13-19 November is Transgender Awareness Week, followed by Transgender Day of Remembrance on 20 November.
Transgender Awareness Week takes place from 13-19 November every year, to raise visibility and awareness of the issues that transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals face.
The transgender flag will be flown on the Portico this week, as well as on Transgender Day of Remembrance on 20 November.
Transgender Day of Remembrance has its roots in the USA. In November 1999, a group of transgender advocates, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, Nancy Nangeroni, and Jahaira DeAlto, held a vigil to honour the lives of two black transgender women, Rita Hester and Chanelle Pickett, who had been killed the previous year.
The vigil was intended to keep the memory of these women alive, and to remind others of the discrimination and violence that many trans people face across the world. The tradition of remembering and honouring those lost to anti-trans violence has continued to this day.
Reflections from members of our community
Ioe Faculty LGBTQ+ Equity Lead & LGBTQ+ Equality Steering Group Member, Simon Liu said:
"It is so, so important that the UCL community - both LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ - remember the trans persons who have lost their lives in a world which does not always support them. Just as there is a time for trans joy, there is equally a time for sombre respect and remembrance such as the Transgender Day of Remembrance. It will help those in the trans community and those closest to them if we make time in our hearts for them on this day."
Johanna Novales (they/them) and Noel Caliste (he/him) reflect on what Transgender Day of Remembrance means to them. Johanna Novales is EDI Coordinator for the Faculty of Engineering, Chair of the UCL Trans Network, and LGBTQ+ Equality Steering Group (LESG) Member. Noel Caliste is Envoy for LGBTQ+ Equality and Chair of LESG / Out@UCL:
"20 November is Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), a day of mourning for those in our community and worldwide who have been murdered simply for being trans. It’s a stark reminder that there are many people out there - including in our own community - who don’t believe that trans people should have the right to live their lives as the genders that they know themselves to be.
As this is being written, we think about those of our trans siblings who have died, as well as those who are fearful due to anti-trans bigotry and violence (whether physical, emotional violence, or both). Those that might be yearning to explore their gender more, however they do not feel they can because of the hatred they sense to truly live as their authentic self.
Since the NHS imposed restrictions on treatment for young trans people in 2020, deaths have surged. As the questioning of the existence of trans people continues, the hate crime statistics released by the Office of National Statistics in 2023 show an increase by 11% in hate crimes against trans people in a year since 2022, and by 186% in the five years prior.
When trans people are not valued and honoured it collectively dims the possibilities for all’of us to explore who we are and who we might be."
Community and support at UCL - students
Students’ Union UCL’s Trans* Students Network provides an opportunity for students self-defining as Trans* to be part of a community of their peers. Students’ Union UCL’s LGBTQ+ Network is closely related to and collaborates with the Trans Network. Trans* students are encouraged to join both networks and enjoy the support and events of both.
UCL Student Support and Wellbeing have listed information and support for LGBTQ+ students , including our policy and guidance for those transitioning gender.
Students’ Union UCL’s Gender Expression Fund provides financial assistance for students to purchase items that will make them more comfortable with their gender presentation and, we hope, improve their wellbeing.
To receive private and confidential support on issues relating to bullying and harassment, UCL has a range of Dignity Advisors who are committed to supporting trans, nonbinary and all marginalised members of staff.
The UCL Trans Network is open to all staff, postgrad and PhD students at UCL who identify as trans. It hosts a range of peer support and community building opportunities. The Chairs of the Trans Network are also members of UCL’s LGBTQ+ Steering Group (LESG)
UCL’s LGBTQ+ Equality Steering Group (LESG) is composed of a range of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer staff and those interested in promoting LGBTQ+ equality at UCL, and also leads on Out@UCL which is the social arm for staff. The group is also there to support asexual, aromantic and intersex staff.
UCL’s Employee Assistance Programme offers free, confidential advice and mental health support to all staff.
UCL’s LGBTQ+ action plan to read UCL’s institutional commitments for creating an inclusive environment.
To report unacceptable behaviour, such as transphobia or any other form of harassment, please use Report and Support.
Spectra offers a range of social groups, counselling, mentoring and advocacy for trans people in London.
London LGBTQ+ Centre is a community centre and café that hosts a range of social and educational events.
Galop has a free helpline and email advice service for LGBTQ+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence.
- University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT (0) 20 7679 2000
