The UW School of Social Work recognizes that transgender students, or those questioning their gender, may have unique experiences and needs when relocating to a new city. If you have questions regarding your rights as a trans person in Seattle, or are looking to connect with the trans community here, we hope these resources will be helpful. While it is the official policy at UW and within the School of Social Work to respect the current names and genders of trans students, we recognize that incidents may still take place. If you experience harassment or discrimination at UW, you are able to report it using the UW's bias reporting tool. You may also contact the following resources:

  • School of Social Work Ombud 
  • UW Campus Ombud
  • UAW Local 4121 (United Auto Workers:  The Workers & Unions of UW)
  • UCIRO (University Complaint Investigation and Resolution Office)

Name-Change Procedures within the UW System

  • If you are hired to teach as a Sole Instructor and you do not wish to have your legal name published in the course catalog, please make sure to inform staff in the Student Services Office (sswstsrv@uw.edu/206-543-8617), so they can make the appropriate changes.
  • Changing Your Preffered Name

Resources for Trans Students at UW and the the School of Social Work

Resources for Trans Students in Seattle

  • Gay City has a wellness center, arts program, and free library.  This is a great place that provides free STI testing, builds community, and more.
  • Ingersoll hosts weekly peer support groups for trans individuals, those questioning their gender, and friends/family members of trans individuals. Ingersoll can also provide support around housing, healthcare, employment, and more -- including financial support for name/gender marker changes and gender-affirming clothing.  Additionally, rights of trans individuals in Seattle is also detailed on their website. 
  • Gender Odyssey is an annual conference for trans individuals, community members, and providers that is hosted in Seattle. 

Local Laws

The Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) protects people from discrimination based on gender expression or actual or perceived gender identity in these areas:

  • places of public accommodation (i.e., places that serve the public), including restaurants, hotels, and public schools;
  • housing, including the renting, buying, and selling of homes;
  • employment, specifically in state, municipal, and private workplaces with eight or more employees;
  • the extension of credit;
  • and insurance transactions.

ACLU of Washington Foundation, The Rights Of Transgender People in Washington State

Federal Law

Trans Tips for Academia