Today we’re recognising Trans Day of Visibility (TDoV), joining others around the world to celebrate the contributions of trans people.
Running since 2009, TDoV is an annual celebration of trans people that raises awareness of trans rights. The day also highlights how trans people continue to face prejudice, discrimination and transphobia and anti-trans violence, including in universities.
Equality, diversity and inclusivity are important to us at the university. In line with our university Strategy 2030, we’re committed to a programme of action to challenge and overcome barriers to representation and inclusion. We recognise the importance of the LGBT+ Staff Community, LGBT+ allies, Women’s Staff Network and the wider university community in promoting trans equality and acting as agents of change.
This includes the university’s work with the LGBT+ Staff Community to update information in university systems more easily and to provide inclusive facilities on campus.
The LGBT+ Staff Community also embraces trans people throughout its activities, including:
- Celebrating trans inclusivity with students from the Creative Writing programme.
- Hearing from Jessica Lynn, Kinsey Institute Global Ambassador, who shared her story as part of LGBT+ History Month of being the first person in US history to have her name erased from her child’s birth certificate.
- Influencing meaningful understanding of the lived experiences of trans people through piloting the Reverse Mentoring Programme, undertaking a university-wide LGBT+ Culture Research project, and supporting the university’s response to the UK government’s ‘Banning Conversion Therapy’ consultation.
We’re proud to be a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme, and to have achieved a Stonewall Gold Award and named 75th in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers 2022 in recognition of our continuing work for LGBT+ inclusivity.
Get involved
Some of the ways you can show your support include:
- Adding a trans inclusive background on Microsoft Teams.
- Using inclusive language in your email signatures, on Microsoft Teams and through your writing style by following our guidance.
- Understanding how you can be an ally to trans people.
This year the LGBT+ Staff Community is raising funds for akt, which supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 years in the UK who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment. If you would like to make a donation of any amount, please visit the dedicated akt donation page.
Connect with our communities
LGBT+ Staff Community
A community of staff and allies supporting the development of LGBT-related support and representation within the university. If you identify as LGBT+ or as an LGBT+ ally, you are welcome to join the community. We are almost 100 members. You can contact or join the community through the webpage linked to above and follow @UoG_LGBT on Twitter for updates.
Women’s Staff Network
The network supports and represents women members of academic and professional services staff who feel comfortable in a female centred community, including trans women and non-binary females. You can contact or join the network through the webpage linked to above and follow @UoG_Women on Twitter for updates.
Greenwich Students' Union Liberation Networks
The LGBTQ+ and Women’s Liberation Networks create safe spaces, run campaigns, and educate members and others. More information is available on the webpage linked to above and follow @liberationgsu on Instagram for updates.
LGBTQ+ Student Society
Supporting students regardless of how they identify, the society supports and develops the LGBTQ+ student community at the university and provides a safer, more welcoming, and ultimately happier space for LGBTQ+ people. You can contact or join the society through the Facebook group and follow @lgbtqgre on Instagram for updates.
Connect with other community groups, services and sources of advice and support
- Support and Wellbeing - Student Wellbeing Service
- Employee Assistance Programme for staff
- MindOut - LGBTQ Mental Health Service
- Mind.org - Useful contacts for LGBTIQ+ mental health support
- Stonewall - Help and advice
- Student Minds - LGBTQ+ resources
