The Queer & Trans Psychology Student Association (QT Psych) at The University of Michigan was founded originally as “Psych Out” in 2016 by a group of graduate students who were interested in creating an inclusive space for queer graduate students in The Department of Psychology. The transition to “QT Psych” was implemented in 2023 to also invite folks whose queer and trans experiences might not include or center outness. Our mission is to create and foster a welcoming community for queer and trans folks in the department, grow a community of academics that promote queer scholarship in our sub-fields of psychology, and raise awareness of resources available for LGBTQIA2S+ students and the local queer community. We hope to build a community that supports all students including those who may be curious/questioning and also engages our allies to be educated and informed collaborators.
QT Psych explicitly acknowledges that queerness is forged and shaped by the various identities we each hold. As such, we strive to build and nurture relationships with other affinity groups in the department and actively encourage our members to participate in all groups both within and outside the department that are applicable to our lives. We challenge our members holding more privilege to be proactive as allies in instances of injustice.
While our organization is small and intimate, we try to provide ample opportunity for folks to network and build community. In the past, we’ve hosted movie/game nights, happy hours and meals, park gatherings, crafting activities, and mutual aid events.
