Carleton University Students Association’s Gender & Sexuality Resource Centre (GSRC) is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all our students. We believe that every student should have the opportunity to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially, regardless of their gender identity. Today, we are reaching out to ask for your support in a cause that is near and dear to our hearts: ensuring that our undergraduate students have access to the gender-affirming gear they need.

Many of our students identify as transgender, non-binary, or gender-diverse. They deserve the same opportunities and experiences as their peers, and this includes the ability to express their gender identity in a way that feels authentic and affirming.

We believe that an inclusive and supportive campus is a better campus, and your support can help us achieve this vision. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and create a more equitable and affirming educational environment.

By making a donation to the GSRC, you can directly impact the lives of our undergraduate students. Your support will allow us to:

• Provide financial assistance to students who cannot afford gender-affirming gear, ensuring that they can express their true selves without financial burden.
• Create a more inclusive campus environment where all students feel supported and respected in their gender identities.
• Foster a sense of belonging and well-being among our transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse students, ultimately improving their academic success and personal growth.

Here are some key reasons why the Gender & Sexuality Resource Centre is essential for undergraduate students:

• Mental Health and Well-being: Having access to the GSRC can significantly improve the mental health and well-being of undergraduate students who are transgender, non-binary, or gender-diverse. By allowing them to express their gender identity and feel more comfortable in their bodies, it can reduce the risk of gender dysphoria and associated psychological distress.
• Academic Success: When students are comfortable and feel safe in their identities, they are better able to focus on their studies and achieve their academic goals. Gender-affirming gear can contribute to a more inclusive and supportive learning environment, ultimately promoting academic success.
• Confidence, Self-Esteem, Personal Growth and Identity Development: College and university are critical times for personal growth and identity development. Having access to gender-affirming gear allows students to explore and express their gender identities, contributing to their overall self-discovery and understanding.
• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Supporting students in their gender-affirming journey is an important part of promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. It sends a powerful message that the institution values all forms of diversity and is committed to creating a welcoming and affirming environment for everyone.
• Graduation and Post-Graduate Opportunities: Gender-affirming gear can help students focus on their studies and successfully complete their undergraduate degrees, paving the way for post-graduate opportunities and future success.