Your Officer Team have released a statement regarding the release of the recent EHRC code of practice regarding trans* people’s access to services, public functions and associations.
We unequivocally condemn the release of the recent EHRC code of practice regarding trans* people’s access to services, public functions and associations. This represents the government’s capitulation to bigotry and a total betrayal of the trans* community.
By mandating that service providers exclude trans* people from spaces that align with their identity, the guidance is further reinforcing harmful, racialised gender stereotypes. The guidance itself is completely incoherent, full of contradictions, and will not make cis or trans* people any safer.
At Warwick SU, we remain fully committed to trans* liberation and inclusion and making the trans* community on campus feel safe and welcome. It is important to note that the guidance still allows for societies and sports clubs to admit trans* students to groups that are gendered. Roles such as SU Women’s Officer will remain trans* inclusive and based on self-definition, and we would encourage student groups to adopt similar principles. We would also like to reiterate to students that as service users, accessing a gendered space aligning to your gender identity is not a crime. The guidance is focused on service providers, not individual use.
As Officers, we will be actively looking at how we make SU spaces such as toilets more inclusive, with more access to gender-neutral facilities. We’ll be lobbying the University to do the same, as both the SU’s landlord and the main owner of spaces on campus, as well as for Warwick to actively consult the trans* student and staff population at Warwick before making any changes. Your Officers will also continue working on a wide range of projects that impact trans* students, from improving the Gender Expression Fund to campaigning for trialling LGBTQUIA+ only accommodation on campus.
We’ll also be writing to all local MPs to ask them to oppose the guidance in Parliament and support trans* rights. We’d encourage you to do the same, using the template letter in the link below.
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/warwick-students-support-trans-rights-2
To all trans* students – Warwick SU is here to support you. We are aware that the release of the EHRC guidance will be causing additional harm and distress on top of Warwick’s exam period. If you need to access support, there is support available both on and off campus. This includes: