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In conversation with: Sarah Furley on welcoming trans students
Trans Awareness Week (13–19 November) is a time to celebrate trans people in our communities and reflect on the issues they face.
FFLAG is a national voluntary organisation dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and their parents and families. We spoke to Vice Chair Sarah Furley about how universities can be welcoming places for young trans people.
Welcoming trans students
Q: What worries and hopes do parents of young trans people have when their child goes to university?
A: All parents are a little worried when their child goes off to university, but parents of trans young people may have additional concerns when their child leaves home. They may have already had years of supporting their child. Their child may have had issues at school with bullying, for example, or their mental health.
For some young trans people, going to university is the first time they feel they can be themselves. And that's something parents can feel really hopeful and happy about.
But on the other hand, university can be a fantastic place. Universities nurture young people and give them the opportunity to learn and grow into who they’re going to be. For some young trans people, going to university is the first time they feel they can be themselves. And that's something parents can feel really hopeful and happy about.
Q: How can universities signal awareness and acceptance of trans students when they arrive at university?
A: Simple things that can make a big difference. For example, including your pronouns in your email signature, or wearing a badge with your pronouns on.
When students arrive at university, it could be asking them what name they like to be referred by – and that’s important not just for trans students, but other students, too. It’s important to be aware that a student’s chosen name might be something completely different, and not make a big deal of that.
Providing support
Q: What happens when a student comes out at university but isn't out at home?
A: It can be difficult for both trans students and their families. Of course, these young people are adults, and it’s their choice when they want to come out and who they want to be out to.
Maybe they're frightened to go home, or maybe there's a huge build-up of pressure that they've got to tell their family before they do.
We need to think about what young trans people in this situation will go through. What’s going to happen when they’re expected home at the end of term?
Maybe they're frightened to go home, or maybe there's a huge build-up of pressure that they've got to tell their family before they do. Or maybe they're going to go home without saying anything and be unhappy and wanting to go back to university – and their families will pick up on that and wonder what's going on.
Other students, of course, may also have concerns about going home for other reasons. Universities should bear these situations and worries in mind when it comes to conversations about wellbeing, so that students feel able to talk about issues they might have at home.
Q: If your child wanted to talk to their university about their gender identity, how do you hope they would respond?
Trans people just want to live normal lives and be supported, as everyone does.
A: First of all, anybody talking to a student about their gender identity should provide positive acceptance. Be interested, supportive, and ask: tell me what I need to do. Do I need to do anything differently for you? Do you need anything to make you feel comfortable?
Respect any chosen name or pronouns that the young person wants to use, but otherwise treat them like any other student. Trans people just want to live normal lives and be supported, as everyone does.
It can also be helpful to point students towards student groups, which are a huge support for our young people when they go away to university. It’s about building that bridge to opportunities for social interaction that will support trans students.
Learning more
Q: How can university staff learn more about how to support young trans people?
A: There are so many organisations and resources out there to help university staff support trans students.
For example, the Feminist Gender Equality Network (FGEN). Their website includes research which can broaden your understanding of the current political context around trans rights.
My Genderation produce short films and videos made by trans people about trans people. Their series TRANS AND shows trans people getting on with life, and showcases their skills and their creativity.
And if I had to recommend just one book about trans rights everyone should read, it would be The Transgender Issue: An Argument for Justice by Shon Faye.
