Trans Awareness Week

This week is an opportunity to raise awareness and visibility of trans and gender non-conforming people, to recognise the issues members of the trans community often face and to celebrate the achievements, contributions and identities of those who identify as trans.

At the end of the week, it is the Trans Day of Remembrance: this is an annual observance dedicated to honouring the memory of the trans people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-trans violence and related suicides during the past year. If you would like to take part, you can do so by attending the Trans Day of Remembrance vigil, hosted by York St John University, on Thursday 21 November at 6pm, in the Chapel.

Further information and support

As a University, we are dedicated to working closely with members of our community in order to improve inclusion and to create a safe and welcoming environment for our trans staff and students. The following is a list of updates, resources and activities in this area, which you may find useful. 

Guidance for trans staff and students

We have produced guidance to support trans students and trans staff, covering topics including name changes, inclusive facilities, harassment and hate crime, inclusive language and terminology, practical issues, and support. 

Rainbow Alliance

This fantastic and thriving staff network is comprised of members from our LGBTQ+ community, who organise social events, public lectures and network meetings throughout the year. You can learn more on the Rainbow Alliance Staff Network web page. 

All gender toilets

The University provides a number of inclusive facilities across campus, including all gender toilet facilities. We have made a commitment to installing at least one all gender toilet in all new buildings built by the University across our campus. You can search for these facilities via the campus map, by typing in 'all gender toilets'.

We also maintain gendered and accessible facilities for those who need or prefer them.

Glossary of equality, diversity and inclusion terminology

In order to understand who we are as a University community and to gain a better insight into the diverse identities of our staff and students, it is important for us to be aware of the equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) terminology that is associated with individuals and groups. With that in mind, we have created an extensive Glossary of EDI terminology, including a section on gender, to help people understand the terms associated with gender identity and to raise awareness of associated issues. 

Celebrating Diversity events series

We mark a number of religious and EDI related awareness dates each year through our Celebrating Diversity Events Series: we've hosted events for LGBT+ History Month and during Pride Month for several years, which raise awareness of issues impacting trans people as well as celebrating and being proud of members of our trans community. You can find out more by checking our Equality, diversity and inclusion calendar and our news and events pages.

Additional resources

Useful resources to help trans people, their allies and those who are supporting them:

• Travel guide
• AdvanceHE guidance on supporting trans staff and students
  • Trans staff and students in higher education:improving experiences (internal use only)
  • Guide for HR staff, managers and staff supporting students who are transitioning
• LGBT Foundation - A guide to being a trans ally (PDF , 20,302kb)
• Policy on changes to student names