Trans Day of Remembrance was started by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honour her memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was brutally killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester’s death and began an important memorial that has now become an annual event.

This day raises public awareness of hate crimes committed against transgender people, an action that mass media often fails to perform. It is a day to publicly mourn and honour the lives of the trans people lost to anti-transgender violence and discrimination. On … Read the rest

We support our Trans Student Community this Trans Awareness Week and beyond. If you’d like to get in touch, please email vpwelfare@susu.org. Below are some local and national organisations who can offer support:

Mindline Trans+
A confidential listening service for people who identify as trans, agender, gender fluid, and/or non-binary. Mindline Trans+ is run by trans, non-binary, and LGBT people, and trans allies. The helpline is co-run by local mental health charities Bristol Mind and Mind in Taunton and West Somerset.  More information about Mindline Trans+ can be found at: mindtws.org.uk/trans-plus/.

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
This provides an information, … Read the rest

As part of Trans Awareness Week, our LGBT+ Officer has shared a beginners guide on how to be a good ally to the trans community, and a guide to some of the terminology you might hear.

Beginners Guide to Being a Good Ally

1. Listen with an open mind to transgender people speaking for themselves. Understand that their experiences are particular to them and give them the audience to share that experience how they please. Listening in allyship involves continuous conversation, creating spaces where trans people feel safe and heard and action being taken in the best interest of trans people.

Trans Awareness Week runs from 13 – 19 November every year and on the 20^th we commemorate Trans Day of Remembrance.  This is a time where we share and uplift the voices and experiences of the trans community. This is an opportunity for transgender people and their allies to take action and bring more attention to the community by educating the public, sharing their stories and advancing advocacy around the issues of prejudice, discrimination and violence that affect the transgender community.

On campus, look out for the trans flag being flown by the Hartley Library. Pronoun badges can … Read the rest

As part of Trans Awareness week, male activist and entrepreneur Kenny Jones will be speaking at SUSU on Thursday 14 November. Kenny will be talking about his personal experience, transphobia, and what it is like to be trans in the BAME community. He will also be discussing period poverty in the trans community alongside gender neutral period products.

VP Welfare and Community Laura Barr says:

“Regardless of what community you are in, this is a great opportunity to hear a lived experience from somebody who can provide insight into these issues. Kenny will not be fully representative of the … Read the rest