhelp.org/

• Legal advice from actual lawyers for low-income individuals: https://texas.freelegalanswers.org/

• Pro Bono assistance for veterans: https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Texas_Lawyers_for_Texas_Veterans

• Self-help forms, lawyer referral services, and state law library: https://texascourthelp.org/

• Reporting for for the Department of Education - Civil Rights complaints https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html

• Lambda Legal group for LGBTQ+ legal services: https://lambdalegal.org/ 

Other resources:

• Texas A&M Title IX reporting form and resources for parenting students: https://titleix.tamu.edu/report/#:~:text=If%20you%20need%20to%20report,visit%20titleix.tamu.edu

• Trans mutual aid group (with TONS of resources on everything from legislation trackers to informed consent HRT maps to disaster relief funds): https://linktr.ee/TransMutualAid

• Check if your email has been involved in data breaches: https://haveibeenpwned.com/ 

• Site that summarizes Terms of Service for popular websites and gives a grade based on shadiness: https://tosdr.org/ 

• Guides for SB17: Ogletree Legal Group , Dallas News , Austin American Statesman

General tips and insurance:

• Links to various resources for medical care, including resources for former foster care children, elderly, low-income families, pregnancy care, nutrition tips, and much more – https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health

• Links to various state programs and assistance for covering basic needs, substance abuse, food assistance, medical care, and more (Medicade, Medicare, WIC, SNAP, TANF, etc.) –  https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/Home

• To get cheaper prices for medications, many sites such as https://www.goodrx.com/, https://www.wellrx.com/, and https://costplusdrugs.com/ offer coupons for specific pharmacies. Some medications also offer coupons on their website or by asking whichever doctor prescribed you the medication. When using these coupons with insurance, always remember to ask the pharmacist if the price is actually lower with the coupon, as sometimes the coupon will override a lower price from insurance.

• If something happens and you are not sure if you need to see a doctor, you can use Dial-A-Nurse services to get information and a suggested course of action. 

  • Many insurance companies offer this service to their clients (usually in the form of a number on the back of your insurance card)

  • If you do not have insurance, some will still let you call or will let someone with that insurance call for a friend/partner/family member.

  • Students can access the university’s Dial-A-Nurse line at 979-458-8379

• Mutual aid groups and resources guides that include low-cost medical care: 

  • Trans mutual aid group (with TONS of resources on everything from mental health to legislation trackers to informed consent HRT maps to disaster relief funds): https://linktr.ee/TransMutualAid

  • Extensive list of community resources including elderly care, low-cost healthcare options, job training, special needs resources, substance abuse, and more: https://www.bvblessings.org/community-resources

  • Additional community resources including youth programs and job training: https://www.projectunitytexas.org/programs

• If you have insurance, providers often have lists or maps of what they cover for any specific type of care. When getting care, especially if you are unsure if your insurance covers that location, make sure to ask the receptionist if your insurance is accepted by that specific clinic and by the specific doctor you are seeing as well.

  • If you have multiple insurances (ie. through your employer and through a parent), use your own insurance first for all claims.

• Some therapists will offer 15-minute consultations, where you can ask about their experience with certain topics/needs, their credentials, what outcomes you can expect from their sessions, etc. These consultations may not be clearly offered but may be available if you ask.

• For recurring care, especially sensitive types of care like therapists or OBGYNs, do not feel afraid to try out different providers. Not all providers are equal, and what you are comfortable with is very personal, and providers should never be insulted if you want to switch to someone else.

• You can get a rough check of drug interactions online at websites such as https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html. These are only intended for a general check though, always ask your doctor or pharmacist when picking up your medications.

• Billing assistance for Baylor Scott and White hospital and clinic https://www.bswhealth.com/patient-tools/registration-and-billing/financial-assistance 

Vaccines:

• You can access at-home COVID tests, various vaccines, and general health information regardless of insurance coverage, flu shots, etc. through https://brazoshealth.org/. Brazos Health also offers informational packets, physicals, weekly updates on important health risks such as the flu and Mpox, and resources to report foodborne illness or request a temporary food permit for an event.

• Map to find vaccine locations near you, can filter by type of vaccine offered: https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/. For students, the University Health Center offers periodic vaccines and flu shot drives.

Sexual and reproductive health resources:

• For students, the University Health Center offers reproductive health services such as STI testing, condoms and lube, pregnancy tests, exams, and birth control, as well as information on the services and supplies offered. https://studentlife.tamu.edu/hp/topics/sex/ 

• https://janesdueprocess.org/services/repro-kits/ - Jane’s Due Process will confidentially deliver free reproductive health kits to teens in Lubbock, Bryan, College Station, and San Angelo, Texas

  • From Jane’s Due Process: “Teens under the age of 18 can legally access emergency contraception (Plan B) in Texas. Texas requires teens under the age of 18 to get a parent’s permission to get prescription birth control, like daily oral contraception or long-acting reversible contraceptives. Emergency contraception is available over the counter without a prescription (except for the brand ella).”

  • Map of places to access free Plan B in Texas: https://janesdueprocess.org/blog/how-to-get-free-ec-in-texas/

• https://brazoshealth.org/ offers periodic clinics for services such as pap smears, birth control/condoms, screenings for postpartum depression & breast cancer, STI testing, and physicals, as well as long-standing clinics for both womens’ and mens’ health specifically. The information can be found on their website either from the menu at the top of the home page or on the bottom.

• FREE linktree with reproductive health, pregnancy care, and abortion care information: https://linktr.ee/FREEaggies

• Abortion pill online access (This list was last updated in November of 2022): https://freethepill.org/resources/where-can-i-get-birth-control-pills-online

• https://www.advocatesforyouth.org/resources-tools/ has some resources about STIs as well as several other trans-related and sexual health-related topics

• Planned Parenthood offers reproductive health services such as abortion, birth control, breast cancer screenings, PAP smears, and more, often at a low or reduced cost: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-greater-texas/birth-control

• Sexual Assault Resource Center: https://www.sarcbv.org/

• Useful guides and resources for navigating difficult relationships (including romantic, sexual, familial, and friendship), sexual and reproductive health, and queer identities, geared towards indigenous communities: https://www.wernative.org/my-relationships

Trans-specific resources:

• As of Aug 1, 2024, Texas A&M University Health Services no longer offers HRT. However, you can email them for a list of alternative sources for care, or see our linked resources here. If you have any resources, recommendations, or warnings to share, please let us know through our Bento or at qec-advocacy@lists.tamu.edu.

• Places for gender-affirming medical care

  • Community doc with several recommended places in Texas: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LPHPoX6Ty9gtpKg1sj5MSjjJ8Zo3FQyMv_d4-8sqtd8/edit?usp=sharing also the Crane Center in Austin https://cranects.com/ 

  • College Station: 

    • Dr. Dean Blevins at https://www.txendocrinology.com/

    • Dr. Marley at Baylor Scott & White, although BSW in general has mixed reviews

    • It is not recommended to go to Dr. Doug Crumpler at Brazos Valley Endocrinology - people have had bad experiences with him in the past

  • Telehealth:

    • https://www.mytelekind.org

    • https://getplume.co

    • https://www.folxhealth.com 

    • Virtual Planned Parenthood Clinic & Find-A-Health-Center tool

    • https://www.pridehealthclinic.com/ This clinic is in Nebraska but Dr. Devorak is licensed in Texas and reached out to offer telehealth services

  • National:

    • General Informed Consent HRT Map (published December 2023): https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1DxyOTw8dI8n96BHFF2JVUMK7bXsRKtzA&hl=en_US&ll=14.008705816396951%2C-106.85700125&z=2

    • National directory of self-enrolled clinicians for safe and inclusive care: http://lgbtqhealthcaredirectory.org 

  • Bloodwork and pharmacy locations:

    • Beutel is still offering bloodwork and pharmacy services, so even though they do not prescribe HRT anymore, they can fill prescriptions you got elsewhere.

    • LabCorp and QuestDiagnostics are local labs for bloodwork. Some HRT providers, such as Plume, include full coverage or reduced costs for these locations.

  • Questions about HRT and other gender-affirming care? Transcend (one of our member orgs) has useful links and presentations you can look at here (under the "Resource Folder" section):  https://linktr.ee/TAMUTranscend 

  • Funding for gender-affirming care:

    • Pride Community Center has started a fund to assist folks with their gender affirming care needs, specifically those who lost care from TAMU's University Health Services. The application and donation link can be found here: https://tx.ag/HRTFund

    • Transcend is gathering info for those who need help continuing their care. Membership in Transcend is preferred but not required as long as you’re local. https://forms.gle/GshcURqqhSQqqBoq8

    • Helpful guide to finding what your health insurance covers: https://transequality.org/health-coverage-guide

    • Trans Mutual Aid groups may have scholarships, funds, information, and other assistance: https://linktr.ee/TransMutualAid

• Trusted brands for gender-affirming clothing and equipment:

  • Binders & binding tape: flavnt, Underworks, trans tape, Wonababi. DO NOT wear for over 8 hours, when sick or exercising, 

  • Packers: PeaCock, RodeoH

    • FreeToM has been fine historically but has come under fire recently for not delivering purchased products. Use with care.

  • Tucking: TomboyX, Unclockable, TuckingTape

  • Breast forms: TheBreastFormStore’s Transform line

  • Tool for measuring mra size: https://abrathatfits.org/calculator.php 

  • Boxers for menstrual pads: MerakiTay

  • Assorted: TransToolShed.com, urbasics.ca

  • Build-a-queer kits for assorted gender-affrming needs: https://queertransproject.org/pages/build-a-queer-kits 

Mental health resources:

• Therapy, counseling, & psychiatry:

  • Online searches for therapists, filterable by insurance, location, online versus in-person appointments, and type of therapy - Some therapists will offer 15-minute consultations, where you can ask about their experience with certain topics/needs, their credentials, what outcomes you can expect from their sessions, etc. These consultations may not be clearly offered but may be available if you ask.

    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us

    • https://www.goodtherapy.org/ also offers information on different types of therapy under the “learn-about-therapy/types” tab

    • https://lifestance.com/ This site has lots of options and is easy to find options, but the patient portal can be a bit finicky, so make sure to ask your provider the best way to reach them in case the portal has any issues. Or use the site to find a therapist and then access them through their personal website or phone number.

    • https://psychplus.com/ another provider with lots of options for therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists covered under most major insurances

    • If you're having trouble getting psychiatric meds to work, some people have had luck with this genetic test, and they offer flexible/reduced payment options. Ask your provider if you think it may be useful https://genesight.com/ 

  • Resources such as https://arc.mhanational.org/find-affiliate and https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/ can help you find mental health services at low or no cost for those on Medicaid, disability, or with no insurance.

  • Some employers also offer EAPs, although the sessions are usually limited and are meant to address problems that affect your work performance specifically. These are typically accessed through your HR department.

  • App-based providers such as BetterHelp can offer cheaper, more accessible, and text-based therapy. This list compares a few of the top apps, though there are many more available https://www.e-counseling.com/therapy-apps/ 

  • For students, you can access mental health resources including but not limited to counseling, anxiety workshops, ADHD and other learning disability screenings through https://uhs.tamu.edu/mental-health/index.html 

  • The Trevor Project offers mental health resources and support groups for queer people: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

• Crisis hotlines - please note that many emergency hotlines do alert the police, use with caution. Blackline and Trans Lifeline do not.

  • https://lgbthotline.org/ - several hotlines for coming out help, youth & senior hotlines, peer support chats, and weekly youth chat rooms

  • GLBT National Help Center Youth Talkline for teens and young adults up to age 25: 1-800-246-7743, open Monday – Friday 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. ET & Saturday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET

  • Trans Lifeline - https://translifeline.org/ or 877-565-8860, ask for the Family & Friends Line if you need assistance on how to help someone else. Trans Lifeline does not alert police.

  • Blackline -  https://www.callblackline.com/ or 1-800-604-5841 (also has a text option). Blackline does not alert police, and is aimed towards black and POC members of the queer community.

  • WeRNative - https://www.wernative.org/articles/native-crisis-text-line or text “NATIVE” to 741741 , also has information and resources on relationship violence, two spirit and LGBT resources, bullying, substance abuse, and more for indigenous people.

  • Trevor Project- text START to 678-678 or call 866-488-7386

  • OSTEM list of hotlines & resources for LGBT-specific issues as well as homeless/runaway youth & general crisis lines: https://ostem.org/page/crisis-hotlines

  • PFLAG call & text hotlines for LGBT issues, sexual assault, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS information, etc. https://pflag.org/

  • List by county, also has veteran-specific options: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use/mental-health-crisis-services The Bryan county entry is: 888-522-8262

  • https://www.crisistextline.org/ offers text lines for eating disorders, anxiety, self-harm, gun violence, and more

• The US department of Veterans Affairs has free apps for insomnia and mindfulness: https://mobile.va.gov/app/mindfulness-coach and https://mobile.va.gov/app/mindfulness-coach 

• Trigger warnings for movies and assorted media (searchable database): https://www.doesthedogdie.com/ 

Disability resources:

• TAMU Disability Resources: https://disability.tamu.edu/

  • Links to student groups and local, state, and national resources: https://disability.tamu.edu/resources/organizations/

• Brazos Valley resources for the disabled and elderly communities: https://www.bvcog.org/programs/aging-disability-resource-center

• MHMR Authority of Brazos Valley - services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including vocational, habilitation, housing, health and nursing services: https://mhmrabv.org/idd

• Texas Health and Human services website: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/alzheimers-disease/risk-reduction-promoting-cognitive-health/prevention/aging-disability-resource-centers

Student-specific resources:

• Beutel (https://uhs.tamu.edu/index.html) offers most services at low or reduced cost for students & some employees, including

  • Dial-A-Nurse to ask non-emergency questions (5 pm - 8am weekdays, 24-hours on weekends) at 979-458-8379

  • Mental health services (including CAPS, self-help services, group therapy, alcohol and drug use resources, etc.)

  • Sexual health resources including STI testing

  • They also do allow you to input a preferred name, gender identity, & pronouns under the “profile” in the appointment portal

  • Beutel is still offering bloodwork and pharmacy services, so even though they do not prescribe HRT anymore, they can fill prescriptions you got elsewhere.

• TAMU Disability Resources: https://disability.tamu.edu/

Community maps and aid groups:

• If you can't find what resources you need, you can call 2-1-1 for Texas/United Way – free and confidential service that helps people across North America find the local resources they need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

• Links to various state programs and assistance for covering basic needs, substance abuse, food assistance, medical care, and more –  https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/Home

• Trans mutual aid group (with TONS of resources on everything from mental health to legislation trackers to informed consent HRT maps to disaster relief funds): https://linktr.ee/TransMutualAid

• Extensive list of community resources including elderly care, low-cost healthcare options, job training, special needs resources, substance abuse, and more: https://www.bvblessings.org/community-resources

• Additional community resources including youth programs and job training: https://www.projectunitytexas.org/programs

• BCS Islamic community resources- includes food, housing, transportation, and more - https://www.icbcs.org/resources/

• GLAAD resource list: https://glaad.org/resourcelist/

• Map of queer-owned & queer-friendly businesses: https://www.everywhereisqueer.com/map

• HRC Corporate Equality Index: report of businesses with LGBT-friendly policies https://www.hrc.org/resources/corporate-equality-index

Pride Community Center:

• The Brazos Valley Pride Community Center hosts all sorts of activities, support groups, socials, queer book clubs, and more. They also have plenty of resources and volunteering opportunities, and are starting a fund to assist folks with their gender affirming care needs.

• Website: https://www.pridecc.org/

  • You can support the Pride Center by linking your Kroger rewards to organizations in your community: https://www.pridecc.org/get-involved/kroger-community-rewards/

• They also have a list of local resources, sortable by type: https://www.pridecc.org/business-directory/

Transportation:

• Texas A&M Transportation Services-Students attending the Bryan & RELLIS Campus can ride Texas A & M Busses with a current school ID.

  • Find your route: https://transport.tamu.edu/transit.aspx

• Brazos Transit allows students with a TAMU/Blinn ID to ride routes in Bryan/College Station for free: http://www.btd.org/

Life skills programs & courses:

• Courses on financial literacy, healthy relationships, and parenting skills for young adults between the ages of 18 and 24, virtual or in-person, they offer payment for completion of the course material https://families.tamu.edu/ 

Books and media:

• Local LGBTQA+ book nonprofit: https://www.carabinercollections.org/ 

• Bryan-College Station Library: https://www.bcslibrary.org/   Has a variety of useful programs, flyers for local resources, and study spaces in addition to a variety of books and media

• Trigger warnings for movies and assorted media (searchable database): https://www.doesthedogdie.com/ 

Food pantries and groceries:

• State assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC, summer meals, and food bank information - https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/food

• https://www.bvfb.org/find-food has resources for food assistance, including an interactive map of food pantry locations

  • Counties: Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Madison, Robertson, Washington County, and contains produce distribution, and home delivery meals in certain counties

• Searchable food pantries by location: https://www.foodpantries.org/li/project_unit-Bryan

• Meals on Wheels - https://www.capbv.org/programs/meals-on-wheels/ or (979) 823-2203

• SNAP and WIC - food assistance for pregnant women and families - https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/Home

• A&M student food assistance (links to non-student ones too): https://studentlife.tamu.edu/sas/food-resources/

Clothing, hair, and appearance:

• Twin City Mission: Community Closet – https://www.twincitymission.org/homeless-services or (979) 822-1492

• Twin City Mission Donation Centers – https://www.twincitymission.org/gifts-in-kind

• Career Closet - for students to borrow clothing for interviews and professional events - https://careercloset.tamu.edu/

• Collection of trans-friendly hair, beauty, and wellness companies (hopefully, we will have more soon) https://strandsfortrans.org/ 

  • Jo at Haircuts by Whitney also LGBTQIA+ friendly (not officially listed above)

• Trans- & non-binary specific clothing (including but not limited to binders): https://www.bothandapparel.com/, https://tomboyx.com/

  • More options for binding, packing, trans tape, etc. in the trans-specific medical care section

Housing and utilities:

• Brazos Valley Community Action Agency – Utility Assistance – (979) 595-1199 or https://www.capbv.org/programs/utility-assistance/

• Housing shelter directories: https://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/county/tx-brazos

• Twin City Mission: Rapid Re-Housing Program – https://www.twincitymission.org/homeless-services

• Affordable rental program - https://www.capbv.org/affordable-rental-program/

• Housing vouchers for elderly, disabled, and low-income families - https://bvcog.org/programs/housing-choice-voucher-program

• Community Development Program financial assistance for buying a home - https://www.bryantx.gov/community-development/community-development-programs/

• Brazos Valley Habitat for Humanity – (979) 823-7200 or https://habitatbcs.org/homeownership/

• For A&M students specifically: The Association of Former Students has a “Student Assistance Funding Request” that can assist with funding for students facing extreme difficulties in their housing

• Bryan permanent housing community for those who have experienced homelessness (still building as of Aug 25, 2024; check the link to see if places are available) https://tinyhopevillage.org/how-to-become-a-resident 

Sexual and Domestic Violence:

Please note that many hotlines do alert the police. If this is a concern for you, check before you call.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

• Local Domestic Violence Hotline – (979) 775-5355

• Trafficking and Exploitation Action Network Brazos Valley – (979) 217-1336 or https://www.txtean.org/

Sobriety:

• Brazos Valley Narcotics Anonymous – (979) 822-9094 or https://bvana.org/

• Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol & Substance Abuse – (979) 846-3560 or http://bvcasa.org/

• WeR Native guide for substance abuse and mental health challenges geared towards indigenous communities: https://www.wernative.org/my-mind/mental-health-challenges/substance-misuse

Other:

• Brazos Valley Community Action: Head Start program - https://www.capbv.org/applying-for-head-start-services/

• National runaway safeline: https://www.1800runaway.org/

Chosen name for Aggie Rings

• When choosing your engraving, select "other" and write your preferred name in the comment/notes section where it says to put the name you would prefer

Name and gender marker changes in Howdy:

• To change your name in Howdy, go to “My Information” > “Personal Information” > “Preferred first name”

• To change your gender marker in Howdy, email recordsadmin@tamu.edu and let them know your gender in the system is incorrect. You do not need any documentation for this, nor do you need to have legally changed your gender to do this.

Health and medical:

• Beutel (https://uhs.tamu.edu/index.html) offers most services at low or reduced cost for students & some employees, including

  • Dial-A-Nurse to ask non-emergency questions (5 pm - 8am weekdays, 24-hours on weekends) at 979-458-8379

  • Mental health services (including CAPS, self-help services, group therapy, alcohol and drug use resources, etc.)

  • Sexual health resources including STI testing

  • Vaccines

  • They also do allow you to input a preferred name, gender identity, & pronouns under the “profile” in the appointment portal

  • Beutel is still offering bloodwork and pharmacy services, so even though they do not prescribe HRT anymore, they can fill prescriptions you got elsewhere.

• TAMU Disability Resources: https://disability.tamu.edu/

• Pride Community Center Gender Affirming Care Micro-Grant - PCC's GAC fund is for those previously getting GAC through University Health Services. This grant seeks to help fund access to the care that you lost. https://tx.ag/HRTFund

Transportation:

• Texas A&M Transportation Services-Students attending the Bryan & RELLIS Campus can ride Texas A & M Busses with a current school ID.

  • Find your route: https://transport.tamu.edu/transit.aspx

Food:

• A&M student food assistance (links to non-student ones too): https://studentlife.tamu.edu/sas/food-resources/

Clothing:

• Career Closet - for students to borrow clothing for interviews and professional events - https://careercloset.tamu.edu/

Housing:

• For A&M students specifically: The Association of Former Students has a “Student Assistance Funding Request” that can assist with funding for students facing extreme difficulties in their housing

Legal:

• Title IX reporting form and resources for parenting students: https://titleix.tamu.edu/report/#:~:text=If%20you%20need%20to%20report,visit%20titleix.tamu.edu

• Guides for SB17: Ogletree Legal Group , Dallas News , Austin American Statesman

Scholarships and education:

• Aggie Pride Network Scholarship - Applications Close March 31st

  • The Aggie Pride Former Student Network board has started their first Aggie Pride Network scholarship for incoming & current students seeking undergraduate degrees at Texas A&M. The application and requirements can be found at http://bit.ly/aggiepridescholarship

• A&M's guide for PIs and researchers in the current legal environment, including feedback form: https://research.tamu.edu/federal-administration-transition/ 

• Emergency funding through TAMU (short-term loans, changes in FAFSA, emergency graduate school funding, etc.): https://aggie.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/additional-aid-opportunities/emergency-aid