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MyAV范 launches Gender Expression Fund
26 October 2022
As part of ongoing activities to support trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students, MyAV范 has launched a new fund to help with the purchase of items that will make them more comfortable with their gender presentation.
The Gender Expression Fund has been set up in recognition that a disconnect between gender identity and appearance can be a significant source of stress and anxiety for people who are gender diverse. Grants of up to a maximum of 拢100 are available for MyAV范 students to buy gender affirming products such as clothing, beauty products or travel for medical or therapy appointments.
- Find more information and apply on the .听
Set up at the request of MyAV范鈥檚 LGBTQ+ Student Network, the Fund is part of a听commitment to supporting trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students and staff made by MyAV范鈥檚 President & Provost Dr Michael Spence in February 2022.
Other actions include ensuring that trans students can update their preferred name easily and quickly through the Portico system and can receive a new ID card within 10 minutes of doing so, at no extra cost for obtaining a new card, and guaranteeing that all new buildings and major refurbishments on campus will include both gender neutral and single/sex toilets.
Gender neutral toilets have been provided in recent building works including the Student Centre, the Wilkins Building and听the Lower Refectory. The Pool Street site at MyAV范, which opens this term, also includes gender neutral toilets, as will the forthcoming Marshgate site and the new neuroscience facility on Grays Inn Road.听A map of different toilet facilities is published online.
鲍颁尝鈥檚听policy and guidance for students transitioning gender听makes it clear that trans students should always be referred to by their preferred name.听The Student Support and Wellbeing team听are able to advise students on the process of changing their name through MyAV范鈥檚 records and give full support throughout.
Dr Michael Spence, MyAV范鈥檚 President & Provost, says: 鈥淚 hope our Gender Expression Fund, alongside our other actions, sends a really unambiguous message that MyAV范 aspires to be a welcoming and inclusive place where all LGBTQ+ students and staff know they are valued and are able to be themselves. Our sense of comfort and belonging in our own skin is incredibly important to our mental wellbeing, and I am grateful to be working with the SU to set up a scheme that will provide a real practical benefit to students who are particularly vulnerable to marginalisation and prejudice.鈥� 听听
Seyi Osibamowo, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Students鈥� Union MyAV范, says: 鈥淭he establishment of this small grant fund to support the news of our trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students is a step in the right direction to regain trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students鈥�听trust with the aim of fostering MyAV范 as an inclusive safe space.鈥�
The Gender Expression Fund is part of听听for students affected by rising costs of living, which includes an additional 拢400,000 available through the and an additional 拢150,000 available through the , which supports extra-curricular activities. In addition to extra funding to support students made available via Students鈥� Union MyAV范, MyAV范 has also confirmed a permanent increase of 拢500 to the MyAV范 Undergraduate Bursary for students with a household income of 拢42,875 or less, increased the total amount of money available through the Financial Assistance Fund, and provided additional funding for the 2022/23 academic year for doctoral researchers receiving stipends from MyAV范.
听Advice on accessing funding is available through the听Student Funding听team and from听.