Community
Inclusivity & Safer Spaces
CATpool is built for UVM students to travel together with transparency and respect. Gender identity is part of how riders and drivers make informed choices about who they share a car with.
Gender identity is public on pools
When you post a CATpool or request to join one, your gender identity (and pronouns, if you add them) can be seen by other students on that pool. Choose options that feel right for you — including Prefer not to say or Prefer to self-describe.
Why we share gender identity
Informed travel decisions
Sharing a ride is personal. Visible gender identity helps students find pools where they feel comfortable — for example, looking for drivers or riders who share an identity, or screening for trips that feel safer for them.Respect and belonging
Naming gender openly supports queer and transgender students and allies who want rideshare spaces that acknowledge who people are, without forcing anyone to overshare beyond the options they choose.Transparency over surprise
CATpool already shows profile details that help people coordinate. Keeping gender visible on pools avoids hiding information that many students use when deciding whether a trip feels right.
Invite safer spaces in pool descriptions
Feel free to use your pool description to set expectations and welcome people. Short, clear language works well — for example:
- “Women and non-binary riders welcome — happy to chat about music or ride quietly.”
- “LGBTQ+ affirming car. Pronouns respected.”
- “Looking for fellow queer students heading home for break.”
Be kind in requests and replies
Drivers review join requests before anyone is added. Use that moment — and your profile bio — to communicate needs respectfully. Harassment and discrimination violate our Rules & Expectations and Terms & Conditions.