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CONTENTS 04 KEY DEFINITIONS
06
REPRESENTATION
07
08
09
11
NAME CHANGES
TELLING PEOPLE & PRONOUNS
CHANGING YOUR GENDER ON OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS
TRANSITIONING HEALTHCARE
12
13
14
SEXUAL HEALTH & PEER SUPPORT
GENDER NEUTRAL TOILETS
15
16
THE NORWICH COMMUNITY
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CONTACT US
UNION POLICY
HELLO My name is Lee Brown, and I am UEA’s first LGBT+ Officer (Transgender and Non-Binary)! I am a Film and English Studies student, and I myself have transitioned while at UEA. When starting my course I had a different name, a different gender marker, and different pronouns. It wasn’t until having a new degree of freedom and exploration at university that I finally began to adjust to the reality of who I really am, and I’m very happy to say that this continuous experience has been welcomed with open arms. An extensive amount of support is offered to you here on campus while transitioning, and I am now so very pleased to be a part of that! In this role I will proactively be working to support LGBT+ students, in particular those who identify as transgender and non-binary. The chances are that if you’re reading through this that means that I am here for you. I aim to make changes for all transgender and non-binary students here at UEA, but I am one lone man and I know that I do not represent everyone. Any issues, any comments, even any complaints – I’ll be here to listen, and most importantly I’ll act on your concerns, and voice what you want said. With your support I plan to implement some changes on campus to aid your transition further. To go hand in hand with this guide there
are plans for guest speakers who are relevant to the experiences of transgender and non-binary students, potential workshops if they are needed and wanted, and even one on one sessions with qualified professionals. Work will be done to provide a new pronoun box on the registers at the start of each new semester in order to stem any awkwardness between student and lecturer, and the on-campus medical centre will be assessed in order to be sure that UEA is equipped with the correct facilities and outlook to provide care for transgender and non-binary students. University can be a daunting place, and adding a transition to that can potentially make things even more daunting. That’s why I want to make sure that you know that you are not alone in your journey, and that you will be helped every step of the way. All you need to do is ask. Much like you and me, UEA is a work in progress that has a bright future. Change (as we know all too well) isn’t the easiest of things to make happen, but with enough ongoing perseverance we can reach our final goal. A better, safer, and more progressive space for transgender and non-binary students. Lee Brown LGBT+ Officer (Trans and Non-Binary Place)
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KEY DEFINITIONS Transgender: any person who identifies wholly
Genderqueer: another phrase used to describe
or partially as not being the gender they were
those who do not identify as men or women.
assigned at birth. This includes, but is not limited
‘Genderqueer’ is, like non-binary, used by some
to, people who identify wholly with another
as an umbrella term and others as a phrase to
gender,
describe their identity.
are
genderfluid,
are
bigender,
are
pangender, are genderqueer, are agender, have no gender or fall under the non-binary umbrella,
Genderfluid: when someone does not feel tied
as well as trans women and trans men.
to a particular gender but identifies differently at different times.
“Transgender” is an adjective, not a noun, so people should say “a trans person” or “a
AMAB: assigned male at birth. Describes those
transgender woman” not “a transgender” or “the
who were designated “male” by doctors and
transgenders”. Using “transgender” as a noun is
parents.
considered dehumanising and offensive. AFAB: assigned female at birth. Describes those Cisgender: any person who identifies as being
who were designated “female” by doctors and
wholly the gender they were assigned at birth.
parents.
Transsexual:
describe
Intersex: people born with bodies that do not
someone who undergoes some sort of physical
fit into easily definable categories of “male” or
transition from one gender to another. The
“female”.
an
older
phrase
to
phrase is generally considered old-fashioned and amongst younger trans and non-binary people it
Transition: when someone undertakes a series
is less-used, but it is still used by some older and
of actions to affirm themselves as a certain
some younger people. It should not be applied to
gender. Transition may include changing your
someone unless they identify with it, but equally
name, prefix and/or pronouns, getting medical
cisgender people should not try and prevent
assistance for physical changes and/or making
trans or non-binary people from using it.
changes to your gender presentation. However, it can come in various other forms too and can
If a trans or non-binary person does use the
describe many diverse experiences. Binary and
phrase, please remember that “transsexual”
non-binary trans people can transition.
is an adjective, not a noun, so people should say “a transsexual person” or “a transsexual
Transphobia: actively discriminating against and
woman” not “a transsexual” or “the transsexuals”.
excluding transgender and/or non-binary people.
Using “transsexual” as a noun is considered dehumanising and offensive.
Cissexism: everyday actions that most cis people don’t notice, but which can erase and hurt
Non-Binary: an umbrella term for any gender
trans people. These can include misgendering
other than being a man or a woman. ‘Non-binary’
someone; talking as if there are only two genders;
is also sometimes used as an identity in its own
assuming that men cannot have breasts and that
right.
women cannot have penises; referring to a trans
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person’s assigned name as their “real name” and
phrase that is not in common usage.
generally reinforcing the idea that there are only two, biologically-determined genders.
Drag: a performative act in which someone of a certain gender dresses in the clothes traditionally
Misgendering: this describes when a trans person
associated with another gender, often with
is described with gender pronouns or gendered
exaggerated characteristics. Dressing in drag is
terms that they do not identify with, such as
not the same as being trans or non-binary, and it
when a trans woman who uses ‘she’ pronouns is
is considered highly offensive to equate drag with
called a “male/man/he”. Misgendering can cause
being transgender or non-binary. Drag is most
discomfort and mental health issues, and cis
commonly used in the entertainment industry.
people should not misgender trans people. Gender
presentation:
this
describes
how
Gender neutral pronouns: pronouns that are not
someone
traditionally associated with a particular gender.
such as through clothes, makeup, hairstyle
Examples include they/them/theirs and xey/
or any other method of presentation. Gender
xem/xers.
presentation is unconnected to gender: an AMAB
presents
their
gender
externally,
non-binary person can present in a masculine FTM: an abbreviation that stands for ‘female-to-
way and still be non-binary, and a trans man can
male’. A term used to describe someone who
present in a ‘feminine’ way and still be a man. A
was assigned female at birth, but now identifies
person’s gender is determined by their own self-
as male/a man. While some trans men still use
identification, not by any outward or external
this term, others are uncomfortable with it and it
appearances.
is best to let people choose whether to use this or not. It is not something that should be applied
Prefix: a prefix is the title that comes before a
to someone without their agreement.
person’s name on official documents, such as Mr, Mrs or Ms. Gender neutral pronouns such as
MTF: an abbreviation that stands for ‘male-to-
Mx, Misc. and others have become increasingly
female. A term used to describe someone who
common for non-binary people and binary trans
was assigned male at birth, but now identifies as
people who wish to avoid gendered pronouns.
female/a woman. While some trans women still use this term, others are uncomfortable with it
Coming out: this phrase is often used to talk
and it is best to let people choose whether to
about how LGBT+ people tell other people about
use this or not. It is not something that should
their identities.
be applied to someone without their agreement. Transvestite: a term sometimes used to describe someone who identifies as their assigned gender, but who dresses in clothes that are not traditionally associated with that gender. This term does not apply to trans or non-binary people, and should not be used to describe them; it is also a very old
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REPRESENTATION
AND PEER SUPPORT At uea|su we’re all about representation, and you’re represented by reps on a number of union and university bodies. Every year the student body at large elects five full time officers, including the welfare, community and diversity officer, as well as 13 part time officers, who represent their fellow students whilst continuing their studies - this includes two lgbt+ officers, with one reserved for trans and non-binary students. These officers sit on the student union council alongside other reps from schools, courses, societies, clubs and other groups. Union council votes on policy and raises issues of concern to students. If you want to stand for union council, you can stand for election by checking out ueastudent.com/beacouncillor, or by attending a Liberation Caucus where they will decide how to elect their Council Reps. UEA Pride: UEA’s sexuality and gender identity peer support group. UEA Pride runs events throughout the year, runs awareness campaign and provides welfare support and advice for LGBT+ people across campus. LGBT+ Caucus: The LGBT+ Caucus is a series of meetings where LGBT+ students discuss issues affecting them at UEA. Any LGBT+ student is welcome. It decides union policy on LGBT+ issues, instructs the LGBT+ Officers, elects representatives to Union Council and provides a voice for all LGBT+ students on campus.
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It is separate and independent from UEA Pride. It has a chair, a deputy chair, and five union council representatives – a women’s rep, a bi+ & pan+ rep, BME rep, a trans & non-binary Rep and an Ace Rep. They are elected in October of each year. Nightline: Nightline is a support service run for students, by students, and you can talk to them about anything you like. Often people feel that what they’re experiencing isn’t serious or important enough to talk to someone about, but Nightline is there for you no matter what is going on. If it’s on your mind, they want to hear about it. Their volunteers are trained to listen to you and find any information you are looking for. You can phone them on 01603 503 504, text them at 07794 924 366 or email them at listening@norwichnightline.org.uk
NAME CHANGES One part of transition can be looking into a name change, which some trans and non-binary people do if they feel their assigned name does not fit with their gender. This can involve slightly altering your assigned name or going in a completely new direction – it’s up to you and anything you choose to do is totally ok. Some trans people also choose to keep their assigned names as they feel comfortable with them. You don’t have to make a ‘legal’ change to your name if you don’t want to – you can try out names and see how they fit before looking into official avenues, or leave things as they are if you’re not up to it. All experiences of names are valid! HOW TO DO IT If you do want to change your name, and want to do it on official records too, there are a few things you can do. Deed Poll: this is how to change your “legal” name. You must be over 18 to do it. You can see the full process at gov.uk/change-namedeed-poll. An “official” deed poll costs £36; an “unenrolled” one, which just needs two witnesses, is free but may not be accepted by every institution. It is, however, accepted by UEA. To create an unenrolled deed poll, you can visit www.freedeedpoll.org.uk to generate the form, which you simply need to sign with your new name and old name, and get two witnesses to sign. This will then be accepted by UEA. NHS: to change your name on NHS records, you will need to contact your local GP. If you live on or near campus, your local GP will probably be the Medical Centre, who can be contacted at umsuea@nhs.net. Your GP will probably ask for some identification or proof of the name change.
UEA: to change your name (and other details) on UEA records, the best process is to email student.records@uea.ac.uk. They will be able to start the process of changing your details and it should take a maximum of a week. You will also be able to get a campus card replacement for free with your updated details. UEA requires other evidence of a name-change, such as a “statutory declaration” (a simple declaration of name-change signed by a notary or solicitor), a driver’s license or a deed poll – as mentioned above, an unenrolled deed poll (which is free) will be accepted. Once UEA changes its central records, your name should change across its system. Driving license: you can see the full process at gov.uk/change-name-driving-licence. You will need to order a form from the DVLA, the process for which can be found at the link above. To ensure your change is accepted, send your passport together with your deed poll certificate (you will need an official one for this). Don’t worry if your passport shows your old name – your deed poll will show that your name has changed since the passport was issued. Passport: to change the name on your passport you will have to renew it, which costs £72.50. The process can be found here: gov.uk/renewadult-passport. To ensure a name change, you must send proof of the change of name; a deed poll certificate will function here. To change the gender on your passport will require either a letter from your doctor confirming that your change of gender is likely to be permanent, or a gender recognition certificate. More information can be found here: gov.uk/ changing-passport-information HMRC: You will also need to update Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about your change of name. This can be done through a simple online process. See gov.uk/tell-hmrcchange-of-details/ for more information.
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TELLING PEOPLE & PRONOUNS NAME CHANGE
PRONOUNS
Telling people about your name change doesn’t have to be a big deal, and you should remember that you never have to justify it. What you feel comfortable with is what’s important.
There are many different pronouns you can use, and they are not tied to a specific gender. Many non-binary people use “she” and “he” pronouns, regardless of gender expression or experience. At the same time, if you want to use gender neutral pronouns, there are many variations that you can use and they are all valid. It may take some time to find the pronouns that feel most authentic for you, but don’t worry! It’s that way for many people.
In an academic context, if you’re changing your name midway through a semester or year, it might be useful to send an email to your tutor, academic advisor and/or seminar leader informing them of the change and asking them to use it. We have provided a template below. However, there is no wrong way to tell people about your name change. It’s up to you! Template for informing your lecturers Dear Professor [name], My name is [Preferred name], and I will be attending your course [blank] on [days] at [time] this [term]. I am transgender / non-binary and have not yet legally changed my name. On your database is my legal name, [Legal name]. I would greatly appreciate it if you refer to me as [Preferred name] and use [pronouns] when referring to me. Thank you for your understanding, and I look forward to starting your course next week. Sincerely, ~[Preferred name] (Source: thespookyprofessor, Tumblr)
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Some of the most well-known are: • Singular ‘they’: as in “they said”, “their gender”, “the cake belongs to them” • Ze/hir/hirs: as in “ze said”, “hirs gender”, “the cake belongs to hir” • Ze/zir/zirs: as in “ze said, “zirs gender”, “the cake belongs to zir” • Xe/xem/xyr: as in “xe said”, “xyr gender”, “the cake belongs to xem” DEALING WITH MISGENDERING Misgendering sucks, and you shouldn’t have to go through it. UEA Pride has helped out by providing pronoun badges, which are a good way of avoiding misgendering. But ultimately, you’re likely to come across people who will misgender you. Some will apologise; others will not. In all cases, remember that you are in the right, and your pronouns are the right ones for you and you get to determine what they are. People have a duty, especially if they are your friends, your family or university officials, to make you feel comfortable and safe. Whether and when you correct people is up to you; your comfort and safety is incredibly important.
CHANGING YOUR GENDER UEA: as with changing your name, the best place to start is emailing student.records@uea. ac.uk and let them how you wish to change your details. UEA recently introduced an “Other” option for gender (in addition to male and female) so if you do not identify with male/ female gender options you can now request Other instead, and you can write in the gender you identify with. You will also be able to get a campus card replacement for free with your updated details. UEA requires no evidence of change of gender beyond your request.
permanent, or a gender recognition certificate. More information can be found here: gov.uk/ changing-passport-information
NHS: to change your gender on NHS records, you will need to send a signed request in writing to your local GP. A deed poll may help you with this but is not essential. The GP will then inform the national registration system, who will deal with the administrative issues and create a new NHS number. You do not require a Gender Recognition Certificate to change your gender on NHS records.
Aside from HMRC, none of the above require what is known as a “Gender Recognition Certificate” (GRC). A GRC is the legal process for gaining “official” recognition of your change of gender. To gain a GRC you must:
If you live on or near campus, your local GP will probably be the Medical Centre, who can be contacted at umsuea@nhs.net. Driving license: you can see the full process at gov.uk/change-name-driving-licence. You will need to order a form from the DVLA, the process for which can be found at the link above. To ensure your change is accepted, send your passport together with your deed poll certificate (you will need an official one for this). Don’t worry if your passport shows your old name – your deed poll will show that your name has changed since the passport was issued. Passport: to change the gender on your passport you will have to renew it, which costs £72.50. The process can be found here: gov. uk/renew-adult-passport. To ensure a gender change, you must send a deed poll certificate, as well as a letter from your doctor confirming that your change of gender is likely to be
HMRC: You can also update Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about your change of gender. This requires a gender recognition certificate. See gov.uk/tell-hmrcchange-of-details/ for more information. GETTING A GENDER RECOGNITION CERTIFICATE
• Be 18 years or older • Have been diagnosed with “gender dysphoria” • Have been living as your acquired gender for two years or more • Intend to live in your acquired gender for the rest of your life. You can start the process by visiting gov.uk/ apply-gender-recognition-certificate, and once the above conditions are met you can send off evidence to a panel who will approve or reject the application. It costs £140 to apply. This process does not currently include non-binary people, and has been frequently criticised for being slow, bureaucratic and expensive. If you have any difficulties with the system, your GP should be able to provide guidance and help, and our LGBT+ Officers, LGBT+ Caucus reps and UEA Pride will be at hand to offer advice and advocate on your behalf. You can find contact details for all of them at the start of this booklet.
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ueastudent.com CHANGING YOUR PREFIXES Prefixes can be changed through the same methods as names for all relevant organisations, but for people who would like gender neutral prefixes things are a little more complicated. Only some organisations provide gender neutral prefixes, but fortunately UEA is one of them.
The UEA Medical Centre, and the NHS generally, provides Mx and Misc prefix options. A full list of organisations that provide gender neutral prefixes can be found here: nonbinary.org/wiki/Recognition_(UK)
UEA as an organisation provides Mx as a prefix option; this can be requested at the same time and through the same process as gender or name changes. Once your prefix is changed on UEA’s system, you can get a new campus card for free with the updated prefix and any other details you have changed.
HEALTH CARE 10 | ueastudent.com
TRANSITION HEALTHCARE NHS SERVICES If you’ve decided to seek medical assistance as part of your physical transition, such as through hormone treatments, hair removal, speech therapy or gender reassignment surgeries, the NHS provides free services of this type. Your local GP (for students, this will usually be at the UEA Medical Centre) will be able to refer you to a Gender Recognition Clinic (GRC) – a specialist clinic for transition healthcare. Unfortunately, there is not a Gender Recognition Clinic in Norwich anymore; the nearest ones are: • Nottingham Centre for Gender Dysphoria (3 Oxford St, Nottingham NG1 5BH). Contactable on 0115 876 0160 • London, Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic (179-183 Fulham Palace Road London W6 8QZ). Contactable on 020 8483 2801 GRCs can offer the following services: • Hormone treatment (increasing your testosterone or oestrogen) • Mental health support • Speech and language therapy • Hair removal treatments, particularly facial hair • Peer support groups GRCs can help you access gender reassignment surgeries, although the NHS states that “you will usually first need to live in your preferred gender identity full time for at least a year”. For people assigned female at birth, surgeries might include: • Top surgery (removal of both breasts) • Womb removal (“hysterectomy”) • Removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries (“salpingo-oophorectomy”) •Penis construction (“phalloplasty / metoidioplasty”) • Scrotum construction (“scrotoplasty”)
For people assigned male at birth, surgeries might include: • Breast implants • Facial feminisation surgery (surgery to make your face a more feminine shape) • Removal of testes (“orchidectomy”) • Penis removal (“penectomy”) • Vagina construction (“vaginoplasty”) • Vulva construction (“vulvoplasty”) • Construction of a clitoris with sensation (“clitoroplasty”) The NHS gender clinics and services do facilitate transition for non-binary people, although not all staff may be fully educated on non-binary issues. Non-binary people should not be denied transition help, and if you are, the person denying it to you is in the wrong. If you have any problems of this kind, or any other, you can raise them with the “Patient Advice and Liaison Service” at your hospital, or ask the students’ union’s LGBT+ officers for assistance and support. PRIVATE HEALTHCARE OPTIONS Although there are NHS services, trans people can sometimes face delays. If you wish to use private options, here are some of the nearest private providers: • The London Gender Clinic & The Hair Removal Clinic (3rd Floor, 25 Wimpole Street, London, W1G 8GL). Contactable on 0207 631 3164. Provides diagnoses of gender dysphoria, hormonal prescriptions and surgery referrals, gender counselling and hair removal treatments. transhealth.co.uk • GenderCare, London. (varying locations, list on website). Contactable on 07805 150909 or at enquiries@gendercare.co.uk. Provides speech therapy, mental health support, hormone advice, referrals to professionals, advice on psychological aspects of transition and other services. gendercare.co.uk
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SEXUAL HEALTH & PEER SUPPORT Trans people’s sexual health needs can be different to cis people’s, and there are resources out there that can help you. • Gendered Intelligence: genderedintelligence.co.uk/trans-youth/ resources • Terrance Higgins Trust: tht.org.uk/ (only offers advice for men and women, which can be found by clicking on the “Sexual Health” tab on the website). Healthcare - peer support The transition process can be stressful, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Gender Hi, I’m Sharmin Hoque, I am currently a first year student from North London, studying International Relations and Modern History here at UEA and I am your newly elected LGBT+ Officer. Here at UEA, we have one of the best LGBT+ communities, and I will work as hard as possible to maintain this amazing achievement and look forward to presenting all LGBT+ students. I have a few awesome goals to achieve while I am Officer. I will be introducing a ‘Pride and Faith’ week, as I identify as a person of faith, as a Muslim bisexual woman. It took me years before I realised that I should not have to choose between my sexuality and faith. I will ensure people of faith are always on the agenda along with other marginalised groups within the LGBT+ community. Furthermore LGBT+ students are disproportionately affected by mental health, I will work closely with the Dean of Students to create better training for LGBT+ students with mental health. By creating a 12 | ueastudent.com
identity clinics should offer advice, but there are also organisations that can provide support: • UEA Pride: UEA’s LGBT+ peer support group. It has a Trans & Non-Binary Welfare Rep. •Action for Trans Health (ATH): a national trans healthcare charity, to which uea|su is affiliated. ATH raises and allocates cash grants to trans people struggling with healthcare costs or access, provides sexual health workshops, provides information on NHS structures and agitates for better trans healthcare provision. They can be found at actionfortranshealth.org.uk and contacted at info@actionfortranshealth.org.uk
training toolbox for current and new senior residents, they will be able to take more preventative measures and direct students to support. Finally LGBT+ students have the right to feel safe on campus. I will make sure societies are welcoming at all times and I hope to introduce more LGBT+ inclusive socials here at UEA! I represent change, progress and intersectionality here at our university. I know that not everyone is out or proud and that everyone’s experiences are different, however here at UEA, we respect that! I am not out to family however I have had an amazing experience so far at university, for once I am able to be myself and I want every LGBT+ student to feel that great feeling. I am here for you and will represent you to the best of my ability!. Sharmin Hoque LGBT+ Officer (Open Place)
GENDER NEUTRAL TOILETS Gender neutral toilets are toilets that are not assigned to a specific gender. They are important for both non-binary and binary trans people, as non-binary people’s mental health is badly affected by having to misgender themselves in order to pee, and sometimes trans men and women just need a safe space where they can pee without judgement or harassment. On campus, there are a growing number of gender neutral toilets. An updated list (more will become available) can be found at ueastudent.com/genderneutraltoilets
• Bio-medical research centre: 1.04A • Bob Champion Research and Education Building (BCRE): 2.46, 2.47, 2.48, 2.49, 1.33 • Chemistry Building: 1.04B • Colney Lane Pavillion: 0.15, 0.17 • Elizabeth Fry: 01.16 • Estates: 0.25 • Library: back stairwell, all floors except bottom floor • Sciences Building: 3.01 • Union House, next to reception and inside LCR • Health and Community Centre: 0.02, 0.09B, 0.12, 0.14a, 0.14b, 0.15a, 0.15b, 0.17c, 0.26, 0.28, 0.29, 0.30, 0.31, 0.44, 0.45, 0.58 • Queens Building: 01.05, 2.25 • Registry and Council House: 1.26a • Dean of Students: 0.135 • Tractor Store: 01.04
EDUCATION The education officers (Theo AntoniouPhilips (undergraduate) and Maddie Colledge (postgraduate)) are there to support you on education issues, which extends to trans and non-binary students’ experiences in education. Whether that’s extenuating circumstances, tutors who are misgendering you, expanding the curriculum, binary gender options on documents or anything else, the education officers are there to help you out.
the education officers are mandated to: • Ensuring lecturers are educated on trans issues. • Pushing for a graduation dress code that is not gender-specific. • Campaigning for UEA to recognise transition as an extenuating circumstance.
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UNION POLICIES The students’ union and the university are different institutions and have different policies. In the past, trans and non-binary students have got involved in your union and introduced a whole range of policies designed to benefit trans and non-binary people. But we’d freely admit that we don’t always get things right and that we might not have everything figured out. So here’s a summary of where your union is at in terms of trans policy, and how you can get involved! Current union policies regarding trans and non-binary rights: Trans & non-binary union council representative, created in september 2015. This position, created by the LGBT+ Caucus, ensures that there is an elected position on union council specifically to represent trans and non-binary students. Trans & Non-Binary Policy, passed in October 2015. • Defining “transgender student” as being any student who identifies wholly or partially as not being the gender they were assigned at birth. • Affiliating to Action for Trans Health. • Making clear that the SU’s definition of LGBT+ includes non-binary people. • Campaigning for better training on trans and non-binary issues for UEA staff and lecturers. • Creating guides to NHS healthcare services. • Campaigning for UEA to make its namechanging process simple and non-stressful. • Getting the Advice Centre to help trans and non-binary students fill out deed poll forms. 14 | ueastudent.com
• Campaigning for the Dean of Students to provide similar services and advice. • Making sure UEA recognises non-binary genders in its official records and documentation. • Pushing for UEA students to have the option of giving no prefix at all on their records. • Campaigning for there to be at least 1 gender neutral toilet in every UEA building. • Providing non-binary gender options on all SU documentation, where relevant. • Pushing for UEA to recognise transition as an extenuating circumstance when it comes to requests for coursework extensions and exam resits. • Campaigning for UEA to have a graduation dress code that is not gender-specific, and does not prescribe cisnormative guidelines for “male” or “female” students. • Supporting proposals for a full-time Transgender Students Officer within the structures of the National Union of Students. • To provide trans and non-binary students with discounted or free transition supplies, such as binders, basic makeup and healthcare guides. LGBT+ Officer (Trans & Non-Binary Place), created in December 2015. This position, reserves a specific union officer position for trans and non-binary people. The LGBT+ Officer (Trans & Non-Binary Place) will be responsible for supporting and representing LGBT+ students, with a particular focus on trans and non-binary students.
NORWICH COMMUNITY Norwich Pride’s website recognises the following venues as LGBT+ pubs and clubs: • The Loft (note that this is largely upstairs) • Flaunt • The Castle Pub • Lollard’s Pit Pub • The Catherine Wheel Pub In addition, both of the union’s venues: The LCR and the Waterfront are LGBT+ friendly, as are the bars found inside Union House. Activism: • Norwich Pride (usually in June of each year): www.norwichpride.org.uk/ Other groups: • FTM Norfolk www.facebook.com/FTMNorfolk • Norfolk LGBT Project: www.norfolklgbtproject.co.uk/ • Norfolk Trans Forum (MTF) www.facebook.com/groups/ norfolktransforum/
Hi there, I’m Jo Swo, I use she/her pronouns and I’m your Welfare, Community and Diversity Officer here at the students’ union. That basically means that I tackle everything from mental health stigma to bed bugs! Over the last year I’ve worked closely with the LGBT+ Officer and Caucus to successfully secure gender neutral toilets across campus, raise money for Action for Trans* Health and now helped to create this guide. University is a place that has so much pressure to fit in and be yourself at the same time. But not all of us know who we are when we arrive at University, and nearly all of us will leave a different person! This guide aimed at who are considering or currently transitioning,
• Evolve: Mancroft Advice Project’s monthly group for transgender, intersex, genderqueer and gender-questioning young people. To find out when/where the meetings are, you can contact evolve@map.uk.net. You can find more info at www.map.uk.net/pages/about/advice/ SUPPORT SERVICES • advice|su, located in the Gateway in Union House. Contactable at advicecentre@uea.ac.uk or on 01603 593463 or pop in to the office to speak to an advice worker who can listen to you & help you find sources of support and guidance. •Dean of Students: UEA’s welfare service, contactable at dos.reception@uea.ac.uk • UEA Pride: UEA’s LGBT+ peer support group, with Welfare Reps who are there to offer advice and guidance, including a Trans & Non-Binary Rep.
in whatever way, shape or form that is comfortable for them. We are a Student Union that goes out of it’s way to support and protect marginalised groups, as you will see from our breadth of caucuses and liberation part-time officers. There is always someone at UEA to represent you, and a platform for you to have your voice heard. For those of you who are just curious, you are also welcome to the guide. Having this guide is not meant to ‘out’ anyone, it’s meant to provide basic information for how to ease people’s transitions whilst at UEA, and answer some questions that you might find difficult to ask. Jo Swo Welfare, Community & Diversity Officer
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Union House University of East Anglia Norwich NR4 7TJ 01603 593272 union.info@uea.ac.uk twitter: @unionuea facebook: /ueastudentsunion if you have any questions about this guide or if you’ve got any sugestions get in touch with jo swo j.swo@uea.ac.uk
Union of University of East Anglia Students (UUEAS) is a registered charity England and Wales no 1139778
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