Queen Mary makes statement of support for trans and gender diverse staff and students
In light of an intensification of transphobia and in particular transmisogyny in our culture, we would like to reiterate our support for all our trans and gender diverse staff and students at Queen Mary. We recognise that trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary people exist; arguing otherwise denies trans people’s identities and causes significant harm to an already marginalised community.
At Queen Mary we champion and support trans rights, including the right to access university spaces in accordance with an individual’s gender identity. We do not tolerate bullying, harassment, prejudice or discrimination in relation to anyone’s gender identity and/or trans status.
We also support and welcome reform of the Gender Recognition Act (2004) which would enable a less intrusive and more supportive process for legal gender change in the UK; additionally, we support improving healthcare provision for trans people, without which our trans staff and students are significantly disadvantaged.
If you experience bullying, harassment or discrimination in relation to your gender identity, there are many different avenues you can take to report it and/or receive support from Queen Mary, including:
- Report and Support
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Mental Health First Aiders
- Raising a formal grievance
- Accessing Advice and Counselling Services (for students)
- Additional support under the Dignity at Work and Study Policy
You can read our full Trans Inclusion Policy Statement [pdf 891KB], and find further resources and information about gender diverse identities and trans inclusion at Queen Mary. We stand with our trans colleagues and students, and we will not tolerate prejudice or discrimination against them.
Sheila Gupta, Vice Principal of People, Culture and Inclusion
Tom Barringer, Chair of QMOUT, Queen Mary’s Staff LGBTQ+ Network