Susan Trostle Brand (she/her)

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Identity: Ally, Mother of transgender daughter

What motivates you to be visible on campus?

URI professors, staff, and students Think Big! I could not be more proud of our accepting campus climate in which differences and uniqueness are celebrated and discrimination and inequity are not tolerated. Together, as a strong and united force, we will move forward to ensure that every single person on our campus and in our community feels welcomed and valued, regardless of gender preference or identity.

Nine years ago my daughter, Jessica, informed me that she is transgender. Since that time, we have shared an incredible journey as she gradually found the courage to be her true self and the resources at URI and beyond to seek gender confirmation surgery. Thanks to the URI Health Center, the supportive administration, and the very accepting professors, Jessica’s transition was a smooth one. Since that time, I have become very involved with social equity. I am a board advisor for the national trans youth equality foundation and teach a grand challenge course at URI including gender equity issues. Jessica and I present workshops on gender issues at colleges and classes, locally and regionally.