Resources

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Salem Healthcare

The Center for Hope and Safety main offices are closed. While the advocacy hotline continues to operate 24/7, the calls are being sent to an answering service who will then contact an advocate to call the client back. Shelters are open and the center is working to accommodate social distancing by placing survivors in hotel rooms if the shelters are at capacity. For now, support groups have been canceled. Agency updates can be found by following their Facebook page and donations are encouraged to support families at this time. Hotline number: 503-399-7722. Spanish-speaking advocates are available.

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. They can provide emergency contraception, abortion services, STI services, and much more. You do not need to have insurance to access care, see their page for more information. 

Sexual Assault Forensic Exam services are still available 24/7 through the hospital’s emergency department. Salem Health is enforcing a strict no visitor policy, however, so advocates and other support people are not allowed to accompany a survivor in the exam room. Support people can wait outside the hospital (in a car in the parking lot, for instance) and video/phone calls are allowed while the exam is taking place. The traditional protocol will be observed where an advocate (from the Center for Hope and Safety) will be contacted to conduct a follow-up with the survivor. As always, survivors are NOT required to file a police report to receive a sexual assault forensic exam. More information about SANE services at Salem Health can be found on the Salem Health ER webpage.

Sexual Assault Forensic Exam services are available 24/7 at Sarah’s Place in Albany, OR. They are currently allowing one support person or advocate to attend the exam with the survivor. While Sarah’s Place is connected to Samaritan Health Hospital, patients are kept in a private area and not exposed to the emergency department waiting area. Sarah’s Place exam rooms are in a separate area, removed from the main hospital. The traditional protocol will be observed where an advocate (from the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence in Corvallis) will be contacted to conduct follow-up with the survivor. More information about Sarah’s Place services can be found here.

Campus Specific

Bishop provides both medical and counseling services to Willamette students including STI testing services, birth control prescriptions and refills, treatment of sexual health concerns including urinary tract infections, and access to emergency contraception (Plan B). They also have free condoms, among other items, in the lobby. Schedule an appointment by calling the front desk at (503) 370-6062.

Binders/Breast Forms 4 Bearcats (B4B) is a gender affirmation program offered through the Gender Resource and Advocacy Center that provides breast forms or chest binders and safe binding educational resources to Willamette University students looking to alleviate gender dysphoria and find gender euphoria. Our intention is to provide a healthy, safe, and private option at no cost for students in an effort to support self-determination and reduce common financial and/or social barriers. Funding has been provided by the Community Action Fund for Equity and Sustainability.

Email grac-info@willamette.edu for more information about the B4B program and check out this article or video for more tips and tricks about binding. 

Safe Binding 101:

  • binding is not risk-free
  • never use ace bandages
  • practice caution if  you use Trans  or KT Tape 
  • don’t bind for more than 8 hours, and take breaks during the day if you can
  • never bind when you’re sleeping, napping or sick
  • avoid binding if you’re doing physical activity (running, dancing, working out) 
  • If you wear it daily try to 1-2 days  off each week
  • listen to your body

Red Flag Feelings:

If you experience any of these, take a break! your body needs rest (or your binder’s too tight) -

  • back/chest/shoulder pain
  • tingling or numbness
  • shortness of breath
  • lightheadedness
  • skin marks or irritation

If these feelings are persistent  and/or concerning, please consult a medical provider:

  • Bishop Wellness Center @ WU: (503) 370-6062
  • Salem Urgent Care on Bellevue St.: (503) 814-5554

Access the virtual campus map to locate all-gender restrooms on the Salem campus.

Virtual Campus Map

Learn more about the sexual misconduct policy, Title IX, and submitting a report online.

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The Students Organizing for Access to Resources (SOAR) Center strives to create equitable access to food, professional clothes, commencement regalia, and scholarly resources, especially books, for WU students. In an effort to help all students succeed, the SOAR Center is available to all students with a Willamette ID number: College of Arts & Sciences (CAS), American Studies Program (ASP), graduate school, and Willamette Academy students. The SOAR Center is located in the University Center on the third floor and houses the Bearcat Pantry, Clothing Share, and First-Generation Book Drive and is maintained by committed students, staff, and faculty advisors. Click here for more information.

LGBTQ2S+

This option allows students to change the first and/or last name in Willamette's information systems to a preferred name rather than the legal name. Includes instructions on how to make a preferred name change and more information on which systems reflect preferred name changes. 

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New ID cards with updated photos can be issued by Campus Safety in the University Services Building. The new photo taken for an ID card does NOT automatically update across all systems.

To have your updated photo reflected across all university systems, email Chris Gramlich (cgramlic@willamette.edu) in User Services. Chris will change the photo and update it in the various systems around campus. It may take up to 24 hours for the update to occur.  

A variety of links that offer career-related advice and tools for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly LGBTQ+ people of color. This includes information on knowing your rights, getting prepared for the workplace, profession-specific resources, entrepreneurship, job/internship postings, and transgender-specific career resources.

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A document created by Basic Rights Oregon geared towards allies that explains basics about correct pronoun usage.

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GoGrad

Database of LGBTQ+ specific scholarships organized by field of study.

Human Rights Campaign

Database of foundations and scholarships.

Point Foundation

Point Foundation (Point) is the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students of merit. Point promotes change through scholarship funding, mentorship, leadership development, and community service training. 

National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP)

These scholarships are intended for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) programs who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer. The scholarships are designed to promote academic excellence and increased visibility of talented LGBTQ+ students in STEM careers.

College Scholarships.org

List of scholarships organized into National, Regional, and Post-Grad categories.

FinAid

List of general, athletic, regional, and campus-specific scholarships.

American Bar Foundation

These fellowships are designed to encourage a diverse and inclusive community for underrepresented individuals in the fields of law and social science. To that end, individuals who demonstrate a commitment to diversity with respect to economic background, religious affiliation, race, ethnicity, disability, military experience, sexual orientation, and/or gender expression/identity, and other individuals who are diverse and traditionally underrepresented in the fields of law and social science are encouraged to apply.

College Scholarships for LGBTQ Students

A non-exhaustive list of national and local scholarship options for LGBTQ+ students.

More college scholarships and other resources specific to LGBTQ+ students

Scholarships established for LGBTQ+ college students are available from several public and private organizations, as well as individual donors. Some welcome all LGBTQ+ applicants, while others may focus on specific subgroups. Check this list of LGBTQ+ scholarships below for more details.

Center for Hope & Safety

Dedicated to supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, and human trafficking, the center aims to provide refuge for all survivors. LGBTQ+-related information is also available.

Human Rights Resources - City of Salem

If you have experienced discrimination, the Salem Human Rights Commission (HRC) may be able to help.

City of Salem

​The Core Response Team of the City of Salem operates as a subcommittee of the Human Rights and Relations Advisory Commission (HRRAC) to assist with concerns of hate or bias activity. Information about what constitutes a hate crime and how to report one is available. 

Allies For Equality

"Marion Co., Oregon group of community services and local individuals focused on providing culturally competent services to the LGBTQ+ community." Allies for Equality meet monthly and can be contacted at allies4equality@gmail.com.

Basic Rights Oregon

Basic Rights Oregon ensures that all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Oregonians experience equality by building a broad and inclusive politically powerful movement, shifting public opinion, and achieving policy victories. Basic Rights Oregon focuses on LGBTQ+ people of color, transgender and gender non-conforming people, and LGBTQ+ youth as priority communities.

Portland Q Center

Through giving a broadened perspective on LGBTQ+ individuals, the Q Center strives to support and celebrate each unique person by providing a community and increased visibility.

​​A list of LGBTQ+ supportive religious institutions giving those of faith the opportunity to pursue their passion for their religion around like-minded individuals.

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Salem Pride

The Salem Pride website holds a variety of local resources ranging from LGBT events to specialized support groups. Information on the annual Capital Pride held in Salem can also be found here.

Lavender Womyn

Salem’s chapter of Lavender Womyn is a trans-inclusive, lesbian social support group that is part of a larger network of social support groups.

 

PFLAG Salem Chapter

PFLAG Salem is a chapter of the PFLAG National non-profit organization and serves the greater Salem, Oregon community. Contact: pflagsalemor@gmail.com.

T-Gather

In-Person and online support group for all transgender people in the mid-Willamette valley that organizes through Facebook. Find the group here: Transgender - T-Gather Support Group

Salem Rainbow Youth

The mission of Rainbow Youth is to serve the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth in Marion and Polk counties. Follow the Salem Rainbow Youth Facebook page for events and updates.

Transgender Oregon Network

Transgender Oregon Network is an online support group for transgender individuals that communicate via Facebook. It is closed, and anyone can request to join the group without knowing another member.

GLAAD

Working through the media to provide powerful stories from the LGBTQ+ community. GLAAD is dedicated to spreading awareness of the barriers that LGBTQ+ people face in order to educate others and increase support.

GLMA

The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association is driven to ensure equal healthcare for LGBT individuals and healthcare providers. The association has addressed a broad spectrum of health-related issues pertaining to the LGBT community.

MyTransHealth

A national database of trans-friendly health care providers, organized by city and health care needs. Currently serving Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York City, San Francisco, and Seattle, and are working quickly to expand. 

GLBT National Help Center

A non-profit organization focused on providing peer support, community connections, and resource information regarding sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Trans Lifeline

"Trans Lifeline is a national trans-led 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the quality of trans lives by responding to the critical needs of our community with direct service, material support, advocacy, and education. Our vision is to fight the epidemic of trans suicide and improve overall life outcomes of trans people by facilitating justice-oriented, collective community aid."

Sylvia Rivera Law Project

"The Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP) works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine their gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination, or violence. SRLP is a collective organization founded on the understanding that gender self-determination is inextricably intertwined with racial, social and economic justice. Therefore, we seek to increase the political voice and visibility of low-income people and people of color who are transgender, intersex, or gender non-conforming. SRLP works to improve access to respectful and affirming social, health, and legal services for our communities. We believe that in order to create meaningful political participation and leadership, we must have access to basic means of survival and safety from violence."

Transgender Law Center

"Transgender Law Center (TLC) is the largest national trans-led organization advocating self-determination for all people. Grounded in legal expertise and committed to racial justice, TLC employs a variety of community-driven strategies to keep transgender and gender-nonconforming people alive, thriving, and fighting for liberation."

Lambda Legal

A "legal organizations whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education, and public policy work." Offers volunteering opportunities.

Immigration Equality

An organization that offers free legal resources for LGBT and HIV-positive immigrants.

International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA)

"A worldwide federation of 1100 member organizations from 110 countries campaigning for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex rights."

National Center for Lesbian Rights

"NCLR's programs focus on employment, immigration, youth, elder law, transgender law, sports, marriage, relationship protections, reproductive rights, and family law to create safer homes, safer jobs, and a more just world."

Trans Women of Color Collective

"Trans Women of Color Collective (TWOCC) was created to cultivate economic opportunities and affirming spaces for trans people of color and our families, to foster kinship, build community engage in healing and restorative justice through arts, culture, media, advocacy and activism."

Astraea Lesbian Foundation

Works to advance LGBTQI human rights globally, with a focus on reinforcing the political leadership of lesbians, women, transgender people, and people of color.

The Trevor Project

Offering free and confidential phone and instant/text messaging for crisis intervention, in addition to social networking opportunities with other LGBTQ+ youth.

Campus Pride

Campus Pride strives to create all-inclusive LGBTQ+ friendly campuses through working to develop student leaders, campus networks, and future positive actions for colleges/universities.

Human Rights Campaign

A civil rights organization dedicated to promoting the inclusion and embrace of LGBTQ+ people throughout society, whether at home, at work, or in any community setting.

Planned Parenthood: Salem Health Center

Planned Parenthood in Salem now offers transgender health care, including hormone replacement therapy. Additionally, they use trans-inclusive language, and the staff are knowledgeable about trans issues and experiences. Many trans men in the community recommend Planned Parenthood for a variety of health needs, including those that are typically labeled “women’s health issues.”

Lancaster Family Health Center

Through the advocacy work of transgender patients at the Lancaster Family Health Center, the clinic has updated its policies around trans patients. They provide both hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and have psychiatrists on staff qualified and willing to provide the letters necessary to seek gender-affirming surgery.

Marion County Health Department HIV Program

HIV testing at the Marion County Health Department is available for people at high risk for HIV. Marion County Health Department is involved with Allies for Equality and is committed to providing LGBTQ+-competent care.

Outside In

Outside In works to break the cycles of chronic homelessness, poverty, and poor health among Portland’s LGBTQIA+ community, people of color, those experiencing homelessness, and the underserved. Their health clinic and young adult programs strive to meet people where they are and provide safe, affirming spaces for the community to receive judgment-free care and support.

Oregon Health Association's PrEP resource page

Oregon Health and Sciences University Transgender Health Program

Prism Health

Prism Health is dedicated to providing appropriate, specialized and affirming care to members of the LGBTQ+ community. From primary care to mental health counseling and our integrated pharmacy, they are a health center by and for LGBTQ+ individuals. They accept most private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and have a sliding-fee program if needed.

Kaiser Gender Pathways Clinic

For those with Kaiser Permanente insurance, the Gender Pathways Clinic in Portland "provides culturally competent care to transgender and gender-expansive patients. Gender Pathways is a unique place for Kaiser Permanente members to receive integrated care in a comfortable, supportive setting." The clinic provides hormone therapy, sexual and reproductive health care, mental health services, and surgical evaluations and procedures.

Cascade AIDS Project

Cascade AIDS Project serves communities in Oregon and Southwest Washington and has programming that specifically focuses on LGBTQ+ communities. Their mission is "to prevent HIV infections, support and empower people living with or affected by HIV, and eliminate HIV-related stigma and health disparities.”

Pregnant and Parenting Students

Accommodations for pregnant students are available. Submit a CARE report online or contact the Student CARE and Conduct Manager in the Office of Student Affairs to arrange accommodations and support.

Pregnant and parenting students have rights under Title IX to receive an education free of discrimination. If you have questions about your rights or are curious about your options for support on campus, contact the Director of the Gender Resource & Advocacy Center.

Students can also contact the University Title IX Coordinator with questions about arranging accommodations, expressing concerns, or compliance-related matters.

A lactation room is a private and comfortable space where a nursing parent can nurse their baby or pump their breast milk for a later feeding.

On-campus, lactation rooms are located in Bishop Wellness Center 124, Law Library 129, and the University Services Building 101. You can locate these rooms on the campus map.

Pregnant and parenting students can build community in a variety of ways on campus. Student centers like the Gender Resource & Advocacy Center and the Student Center for Equity and Empowerment have comfortable open areas with couches, study space, wi-fi access and small refrigerator and microwave options that welcome children and families. 

A formal student organization for parenting students in the Graduate School of Law has been created. Find out more information here.

PFLAG Salem is a chapter of the PFLAG National non-profit organization and serves the greater Salem, Oregon community. PFLAG is the United States' first and largest organization uniting parents, families, and allies with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. Contact: pflagsalemor@gmail.com.

Dedicated to promoting the overall well-being of students at Willamette, Bishop offers both medical and counseling services. Pregnancy tests and referrals to prenatal care providers are available to students at Bishop. Managing the stress of being pregnant and/or parenting while attending school can be challenging at times. Bishop offers counseling appointments throughout the semester including same-day, walk-in appointments. Students covered by the Willamette Student Health Insurance plan can seek coverage for prenatal care and childbirth as well as coverage for dependents. For specific insurance questions, contact SaVannah Kraal: skraal@willamette.edu

At this time, family housing is not available on campus.

Intimate Partner Violence

Learn more about the sexual misconduct policy, Title IX, and submitting a report online.

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This is a helpful tool to understand behaviors of interpersonal violence that are rooted in power and control.

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This is a useful resource for anyone who is trans or gender non-conforming, or an ally or advocate, wanting to better understand the rates of violence, complexities of experiences, and opportunities for healing for trans survivors.

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While the impact of domestic violence and sexual assault crosses all social, economic, and racial lines, there are barriers and concerns that are unique to communities of color. Survivors of color often face a lack of culturally appropriate services as well as prevention & supportive resources in diverse languages.

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Domestic Violence (DV) occurs among all races/ethnicities and socioeconomic classes. DV is a pattern of many behaviors directed at achieving and maintaining power and control over an intimate partner, such as physical violence, psychological aggression, stalking, and coercion.

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The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences live healthier, happier lives. This site contains helpful facts and myths to better understand those unique experiences. 

Visit 1in6.org

Learn how to be supportive, help them take the first steps, and know the limits of your personal advocacy skills.

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Learn about the sexual misconduct policy at WU and how to make a Title IX report.

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Learn about digital privacy and how to stop someone from accessing information through a cell phone.

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Seek Then Speakoffers sexual assault survivors and support people a way to privately gather information and explore options for medical care, supportive services, and reporting to police (SEEK). If they choose, survivors can then begin the process of reporting to police by completing a detailed, self-guided interview (SPEAK). 

Seek Then Speak Website

SEEK THEN SPEAK APP

Hotlines

  1. After Silence: online chat forum for survivors (some forums are public, but survivors can create a username and post to private forums).
  2. National Domestic Violence Hotline: text, online chat, or phone options available
  3. National Sexual Assault Hotline (via RAINN): online chat or phone options, Spanish available
  4. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
  5. National Parent Helpline: available Monday-Friday 12PM-9AM CT, offers emotional support and advocacy for parents: 1-855-427-2736
  6. The Deaf Hotline: available 24/7 through video phone (1-855-812-1001), email and chat for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled survivors.
  7. The Steve Fund: Crisis text line for young People of Color. Text STEVE to 741741 and a live, trained crisis counselor will respond.
  8. Trans LifeLine: peer support specifically for trans people, available 9AM-3AM CT: 1-877-565-8860. This hotline is staffed exclusively by trans operators and is the only crisis line with a policy against non-consensual active rescue.
  9. Trevor Project: The Trevor Project has a call line as well as a text line for folx in the LGBTQ+ community. You can text START to 678678 and a Trevor counselor will respond or call 1-866-488-7386.
  10. StrongHearts Native Helpline: for domestic/sexual violence, available 7AM-10PM CT, confidential, and specifically for Native communities: 1-844-762-8483.
Willamette University

Gender Resource and Advocacy Center (GRAC)

Address
Montag Loft
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
GRAC: 503-370-6728
Sexual Assault Response Advocates Hotline: 503-851-4245
Confidential Advocate: 503-375-5361

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