Transgender Housing Victory
Recently I have had concerning issues raised to me regarding LGBT students living on and off campus. The issues raised were complaints of discrimination in regards to students’ sexual and gender identity. This is something that Winchester Student Union has zero tolerance towards, and as your Equality and Diversity Officer I believe all students’ wellbeing and safety is paramount.
In response to this, I have been working closely with staff and the Senior Management Team to make a change to the University’s housing policies. Issues concerning Transgender students continuing to live in halls in their second and third years of University were discussed at the highest level. It was agreed that identifying as transgender is now a legitimate reason to apply to be housed in University accommodation. All transgender students are now able to continue to live in University Halls and other housing throughout their second and third years.
This has been a major breakthrough for the transgender community on campus. However, I have also set up – in coalition with Spectrum – a page that allows LGBT students and allies to communicate and potentially find housemates to live with for the upcoming academic year.
This new scheme will be run by the Spectrum committee, and will be overseen by the Equality and Diversity Officer. This page was made to ensure that all students feel they are in a safe space and free from unwanted discrimination.
If any student would like to use this page, please do not hesitate to email me on:
