What is Transgender Day of Remembrance?
Every year on November 20th we honour the memory of Transgender people whose lives were lost to acts of anti-transgender violence. On this day, whether identifying as transgender or not, we can reflect on how we can work together and create a safer, welcoming space for Transgender people and end gender-based discrimination in all its forms.
Support for Trans Students at LJMU
LJMU prides itself in the diversity of staff and students and is working hard to support young trans people by establishing a safe space for them to study and grow. To achieve this, the university is committed to ‘Respect, Always!’, which is central to everything done at LJMU to include everyone.
LJMU’s own Diversity and Inclusion team works with students as a first point of contact for those who need support or advice around transitioning at university, considering things like name changes on IDs and lectures.
Additionally, LJMU’s Student Advice and Wellbeing team provides a non-judgemental safe space for students seeking advice and guidance for their transition during their time at university. The team is also dedicated to signposting students to appropriate and helpful services to help with further needs during transitioning.
Student Advice and Wellbeing offers drop-in sessions Mon-Fri from 10 am – 4 pm and are located in the Student Life Building!
Find your Community at JMSU!
As your Student Union, JMSU offers a variety of options for transgender students to feel included and find their community.
JMSU’s LGBTQ+ Society is a safe space for students to find like-minded people and feel supported in their identity. As part of their activities, the society offers events like movie nights or quizzes, but to advocate for social issues LGBTQ+ identifying individuals face, they also attend protests and awareness events.
To make JMSU a more inclusive environment, the committee of the LGBTQ+ Society has previously worked closely with our Student Officers in developing policies.
Aside from the LGBTQ+ Society, our Student Communities, Sports Teams and Societies are all committed to providing a safe space for everyone regardless of their identity.
What can I do to make Transgender Students feel more included?
Regardless of whether you identify as cisgender (your gender aligns with the one assigned at birth) or transgender, we should all aim to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone here at LJMU. So what can YOU do to be more inclusive?
In line with International Pronouns Day, JMSU and LJMU have launched pronoun buttons, which are free for everyone to take from the JMSU reception. This allows people to showcase their pronouns and address others with their preferred pronouns to make everyone feel comfortable.
Additionally, getting involved with your community and standing up for transgender students when witnessing acts of discrimination or violence in any form helps to establish a safer space for everyone.
Support in Liverpool
Outside of the university, there are many options for transgender students to seek guidance and help with their transition around Liverpool.
The Axess clinic, which is a free health service located in the city centre and its subbranch The Butterfly Clinic, is dedicated to providing confidential STI tests, vaccinations and advice on lifestyle or contraception tailored for transgender and non-binary people.
Axess Sexual Health
The Beat
6 David Lewis Street
Liverpool
L1 4AF
Mermaids is one of the UKs leading LGBTQ+ Charities and offers a helpline for Transgender people up to age 20 and everyone involved in their transition. You can also find more information about including Trans people and how to get involved on their website.
Mermaids UK
08088010400
9 am – 9 pm
Or
Text MERMAIDS to 85258 for 24/7 crisis support
✍ Marie Coombs, JMSU Content Creator
