Navigating Gender Identity During College Group Trips: A Personal Reflection
For many international students, college-sponsored excursions are an exciting opportunity to explore new places and forge connections beyond the classroom. Recently, I signed up for a two-day university trip scheduled for later this summer, but I’ve been pondering some personal concerns related to my gender identity and presentation.
As someone who identifies as non-binary and enjoys expressing themselves through feminine clothing, I am curious about others’ experiences during similar college trips. In particular, I’m wondering if anyone has participated in such excursions while openly embracing non-binary, transgender, or gender non-conforming identities.
My current situation is that I am assigned male at birth and have registered under my sex as male for the trip. However, I prefer to wear clothing that aligns more closely with my gender expression, which is more feminine. Additionally, I believe I may be assigned a roommate for this trip, and I am wondering how to navigate that in terms of comfort and safety.
Given that this event takes place in the United States, I am mindful of the cultural context and safety considerations associated with gender identity expression. I’d appreciate any insights or experiences that could help me feel more confident about participating fully and authentically during this trip.
Sharing personal stories or advice can be immensely helpful for those of us balancing self-expression with practical considerations in communal settings. Thank you for your support and understanding!