Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is commemorated each year on 20 November, since 1999. The day honours the memory of those who have lost their lives as a result of transphobia and anti-transgender violence.
DMU is committed to equality, diversity and inclusivity and our LGBTQ+ inclusive policies such as our ‘Protecting and supporting Trans, gender fluid and non-binary staff and students’ policy is testament to this.
This policy provides a clear statement of the support we provide, and the procedures staff should follow when supporting staff or students whose experienced gender is different from that assigned at birth.
Chris Hall, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion said: “Transgender Day of Remembrance gives us the opportunity to remember those who have tragically lost their lives to transphobia.
“We fundamentally support our trans and non-binary staff and students and are committed to addressing prejudice to combat transphobia. We do not tolerate hate or discrimination of any kind and our campaigns and policies aim to deliver a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment to work and study.”
DMU Women co-chairs Nicky Hudson and Shalini Bisani said: “The DMU women’s network is an inclusive and diverse community and welcomes anyone who identifies as a woman, including our trans and non-binary staff. We continue to ensure all the work that we undertake as a network is fully inclusive.”
Be a supportive ally to the LGBTQ+ community
An ally is someone who takes action to support groups they are not part of.
Allies are critical to advancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion across DMU as they can help raise the profile of people in underrepresented groups and dispel stereotypes amongst often impenetrable ‘in groups’ with low diversity. This can have a transformative impact on inclusion and cultures.
To find our more, check out our ‘How to be a good LGBTQ+ ally’ guide.
Facilities
Staff and students are able to use single sex facilities according to the gender they identify with. Gender neutral changing facilities and toilets are also available across campus for any member of staff or students to use, should they prefer. People who identify as non-binary may use facilities of their choice.
Stonewall
DMU is proud to support trans and non-binary staff and students and in addition to being a Stonewall top 100 employer, we have pledged our support to the ‘Trans Rights are Human Rights’ campaign led by Stonewall, Britain’s leading charity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality.
Visit the Stonewall website to find a beginner’s guide to using pronouns.
Join the LGBTQ+ society for students
At DMU, we also have student societies that can offer a forum and support for LGBTQ+ students and allies. Details on how to join are on the DSU website.
How to report transphobia and support available
DMU’s No Space for Hate project reinforces our commitment to challenge inappropriate behaviours and provide practical support to students who are victims, survivors or witnesses of hate or harassment. This comprises of a policy, website, anonymous reporting tool, a specialised service which outlines support and reporting options, specialist staff within Security and new mandatory training for staff involved in the disciplinary process.
Posted on Monday 14 November 2022