Wednesday 19-06-2024 - 09:01

 

 

During my time in the Union I have been championing Trans Rights from my work as the LGBTQ+ Officer 23/24 on the University Trans* Policy; the Union’s Pronoun Policy; and in my current role as VP Welfare calling out transphobia, ensuring Trans students are included in conversations within University committees, and much more in collaboration with the current LGBTQ+ Officer and the Forum.



 

 

This policy was written by myself, the LGBTQ+ Officer, and the Forum’s Trans+ Officer in consultation with Trans students to create a robust framework to campaign upon. The policy also allows for future officers to be held accountable and ensure the long-term commitment from the Union to campaigning locally, and nationally for the advancement of Trans+ rights and support.



The policy includes specific areas of improvement the Union will campaign upon such as:

1. Making a more inclusive curriculum


2. Advocating for the expansion of Trans+ inclusive facilities and sanitary products across campus


3. Campaigning for better Trans+ healthcare in Lancaster.


4. Developing Trans+ inclusion training sessions for student leaders on exec committees.


5. Demanding the University advances the training given to all staff members on Trans+ student support to create a more compassionate and welcoming campus for our Trans+ students.
And much more. 



As a political Union, we have a responsibility to our Trans+ students, now more than ever. As we see more and more dangerous and concerning comments by politicians and a more hostile environment for Trans+ students, we need to be bold, vocal, and each of us collectively fight for a better society.

 





Thomas Cross, LGBTQ+ Officer:
“We're very proud that LUSU now has a trans+ policy in place. By engaging with numerous trans students on a range of areas this policy reflects the needs of Lancaster's trans community. This builds upon previous trans support through the safe space and pronouns policy but importantly officially binds the Students' Union to trans rights. Lancaster has always been noted for its large and vibrant queer community, and this policy is yet another example of our commitment to trans rights in the face of extraordinary discrimination towards the community.

"As leader of the LGBTQ+ Forum I'm pleased to be seeing trans issues focused on at Lancaster and ensuring everyone has a right to belong to a safe and compassionate Students' Union.”



 

 

Olive Truman, LGBTQ+ Forum Trans+ Officer:
“As I am student, a transgender woman, and the trans+ wellbeing officer for the LGBTQ+ forum I am very proud of the trans+ policy. I believe this provides more support for transgender students on campus, helping to ensure their safety and well-being. The Student Union’s commitment to trans rights highlights the importance placed on the transgender community. I hope this policy will help combat trans+ discrimination and hate crimes on campus. Additionally, when speaking to some of the transgender students in the forum trans+ network they are excited by the increased awareness of the trans community and support that policy provides.”