Transgender Day of Remembrance
Mollie-Mae Shilston, Student Content Creator
In recognition of Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), we at Liverpool John Moores University and JMSU seek to raise awareness and advocate for justice.
Founded in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, TDOR honours trans individuals lost to violence. Hate crimes against trans people in the UK have risen 11% in a year, and by 186% in the last five years. The UK Government has also drawn back its support for trans people and the country has seen growth of divisive and demonising rhetoric about trans people in society.
By observing TDOR and fostering a safe campus at LJMU, we can challenge injustice and validate trans rights to exist. Trans conversion therapy, which seeks to alter gender identity through harmful psychological or medical means, remains legal in the UK despite BPS and other professional bodies, including NHS England and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, warning that all types of conversion therapy are “unethical and harmful”. Advocating for a ban on this unethical practice is crucial to protecting trans and gender-diverse individuals.
JMSU Vice President Community & Wellbeing Officer, Alexandria Jones, comments on why Trans Day of Remembrance is so important: “Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is important because it honours the memory of transgender individuals who have lost their lives to acts of violence and discrimination, shedding light on the disproportionate risks they face worldwide.
“The ban on trans conversion therapy, where it is enacted, prohibits attempts to change or suppress a person’s gender identity through harmful psychological or physical interventions. Such bans aim to safeguard transgender individuals from practices that are unethical and deeply damaging, promoting acceptance and mental well-being instead.
“Transgender Day of Remembrance fosters awareness, encourages advocacy for transgender rights, and highlights the ongoing need for societal change to protect the transgender community. It is important for LJMU and JMSU to show support and solidarity for our transgender students today and every day of the year."
At LJMU, we continually provide support for our trans students, not only on TDOR, but year-round. LJMU’s commitment to “Respect, Always!” is central to everything we do to provide a respected, safe and welcoming time to every member of the community.
We provide support within our team at Inclusion Support, who will offer any information, advice and support you need throughout your studies at LJMU.
Speaking to a member of your academic team or another member of LJMU staff is also an option. Regardless of who you contact, they will always respect your confidentiality.
Contact imagine@ljmu.ac.uk for any support.
The Inclusion Support Team, and the Wellbeing Advisors from the Student Wellbeing team (situated on the ground floor of the Student Life building from 10 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday) are there to support you through anything you would like to discuss, for example, the transitioning process, and any advice surrounding navigating this.
You do not have to inform the University of your decision to transition, but the support is there if you choose to.Equally, if you choose to change your name or any part of your LJMU ID, there are a number of options for you. You can change both your Primary Name (Legal Name) or your Preferred Name (what you would like to be known as) via MYLJMU.
To change your Primary Name (Legal Name) you will need to complete a Deed Poll or Statutory Declaration. Please include this with your request via MYLJMU. A member of the Registry Services team will make contact with you, when necessary, to discuss supporting evidence.
You can find some useful information on how to change your Legal Name on the Gendered Intelligence website.
It’s important to note that a Preferred Name change is not a Legal Name change and there will be some University systems which will still record your Legal Name. We would encourage you to contact your Personal Tutor or Programme Leader to advise them of any name change. Alternatively, the Inclusion Support team can contact a member of your academic team on your behalf. Legal documents, including your graduation certificate, are printed using your legal name. If you transition after you have graduated, you can request a new graduation certificate free of charge by contacting Registry Services.
If you are a member of the community at LJMU and would like to be more involved in some way, look out for any JMSU Events involving spreading awareness on the issues discussed and developing allyship here on campus via JMSU Events and Get Involved @ Liverpool John Moores University Students' Union.
Also, we have LJMU LGBTQIA+ society that you can join and follow on their socials to be a part of their community and be involved in any events they have coming up too!
Support for Trans & Non-binary Students
