International Transgender Day of Visibility takes place annually on 31 March each year and celebrates transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people, and their contributions to society and raises awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide.
DMU is proud to support trans, non-binary and gender non-confirming staff and students and is signatory to the ‘Trans Rights are Human Rights’ campaign led by Stonewall, Britain’s leading charity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality, as well as being ranked number 27 as a Stonewall top 100 employer. You can find further resources on Stonewall’s Transgender Day of Visibility Hub.
To highlight trans issues, we have held a number of events including:
- A screening of ‘A Deal with the Universe’ followed by a Q&A panel with filmmaker Jason Barker. The autobiographical film followed Jason's incredible story of how he came to give birth to his child, charting over 15 years of his and his partner's life.
- The LGBTQ+ and Allies Staff Network collaborated with the DMUWomen’s network to hold a trans equality awareness-raising event with a ‘Queer Menopause’ session. Guest speaker, Dr Ruth Pearce, known for her research in transgender studies discussed trans equality and trans menopause.
- A conversation with Eva Echo, an activist, public speaker and blogger with a focus on transgender rights who shared her own experiences to shed light on what it is to be transgender and to challenge the obstacles that may be encountered by gender-diverse people within today’s society.
- An in conversation with Charlie Martin - a British racing driver and LGBTQ+ activist, who made LGBTQ+ history as the first-ever transgender driver to compete in the ADAC TOTAL 24hr Nürburgring-Rennen, where she finished 4th in class racing a BMW M240i - who talked about the huge adversity that she overcame since transitioning mid-way through her career.
Shushma Patel, Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Experience and Dean, Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Media, said: “The Transgender Day of Visibility is vital to raise awareness, celebrate, and give a voice to the often marginalised trans and non-binary community. It is also important that we recognise issues faced by the transgender community all year round, as with more visibility comes more understanding.
“At DMU we are proud of our trans and non-binary staff and students and we hope to continue to build an inclusive university to work or study where people can live authentically.”
Protecting and supporting Trans, gender fluid and non-binary staff and students
We previously revised the policy on Protecting and supporting Trans, gender fluid and non-binary staff and students, talking to staff and students through focus groups and ensuring that terminology was updated and the format was as user-friendly as possible.
Guidance
You can access the guidance to support trans and non-binary staff and students here, which includes information about the importance of pronouns, guidance on announcing transition, terminology, and key contacts at the university. You can also find a guide on how to be a good LGBTQ+ ally, to show your support to the trans and non-binary community.
Facilities
Staff and students can 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.
Become a DMU role model
DMU would like to invite you to become a role model. Role models are vitally important as we work towards a more inclusive university, that is diverse at all levels of the organisation.
To find out more about becoming a DMU role model please take a look at our Role Model Guidance and email equality@dmu.ac.uk to register your interest.
How to report homophobia, biphobia, intersexism and transphobia and support available
No Space for Hate
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.
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. For details on how to join, please click here.
Posted on Wednesday 27 March 2024