Update on Transgender nursing Student

[Transgender_n_TN]

Well, I don't know how many people have followed my thread on being a transgender nursing student. I have read all the responses and weighed out the most logical and prudent sounding advice. As suggested, I approached someone in Administration, who at first said there was nothing in the school bylaws that would stop me from transitioning at school and was very encouraging and positive this would not even be an issue. This person said let them consult with other members of Administration and the President. My name was never given to anyone in Administration or so I was told.

I have waited many weeks for an answer, over a month has went by. When finally a few days ago, I got a call to come up to the school so they could discuss with me the decision the school had reached. The answer was a negative, that I COULD NOT transition at school:no:. Furthermore, I was given to understand they consulted with an outside governing body that laid down this decision. This governing body stated "This is not within the schools foundational values and such a thing would go counter to the schools morals and values." I was told by said person in Administration that I could not come to school "openly and publically" as a female, but what I did in my personal life had no reflection on the school.

So it is with regret:bluecry1: that I am transfering from this schools nursing program as soon as I have completed as much coursework as I can and transfer to another nursing school within the city.

[back2thebooks]

Just want to reiterate what Scorpio said...the way you are handling this IS amazing. I wish you the best of luck in the future and much happiness.

[sassijac]

I am so sorry to hear about your rejection by that nursing program. They are missing out on an opportunity to have someone with personal experience dealing with transgender issues become a nurse.

There are many other schools out there which will not discriminate because of sexual orientation or reassignment. This experience can make you a better person/nurse

Best of luck to you.

[BabyLady, BSN, RN]

Well, not trying to sound like a party pooper, but I believe that schools of religion should be permitted to exist..no matter which religion or set of beliefs.

I see nothing wrong with a school wanting to protect that and have a group of like-minded students as well as faculty and staff.

[Transgender_n_TN]

Well, not trying to sound like a party pooper, but I believe that schools of religion should be permitted to exist..no matter which religion or set of beliefs.

I see nothing wrong with a school wanting to protect that and have a group of like-minded students as well as faculty and staff.

Darling, you have totally misconstrued the entire thread. This is not a "beat up the Christians" thread like I have seen in so many other places. I am speaking about MY experience with my current NS. Have you seen me make one desparaging remark about Chrisitans or Christian schools?

I actually agree with you. Religious schools have every right and reason to exist. But they should be held accountable to the same standards and federal regulations just like public schools.

But you imply that I am not a like minded student. There are many student and even staff members who are not overly religious but still choose to attend and teach school there. I chose my school because it was close to my house, which I can walk to in about 15 minutes. It's close to my job; I can walk to it from my job in about 5 to 10 minutes depending on traffic.

Again, I chose the school for it's academic excellence, not for the religious aspects.

You speak of the rights of religious groups, what about the right of the individual? Don't I have the right to go to school where I want, live my life the way that will make me happy and not worry about being run out of the program because I don't fit some "norm"?

[Mariposa88]

I'm sorry that they didn't let you do this, but I'd just like to add to the other voices that you are handling this with amazing strength. Please keep us updated, I have no doubt that one day you will be a great nurse!

[JaxiaKiley]

I feel like if a religious school accepts ANY public/federal funding or benefits (including being tax-exempt), then they should be held accountable to the same laws and regulations as public institutions. My feelings on this also apply to groups like the Boy Scouts, too.

[missjennmb]

I feel like if a religious school accepts ANY public/federal funding or benefits (including being tax-exempt), then they should be held accountable to the same laws and regulations as public institutions. My feelings on this also apply to groups like the Boy Scouts, too.

Thats a great point and I totally concur. I am sure they are getting Pell Grants and so forth and educational grants directly to the college and that should come with a tag of not discriminating against students of any type.

[MaryAnn_RN]

I have put off what I have wanted to do with my life for others my entire life. I've given to others till there was nothing left to give and still I gave more. Without sounding selfish (hopefully):uhoh21:, I promised myself that I would not continue to allow other's to dictate how I lived my life. There was always worry about this one being shunned and/or ostracized because of how I live. I have relatives who have been in denial since I came out many moons ago and still refuse to see me for who I am rather than what I am. I am tired of being alienated in my own life for things I can't really control.

What an awful position to be in. You need to be true to yourself and if other people don't like it...that is their problem. I wish you all the best and hope that you manage to get into another, more accepting school.

[Transgender_n_TN]

that is disappointing but as i recall this was a "religious" school? if so i think at the very least it is encouraging that they weren't being judgmental with regard to what you do in your personal time if you had been willing to wait and transition after graduating. no worries you will find a better fit elsewhere. wishing you all the best.

i was willing to wait until i finished school, but another transgender friend of mine brought up an interesting situation. i know everyone keeps saying people get names changes all the time, but do they also get gender changes all the time as well?

this is the problem: if i continue in school and earn my degree as a male, then it will be under that male name that the degree is valid. once i change my name and sex on legal documents, then that degree will not count. it was earned under another gender.

i am not willing to let years of hard work, sacrifice and dedication go for nothing. this degree is also validation that i can and will live as i see fit. it's part of my new life, one that will make me far happier than i've been in a long time. just doing this, getting all this out in the open has helped make me a better, calmer and happier person.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

This is the problem: If I continue in school and earn my degree as a MALE, then it will be under that male name that the degree is valid. Once I change my name AND sex on legal documents, then that degree will not count. It was earned under another gender.

I question that. I think it is well worth contacting a LGBT organization and getting a referral to an attorney. Might be the best couple of hundred you ever spent.

[graceomalleyRN, RN]

You seem to be handling this situation in a most gracious and mature way. I wish you much happiness and success!

[LisaDNP]

Hi Transgender,

I've followed your threads with interest because I am a graduate of the school you are now leaving. I had hoped that the attitudes of the school's PTB had progressed over time and that you would be allowed to transition without consequence. However, that was a "hope." In reality, I felt it would never fly just because I know how conservative they are... and have always been.

Best of luck to you. You have a remarkable sense of self and confidence that will serve you well wherever you go.