Considering the recent media coverage around Stonewall and an intensification of transphobia and transmisogyny in our culture, we would like to reiterate our support for and solidarity with all our trans and gender diverse staff, students and alumni at the University of Hertfordshire.
We are fully committed to equality of opportunity for all our community and will not tolerate transphobia or transmisogyny or any kind of discrimination towards our trans staff or students.
We recognise that trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary people exist. Trans people have a right to self-identify; arguing otherwise not only denies trans people’s identities, it causes significant harm to an already marginalised community.
Our vision as a University remains that whatever your background, wherever you are from, higher education can be a transformational experience. We have therefore committed to various EDI Charter Marks and initiatives to advance equality of opportunity and develop an inclusive culture for all our community.
We will continue to engage our community to establish how we can further advance equality for our trans students and staff here at Herts.
Delivering our commitment
We constantly seek new ways to advance LGBTQ+ equality across our community.
Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme - We have re-committed to this programme as a framework to help the University to further advance LGBTQ+ equality and develop an inclusive culture for the organisation.
Trans Guidance for Staff and Students - We have produced and published a Trans Guidance to help support our trans community.
Gender Neutral Toilets – We have converted toilet facilities across several buildings into Gender-Neutral Toilets (GNTs).
Looking ahead
Trans Awareness Training – Develop and roll out a Trans Awareness workshop for our staff
Trans Awareness Week – plan and organise events to mark Trans Awareness Week and Trans Day of Remembrance
Support
If you experience any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination in relation to your gender identity, there are many different avenues you can take to report it and/or receive support from the University, including:
- Herts LGBT+ Society
- Equality Diversity and Inclusion Office provides professional and confidential advice and support for our students
- Dignity and Respect Advisors
- Speak Out
- Student Wellbeing Champions Network
- Chaplaincy
What can you do to support the trans community at UH?
- Read and familiarise yourself with our Trans Guidance ( students)
- Watch the pronouns workshop
- Consider signing up as an Ally
- Sign the pledge to Come Out for LGBT