Why do you want to represent your community?

I would like to represent the trans community as I am interested in addressing issues that are often overlooked and negatively affect trans and non-binary students. I think it is crucial to call attention to the rise in transphobia and ignorance surrounding trans identity since the UK government blocked the Gender Recognition Reform Bill in January 2023. I hope that I will be able to facilitate a safe space where trans and gender non-conforming students can express themselves authentically. I would also like to correct the preconceived notion that trans and gender non-conforming people have to present in a specific way in order to 'pass'. I also hope that I will be able to forge strong relationships with other trans students when organising events for the community. In addition, I would like to gain insight into issues that affect gender non-conforming (i.e. non-binary and genderfluid) students such as feeling isolated in single gender spaces. Furthermore, I would like to emphasise solidarity for trans rights through organising exhibits at the Art Exchange during Trans Awareness Week. As trans officer, my main goal would be to remind students and staff that it is harmful to reinforce binary expectations on trans individuals to medically transition and pass. I would reiterate that non-binary people do not owe anyone androgyny in order to be referred to correctly. I would also like to highlight that it is not appropriate to label someone's gender based on their pronouns as pronouns do not always equal gender.

How would you aim to engage with your community?

I'll collate trans allyship resources that cover a guide to pronouns and ways in which cis people can correct themselves if they misgender a trans person. This will enable students and staff to offer personalised support to loved ones who come out to them as trans or non-binary. I would also arrange trans allyship workshops (that are open to all students and staff) in partnership with The OutHouse. Furthermore, I intend on starting a Go Fund Me campaign for students in need of gender affirming surgery. I hope to share the fundraising links on TransActual, a trans non-profit organisation based in London. I am also working towards organising a drag event where funds will be donated to trans charities in the UK such as Mermaids and Gendered Intelligence. I strive to reduce transphobia of any form ranging from slurs and invasive questions to harassment. If a student repeatedly misgenders a trans/non-binary person despite knowing their pronouns, that student will have to go through an investigation by the Student Conduct Team. The same procedure will apply for anyone who harasses a trans person about their deadname or asks for personal details about their medical transition. Furthermore, I would start a petition for the IT Services team to change the initial of a trans person’s birthname in their Essex email to the initial of their current name. I believe that this change would help alleviate dysphoria as deadnames can be very triggering for many trans and non-binary people.