Mia, your Trans* Officer, reflects on why being the leader of the Trans* Students' Network is such an important role.
Transgender Awareness week, lasting from 13 November to the 20 November, is a week in which we aim to spotlight the transgender community, and the issues that all trans* and gender non-conforming people face. This week culminates in Transgender Day of Remembrance, in which we honour the lives lost to transphobic violence.
In today's world, where hostility towards the transgender community is on the rise, Transgender Awareness Week stands to be very important for our community, serving as an opportunity to emphasise how transgender people have always existed, will continue to exist, and that we will not be 'shoved back into the closet'.
The existence of the Trans* Students' Network at UCL is extremely important and valued. It's incredibly important to have a designated network, especially during the current times where trans people can be disproportionately affected by certain issues. It’s really nice to have our own space to come together and relate together on shared interested and issues. Being the Trans Officer has really allowed me to gain key insights into what other trans students may face, and being part of the network has really helped to build a strong sense of togetherness - we can find community in each other.
I initially ran for the position of Trans Officer because I thought no one else was going to run, and I knew that someone needed to be in that position to continue to help build the community, put on events and bring people together. Whilst I would consider myself an unlikely leader, and I’m not one to be the first to jump at leadership opportunities, I think I will always treasure the experience of leading the Network.
I've found that a major issue facing many trans students currently is the impact of gender dysphoria and not feeling as though they’re ‘passing’ – this can significantly affect mental health. I want all students to know regardless of how they appear, that they are all extremely valued, and they are all completely valid in what their identity is. If they wish to seek medication or have been unable to acquire it – stick with it and know that things will get better. If you're not seeking medical change or experiencing feelings of dysphoria, you are still completely valid in your trans identity. All gender non-conforming students, regardless of your outwards appearance, however you might be feeling or the issues you are experiencing, are welcome in our community.
What's next
- Join the Trans* Student Network - The Trans* Students' Network brings students together to challenge and campaign against discrimination, oppression and inequality faced by themselves or others and work to defend and extend their rights. At the network, everyone self-defines as Trans*, and every identity that falls under the 'trans' umbrella, which means you'll meet people with similar experiences to you.
- Read about what we're doing to make sports more inclusive to Trans* students.
- Discover the UCL LGBTQ+ Parents and Families group. All LGBTQ+ parents, prospective parents, children of LGBTQ+ parents, & siblings of LGBTQ+ children are welcome.