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Resources and Self Advocacy

This page is intended to empower individuals who are looking for transgender/gender diverse friendly care providers for mental and/or physical health needs, as well as legal services. Finding providers can be difficult, and oftentimes online databases may be out of date due to the nature of clinical work; providers may change locations, may be at capacity, have a change in insurance procedures and other factors. This guide offers resources, databases, and considerations to help.

Gender-Affirming Counseling Services 

We are proud to collaborate with the Lewis & Clark Community Counseling Center to offer gender-affirming counseling services to transgender and gender diverse youth. Appointments are available in-person or through telehealth. Telehealth clients must be physically in Oregon during the time of the appointment. Call the L&C Community Counseling Center at 503-768-6320 to learn more about these services.

Resource Databases

Kaiser Permanente Northwest Gender Pathways Clinic
Provides comprehensive healthcare to transgender and gender-expansive patients who are Kaiser Northwest members. Patients 18+ can self-refer by calling to set up an appointment.

Legacy Health / Randall Children’s Gender Care Center
Portland-based health care provider committed to providing safe, affirming and comprehensive health care to transgender, gender diverse and intersex communities.

OHSU Transgender Health Program
Provides referrals to trans-inclusive physical and mental health providers in Portland and Beaverton as well as care for transgender youth once a month across Oregon and southwest Washington. Call (503) 418-5170 for locations and dates.

Outside In
Provides affirming care for transgender, non-binary, intersex and gender non-conforming people ages 13-14 with a guardian and 15+ with no guardian. Email transinfo@outsidein.org or call (503) 535-3860 to connect.

Trans Affirming Care Database
 A database of gender-affirming service providers, organizations, and resources in and around Oregon and developed and maintained by CareOregon.

Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA)
The GLMA offers a provider directory that lists providers who are welcoming to the LGBTQIA2+ community and knowledgeable about the unique health needs and concerns. 

Gender Center Database
Compiled by the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund’s Trans Health Project. This list is limited to gender clinics associated with research institutions and teaching hospitals.

TransPonder
TransPonder’s resource directory includes crisis resources, surgeons, gender-affirming bodywork, faith centers, medical care, mental health services, and more.

World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
WPATH’s online provider directory can help you find transgender-affirming providers. Simply enter information about where you live and the type of healthcare provider you’re looking for.

OutCare Health
OutCare Health has a directory of providers with experience and knowledge of LGBTQIA2+ needs. They include providers who meet 5 culturally competent criteria to support the LGBTQIA2+ community, as well as public health resources by location.

Oregon SAIGE
Oregon’s first nationally affiliated queer counseling professional organization, offering an LGBTQIA+ counselor directory.

Finding A Voice
For some transgender individuals, the sound of their voice can be an issue of discomfort. Speech-language pathologists can provide gender-affirming voice and communication training to help transgender individuals safely alter their voices. This page provides resources for finding a voice therapist, information on what to expect from a voice therapy visit, and resources for further reading. 

CenterLink LGBT Community Center Member Directory
This is a database with info on LGBTQIA2+ community centers all around the world. Enter your location, find the community center nearest you, and contact for healthcare provider recommendations.

Oregon SAIGE
Oregon’s first nationally affiliated queer counseling professional organization, offering an LGBTQIA+ counselor directory.

PDX Q Center
Portland-based organization that provides information, support groups and resources. They have an online database of resources (Oregon only).

Rehab.com LGBTQI+ Resources for Addiction and Mental Health
LGBTQI+ treatment directories for addiction and mental health services, crisis hotlines, support organizations and foundations, resources for parents and family, and more.

Black & Beyond the Binary Collective
A Portland-based organization that seeks to contribute to the development of leadership, healing, and safety of Black-African transgender, queer, nonbinary, two-spirit, and intersex (TQN2SI+) Oregonians. The collective hosts events to provide community and support for black TQN2SI+ individuals, and also facilitate trainings and workshops.

Black Trans* Lives Matter | LibGuides at Oregon State University
This library guide created by black trans folks in affiliation with Oregon State University seeks to highlight the lived experiences of the black trans community with a database of books, journal articles, films, tv shows, music, and podcasts created by black trans artists.

QTBIPOC Resources | Pride Northwest Inc.
A collection of resources centering the needs and voices of Queer and Trans Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

Trans Women of Color Collective (TWOCC)
TWOCC exists to create revolutionary change by uplifting the narratives, leadership, and lived experience of trans people of color. TWOCC strives to meet the needs of trans women of color by creating community funds for education, survival, and wellness.

Black Trans Advocacy Coalition | Black Trans Rights Are Human Rights
An organization working toward addressing the resource disparities faced by the Black trans community by providing a support center for individuals seeking assistance in obtaining public benefits, healthcare, employment, housing, and other services.

Black Trans Women Inc  |  Every Voice Matters
A national nonprofit organization established to specifically address the urgent concerns facing black trans women in minority communities. They offer an online support groups, emergency aid grants for food, housing, or transportation; as well as grants to aid individuals seeking gender affirming medical procedures.

Visit the provider’s website. Do they use LGBTQIA2+-affirming language? Do they state clearly that they support trans/gender diverse populations?

Don’t be afraid to ask the positionality/identity (gender, race, etc.) of a potential care provider. For some, it is important to work with those who hold similar identities as themselves.

Is there an online review system where you can see the feedback of other clients they have served? If so, what do others have to say about their experiences?

Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find providers who are actually inclusive and do not just claim to be. See if there are local groups you can join in order to network with others who may have great recommendations for providers.

Trust your instincts: if you don’t have a good feeling about a provider’s ability to support you, keep looking. Providers who are allies will be happy to answer your questions and ensure your comfort.

  • Do you have a nondiscrimination policy?

  • Does this doctor regularly work with [insert identity marker(s) here], or would I be one of the first?

  • Does your facility have gender-neutral bathrooms?

  • Do any LGBTQIA2+ employees work on staff?

  • Are your staff and provider(s) trained to support LGBTQIA2+ clients? If so, how and how often?

  • What types of health insurance are accepted? Is there a sliding scale or self-pay available?

  • Do you provide Letters of Support/Documentation for [insert treatment/procedure/need for documentation here]?

  • For transgender/gender non-conforming youth: Do you need my parent’s consent for services if I am over 15 (the Oregon age of medical consent)?

Legal Resources and Family Law Information

Legal practices with a specialty in LGBTQIA2+, transgender, and gender non-conforming support services

Literary Resources

Movement Advancement Project (MAP)
A comprehensive compilation of literature for parents and family members of gender-diverse children. Includes guides for practical ways to support transgender youth and resources specific to communities of color and families of faith.

“Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Youth”
A brief guide created by The Trevor Project, introducing best practices, terminology, and ways to support trans and nonbinary youth.

Portland Public Schools LGBTQIA2+ Resources for Parents/Guardians and Families
A comprehensive list of resources for parents and loved ones of transgender, gender non-conforming, and LGBTQIA2+ youth in Oregon.

The Transgender Child by Stephanie Brill & Rachel Pepper
Provides foundational knowledge for parents, professionals, and caregivers about transgender youth, including real-life examples and practical information.

The Transgender Teen by Stephanie Brill & Lisa Kenney
A continuation of The Transgender Childincluding topics specific to adolescence, questions to raise regarding doctors and surgeons, and a glossary of terms.

Helping Your Transgender Teen: A Guide for Parents by Irwin Krieger
A guidebook for parents with transgender teenagers by a long-time social worker specializing in transgender youth.

Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen by Jazz Jennings
A follow-up to the children’s book I Am Jazz, Jazz Jennings describes her own journey throughout adolescence as a transgender teen.

The Gender Book
A free, colorfully-illustrated online book that delves deep into gender and gender identities. Written for youth 9+ to adults (though younger children may need help with vocabulary).

Trans Youth Equality Foundation Children’s Books
A list of featured books for children up to age 10. Additional books can be found here.

The Trevor Project Gender Identity Resources
Guides for youth, including resources on understanding your identities, coming out, and how to be an ally.

The Gender Quest Workbook: A Guide for Teens and Young Adults Exploring Gender Identity by Rylan Jay Testa
A comprehensive workbook for transgender and gender-nonconforming teenagers with skills, exercises, and activities to address potential struggles related to gender identity.

Identity Documents: Name and Gender Change

Recommended Order

  • Obtain a Court Ordered Name Change
  • Obtain a Court Ordered Gender Change
  • Change Name and Gender with Social Security Administration
  • Change of Name and Gender with DMV
    • Those born in Oregon: option to change name and gender on birth certificate
  • Change Name and Gender on Passport
  • Additional places to update: bank records, school records, credit cards, student loans, workplace records (if applicable)

State of Oregon

Filing Process:

  1. Download the name and/or sex change court forms
    Notes: There are separate packets for adult and minor child name and gender change. You may file for both name and sex change at the same time.
  2. File completed forms with the Circuit Court clerk in your county of residence (or in the case of a minor child, the county where the child lives.)

Do I need to go to court after I file the paperwork?
Not unless the court tells you to, or sends you a hearing notice. In some situations, a judge may want to talk to you or to the other parent if the Petition is for a minor child.

Do I Need A Physician Letter for Change of Sex?
Oregon does not require a physician letter in order to change sex on a birth certificate.
Note: TransActive recommends caregivers obtain a physician letter (see below) for a minor in the event a judge wishes to talk with you prior to signing the Petition.

Outside of Oregon

For state by state requirements for court orders, birth certificates, and more information on the process of changing your name and/or sex legally, visit the Advocates for Trans Equality.

Once you receive your court decree, you can begin amending your records.

In Oregon

  • To update your name/gender on an Oregon ID, the applicant must turn in their existing license, permit or ID.
  • You do not need a court order to change your gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID; you can go straight to the DMV.
  • You will need a court ordered name change to have that appear on your driver’s license.

Steps:

  • Complete the pre-application form for new ID  
  • Pay required fee
  • Provide a court order certifying the name change, if relevant.
  • Select gender (Male/Female)
  • Take a new photograph at DMV office.

The Oregon DMV addresses name change here. Applicants must notify the DMV of a legal name change within 30 days of the name change.

Outside of Oregon

For more information on the process of updating your name and/or gender within your state, visit the Advocates for Trans Equality

Name Change w/ Social Security Administration

You can change the name on your Social Security card and record by applying through the mail, or in person at a local Social Security office.

You will need to submit an Application for a Social Security Card, proof of your identity, and citizenship or immigration status. In general, SSA will accept any of the following as proof of a name change:

  • Name change court order (original or certified copy);
  • Marriage, civil union, or domestic partnership certificate (original or certified copy);
  • Divorce decree (original or certified copy);
  • Certificate of citizenship or naturalization (original only).

For more information, visit the Advocates for Trans Equality

Changing Gender w/ Social Security Administration

To change your gender marker record on file with Social Security, you will need to submit at least one of the following:

  • U.S. passport showing the correct gender
  • Court order recognizing the correct gender
  • Birth certificate showing the correct gender
  • Signed letter from a provider confirming you have had appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition

For more information, visit the Advocates for Trans Equality

You can select male (M), female (F), or unspecified or another gender identity (X) as the gender marker on your U.S. passport book and card. The gender marker you select does not need to match the gender on your citizenship evidence or photo ID. You do not need to provide medical documentation to change your gender marker. Read more here

The Process

Forms, locations, and more details can be found below:

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