Trans Awareness Week at KCLSU: Our commitment to our trans, intersex and gender diverse students as your Elected Officers
We believe that Trans Awareness Week is about visibility, respect, and action.
We know that recent national discussions, including the Supreme Court ruling and upcoming EHRC guidance, have caused worry and uncertainty. As our members, our first concern is always for your wellbeing and safety, and we recognise the toll these discussions can take on you. Transgender and intersex students are integral members of our community, and we recognise the value that your specific experiences bring.
We want to reaffirm your inclusion in KCLSU activities. Regardless of their titles, our Student Groups are open to everyone, our liberation networks to anyone who sees their identity reflected, and any events run by us will celebrate the diversity of our community in its entirety. To provide clarity in a time of uncertainty, there is a full table below of what exactly our approach means across all areas of our work.
At the moment, this approach remains unchanged. If there is specific and binding legal guidance which comes into effect and does require change, KCLSU will manage this with care and transparency, making sure that we involve our LGBTQ+ and Women's Networks in any decisions.
We are already updating our internal guidance to provide clear direction in circumstances where single-sex spaces or activities may lawfully apply. This proactive approach will support both us and student groups to knowledgably and confidently include trans and intersex students.
As we approach Transgender Day of Remembrance, it is important for us to recognise the ongoing harm that discrimination and exclusion have on transgender, intersex and gender diverse students. Though KCLSU is not the university itself, we will continue to work with them to ensure that all students feel safe, supported and encouraged throughout their time at King's.
If you do need support, please reach out to the following services which are offered by KCLSU and the University:
| Area |
What this means for you |
| Your Rights and Inclusion |
KCLSU remains committed to trans and intersex inclusion. No immediate changes are being made. If legal changes arise, we’ll consult with the LGBTQ+ Network and Women’s Network to ensure inclusion stays at the heart of our decisions. |
| Networks and Representation |
You can join and participate in any liberation network that represents your identity. We’ll continue with this inclusive approach. If required, we will adapt our bye-laws to ensure they reflect the needs of the student body. |
| Student Groups and Societies |
Under our bye-laws, all students can join any student group, regardless of its name (e.g. Women in STEM, Men’s Football). No one can be excluded from membership. |
| Sports |
All KCLSU Sports Clubs are inclusive. For competitions governed by external bodies (like BUCS and National Governing Bodies), we’ll do what we can to support trans and non-binary athletes to take part and advocate for fair inclusion. You can find the latest guidance from BUCS in REG 4.3: BUCS REG 4 Individual Eligibility.
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| Events |
All events and activities are open to all students at KCL. Women’s History Month and other gender-focused events will continue to celebrate the diversity of women’s experiences, including trans and intersex women.
KCLSU is developing events inclusion guidance for student-leaders to run events which will include best practice for trans-inclusion.
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| Volunteering and Outreach |
Student-led volunteering projects are open to all KCL students to join to volunteer. Focused projects such as gendered initiatives remain open for all KCL students to volunteer with. |
| Advice and Support |
Our Advice Service is inclusive and confidential. You’ll always be treated with respect, using your chosen name and pronouns, and referred only to services that affirm your identity. |
| Partnership Projects |
Some external partners use gendered frameworks. We’re reviewing these to ensure all partnerships align with our values and remain inclusive. |
| Facilities and Spaces |
Most facilities (toilets, showers, changing rooms) are managed by King’s College London. We’re working closely with them to understand how any changes will affect students. |