Trans Awareness Week 13th-20th November

Trans Awareness Week 13^th November- 20^th November

Trans Awareness Week exists to help increase the visibility of the trans community and address the issues they face. The week begins on Sunday 13^th November until Saturday 19^th November, followed by Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR) on Sunday 20^th November. TDOR is an annual observance on November 20^th that honours the memory of the trans people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-trans violence that year. The University supports, celebrates, and stands with our trans staff and students. To mark the week, the Trans Pride flag will be flown outside St Paul’s Hall.

Definition of ‘Trans’

(From Stonewall’s Glossary): An umbrella term to describe people whose gender is not the same as, or does not sit comfortably with, the sex they were assigned at birth.

Trans people may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms, including (but not limited to) transgender, transsexual, genderqueer (GQ), gender-fluid, non-binary, gender-variant, crossdresser, genderless, agender, nongender, third gender, bi-gender, trans man, trans woman, trans masculine, trans feminine and neutrois.

Local Events

Trans Day of Remembrance Service in Leeds

Leeds General Infirmary

6pm – 9pm Sunday 20^th November 

Event by TransLeeds, Non-Binary Leeds and Yorkshire Gender Outreach Workers

Transgender Day of Remembrance in Manchester

Milk & Honey Cafe, St Peter's House, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9GH

5:30pm – 7pm Monday 21^st November

Event by St Peter's House

Read Lara’s Role Model Profile to learn more about why trans representation is important.

Content Warning: mentions of suicide

Name: Lara

Pronouns: she/her

Why do you think it’s important to have LGBTQ+ role models?

There is an (very rough) estimated 1% of the population that are transgender including non-binary identities which is just a teeny amount of people, so sometimes it can be very easy to feel alone or unseen. Knowing there are others around you with that in common can be comforting and provide visibility and representation that may otherwise feel missing.

I grew up not knowing anything about gender or gender identities, so it was a huge struggle for me grappling what was wrong in my life. I felt completely uncomfortable in my body and life without having any real idea why until my late 20s resulting in severe depression. If I had had more exposure to the Trans or even wider LGBTQ+ community sooner, I may have saved myself from some miserable years of not knowing. Role models are so important for that visibility and exposure, helping people understand more if there is something they may relate to.

How easy is it to be open about your identity whilst working at the University of Huddersfield?

Difficult.

The University feels safe, welcoming, and supportive. However, personal experiences around Huddersfield outside of the University, along with the current political climate and British media has left me feeling unsafe and targeted, so I tend to remain living as stealthily as I can.

How do you think being part of the LGBTQ+ community relates to other parts of your identity?

Since embracing my identity as a trans woman I have felt much freer, able to experience and enjoy life in a way I could not previously, so this has provided a positive impact on nearly every aspect of my life.

What advice would you give to other LGBTQ+ staff who may be facing challenges as a result of their gender identity?

Remember you are not alone and that all kinds of support do exist. The LGBTQ+ Staff network is a fantastic place to get support and help, but there are plenty of other groups in and out of the University that can help.

What can allies do in the workplace?

If you see any form of discrimination, call it out and don’t stay quiet about it. Understand what microaggressions can occur against LGBTQ+ people, and how they can affect members of that community, and educate those who are not aware. Knowingly deadnaming, misgendering or outing someone who is transgender is hurtful and harassment – call it out.

Treat us like human beings just like everyone else. We are not solely defined by our gender identities or sexualities; those are just single aspects of our lives.

What do you think are the biggest misconceptions of Transgender people?

Not every Transgender or Non-Binary person medically or even socially transitions – the transition itself does not dictate the validity of their gender or what protections are afforded to them as part of the Equalities Act. Transitioning is often a scary, expensive, and sometimes even dangerous process. It can currently take up to 7 or 8 years for a referred Transgender person to have an initial appointment with the NHS just to be offered any kind of potentially lifesaving medical assistance – this can drive those who can afford it to private health care or even self-medication which can have its own hazards. The rate of suicide in Transgender people is disproportionately high and rising, likely due in part to this.

What is the scariest part of Transitioning for you?

Using public bathrooms! I had to go with a friend the first few times I used the ladies after coming out as I was just terrified of harassment or being told I did not belong. Fortunately, I have not yet encountered any problems even years later, but that doesn’t stop me getting a little anxiety upon entering a public bathroom!

What led you to share your story?

Transgender Awareness week – Definitely seems as good a time as any!

Thank you to Lara for sharing her experiences and teaching us how to be better allies to the trans community. Below is a list of other ways you can learn how to support trans staff and students.

5 ways you can celebrate Trans Awareness Week.

1. Use and share pronouns

• Attach a pronoun badge to your lanyard! The LGBTQI+ Staff Network made a variety of pronoun badges that staff are welcome to collect from the HR Office. Email Lauren Minto to find out more.
• Consider adding your own pronouns to your email signature e.g., Pronouns: she/her
• Introduce yourself with your pronouns. Sharing your pronouns helps to remove another barrier for our trans and non-binary communities and sets up a safe space for new colleagues/students to share their pronouns too.
• Refer to people using the pronouns they/them if you are unsure how they identify e.g. ‘they are here for this afternoon’s meeting, shall I ask them to wait at reception?’

2. Educate yourself

Make sure you listen to lived experiences and check out Lara’s Role Model Profile. However, there are plenty of other accessible resources available for you to learn more about trans and non-binary people. One of the core ways you can be an ally is by doing your own research and recognising that it is not the responsibility of the LGBTQI+ community to always educate others. Below is a list of resources and important information. The list is not extensive but is great place to start!

Books

• Before We Were Trans: A New History of Gender Kit Heyam has delivered multiple trans awareness sessions here at the University. This is their first book which delves into the global history of gender nonconformity. It tells the stories of people who don’t fit into modern and/or Western trans categories – but who nonetheless show us that gender has never been fixed, essentialised, or unchallenged.
• Detransition Baby Torrey Peters' National Bestseller where the lives of three women (transgender and cisgender) collide after an unexpected pregnancy.
• Trans Britain: Our Journey from the Shadows Christine Burn’s novel is everything you always wanted to know about the background of the trans community, but never knew how to ask.
• The Transgender Issue Shon Faye reclaims the idea of the 'transgender issue' to uncover the reality of what it means to be trans in a transphobic society.
• Beyond the Gender Binary Alok Vaid-Menon challenges the world to see gender not in black and white, but in full colour. Taking from their own experiences as a gender-nonconforming artist, they show us that gender is a malleable and creative form of expression.

Films and TV

• A Short History of Trans People Samy Nour Younes hosts this short TED Talk from New York addressing the question "why are trans people suddenly everywhere?" (2018) [6 minutes watch]
• I'm Not in Fancy Dress Real Stories Indie Doc about Drag Kings in the UK (2018) [9 minutes watch]
• Being Transgender; a talk by Katie Robinson Leeds City Council hosts a personal talk given by Katie Robinson, reflecting on growing up trans in Yorkshire (2021) [24 minutes watch]
• Transitioning Teens Trans activist Charlie Craggs meets trans teens waiting to be seen by the NHS (2021) [43 minutes watch]
• Disclosure An in-depth look at Hollywood's depiction of transgender people and the impact of those stories on transgender lives and American culture (2020) [1 hour 48 minutes watch]
• Pose A beautiful show about 1980/90s Ballroom Culture in New York, set during the height of the AIDS epidemic (2018-2021) [3 season series]
• Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, EPISODE: ‘Can We Please Say Bye Bye to the Binary?’ A short, feel-good episode of Queer Eye’s Johnathan Van Ness talking to trans and non-binary activists about the gender binary (2022) [26 minutes watch]

Online Resources

• LGBT Workplace Stories (stonewall.org.uk) Real people sharing their real experiences in the workplace.
• Adventures in Time and Gender An interactive website that contains a podcast following a young non-binary person travelling through time to discover gender diversity throughout history. They also have flash cards on the history of ‘genders of the world’ that show that gender diversity has existed, and has been celebrated, forever!
• Transgender FAQ | GLAAD
• What is biological sex? | Pinkmantaray
• How to talk about transition and gender | Pinkmantaray

Allyship

• 10 ways to step up as an ally to non-binary people | Stonewall
• Supporting trans and non binary individuals in the workplace | TUC
• The truth about trans (stonewall.org.uk)
• Tips for Allies of Transgender People | GLAAD
• How to be a good trans ally | Unison

3. Familiarise yourself with our policies, guidance, and terminology.

The University of Huddersfield is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for trans colleagues, including those who identify as non-binary, agender or gender-fluid. The following policies and guidance are designed to highlight information and support for the Trans and Non-binary community and includes new change of gender, name, title, and pronouns guidance for staff supporting students.

• Change of gender, name, title and pronouns guidance for Staff - Self-Service Portal (topdesk.net)
• Trans Equality Policy Statement
• Trans Equality Staff Guidance
• Glossary of Terms
• Template Support Action Plan
• Sources of Information and Support

Further support services

• The Brunswick Centre offer Trans Support Groups for under 25s.
• Our Streets Now is a campaign demanding the right of women, girls and marginalised genders to be safe in public space.
• Mermaids is a charity that supports young trans, non-binary and gender diverse children, young people, and their families.
• The Beaumont Society is a national self-help body run by and for the trans community
• Gendered Intelligence is a charity that exists to increase understandings of gender diversity and improve trans people’s quality of life.
• Switchboard is an LGBT helpline.
• AKT is an LGBT homeless charity.
• FFLAG is a charity that helps to support the friends and families of LGBTQ+ people in the UK. They have some great resources on how to be a trans ally.

4. Diversify your sources of information

Speak to people, watch documentaries, attend talks and look at what kind of content you surround yourself with online. They are so many activists and content creators on social media that are happy to share their lived experiences and educate others online. We have provided a short list below:

• Matt Bernstein he/they
• Schuyler Bailar he/him
• Charlie Craggs she/her
• Alok Vaid-Menon they/him
• Munroe Bergdorf she/they
• Kenny Ethan Jones he/him
• Travis Alabanza they/them

5. Share your allyship

• Wearing a Rainbow Lanyard is a visible signal to the LGBTQI+ community that our campus is welcoming and inclusive. Click the link and scroll down to see staff from across the University tell us why they wear the rainbow lanyard and what it means to them.
• Read the Instructions on how to add a background to Teams meetings and use a Transgender Pride flag image as your backdrop for Teams calls during Trans Awareness Week.
• Use and share pronouns.
• Speak up for trans people and trans equality and challenge transphobia.

LGBTQI+ Staff Network

The University of Huddersfield’s Lesbian, Gay, Bi+, Trans*, Queer and Intersex + (LGBTQI+) Staff Network was set up in April 2018. To find out more about this network including future meeting dates, please email lgbt@hud.ac.uk or please feel free to contact Carson McCombe (Chair).

You can also join our LGBT+ History Month Working Group. The first meeting will be Friday 18^th November 12:00pm-13:00pm. For more information, please email Lauren Minto.