Wednesday 17-11-2021 - 16:20

 

This month, between the Saturday 13 - Friday 19 of November we're celebrating Transgender Awareness week.

 

What is Transgender Awareness Week?

 

Transgender Awareness Week is the week before Transgender Day of Remembrance which is on the Saturday 20 November. This is a time where transgender people and allies advocate for the voices of trans people and talk about the issues members of the transgender community face.

 

What issues do transgender and non-binary people currently face?

 

• Lack of legal recognition: Currently, in the UK, to have your gender legally recognised your choice is limited to either ‘male’ or ‘female’, which excludes those who are non-binary, bi-gender, agender or gender-fluid. The process is unnecessarily complex, potentially traumatising and humiliating, and requires a fee.
• Being denied access to gender-appropriate facilities: This may seem like a relatively trivial issue to some, however many transgender people have met controversy for requesting the use of toilet facilities matching their gender. At The Union we have gender neutral toilets situated on each floor.
• Media Misrepresentation: Trans and non-cisgender people are still unfairly represented in damaging, toxic ways that contribute towards negative, inaccurate public perception, and therefore hinders recognition of trans people as individuals who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

 

What are we doing this week?

 

Get your FREE Pronoun badges at The Union reception!

The Union has pronoun badges at the reception for all students, simply pick up badge/s for your pronouns and pop them onto your lanyard. We have She/her, They/them, He/Him and “Ask me about my pronouns”. We encourage all students to use pronoun badges to normalise asking about pronouns and creating a safe space on campus. We also encourage you to add your pronouns to your email signature so students and staff can address you correctly.

 

Movie Night: The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson

Date: Thursday 18 November 2021
Time: 16:30-19:00
Where: Room 6&7 The Union

Join us to watch the film, take part in a meaningful discussion, grab some free pizza and take home a goodybag. This is a great opportunity to meet other students at MMU and chat about issues that are important to you.

 

Sign up to this event

 

 

 

Get involved with Identity Importance

This is a student campaign that aims to increase education on practical steps to help trans students feel safe and respected on campus as well as making core systemic changes within the university.

 

Support for trans students

 

For support during your time at university, please visit our website to see the signposting information our Advice Service provides for LGBTQ+ students. You can also email them at s.u.advice@mmu.ac.uk. There's also information on this page about how to be an ally to your peers who identify as LGBTQ+.