Trans day of visibility - creating community within JMSU
As we celebrate trans day of visibility this year, we want to make sure that trans and non-binary students and staff feel safe, seen and included here at JMSU. It's important to us, as your Students' Union, to fight for what matters to you - to ensure your university experience is the best it can be, and to make integral changes to better improve the student experience. Here are some of the ways we are showcasing the visibility of the trans community not just today, but every day. If you would like to get involved with some of the work we do or get in touch with any of our Student Officers to help with representation, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Banning transgender conversion therapy petition
Together with officers from UCLAN SU, VP Community and Wellbeing Alexandria is working towards petitioning the ban of transgender conversion therapy. Banning transgender conversion therapy can contribute to the mental health and overall well-being of transgender and gender-diverse people. You can email Alexandria to learn more about the petition.
Pronoun badges
In 2022, we launched a campaign with the university to provide pronoun badges for all staff and students to wear. Some have them on lanyards, on their clothing or their bags to uni. Using pronouns incorrectly by assuming someone’s gender may cause upset or frustration, so it is important to know and use a person's correct pronouns to foster inclusion, make people feel respected and valued, and affirm their gender identity. Since then, we have asked students how they feel about the pronoun badges during LGBT+ History Month, and the response has been positive. We asked students if there were any pronouns they wanted to see from us, and off the back of student feedback, we have now placed an order for more pronoun badges that are more inclusive and sit within our More than a Month Campaign. As well as...
- He/Him
- She/Her
- They/Them
- Ask my about my pronouns
we now also offer...
- He/They
- She/They
- My pronouns are [space for those to write their pronouns]
All pronoun badges are free and will be available soon at your disposal at JMSU Reception in the Student Life Building. We hope that as we continue to develop natural conversations about pronouns it will end stigma and increase positive visibility for those in the trans and non-binary community.
Work with Stonewall UK
We offer rainbow laces that can be purchased at any time on our website and picked up at our reception in the Student Life Building. Rainbow laces are worn to show solidarity with those in the LGBTQ+ Community, particularly within sports, outwardly reflecting positive visibility. All proceeds go to the Stonewall charity. If you would like to learn more about Stonewall UK's work, specifically for the trans and non-binary community, you can visit their Trans Hub today.
LGBTQ+ Society
Our LGBTQ+ society is an inclusive, friendly society that welcomes all from the LGBTQ+ community. They host socials, events and workshops for their members, including alcohol and non-alcohol meet-ups in safe environments. You can get to know more about them, and how to join, on our societies page.
