Leeds University Union Updates Trans and Intersex Inclusion Policy

New measures aim to support transgender and intersex students in education and sport

Leeds University Union (LUU) has outlined a comprehensive policy to improve inclusion and support for transgender and intersex students and staff. The policy addresses barriers to participation in university education and sport, focusing on creating a more welcoming and accessible environment.

Understanding Transgender and Intersex Identities

The policy provides clear definitions to distinguish between transgender and intersex identities. Transgender is described as an umbrella term for individuals whose gender identity does not exclusively align with the sex assigned at birth. It is emphasised that this term does not relate to gender expression, sexual orientation, or physical characteristics. Intersex refers to individuals with variations in hormones, chromosomes, or anatomy that differ from typical definitions of male or female. The policy notes that intersex and transgender are distinct, although some intersex people may identify as transgender.

Commitments to Inclusion and Participation

LUU commits to encouraging participation in extracurricular activities and sport from all students and staff, with a focus on equality and inclusion. Key points include:

• Allowing transgender and intersex individuals to train and compete in sports that align with their gender identity without requiring medical evidence such as hormone levels or proof of transition.
• Welcoming participation in recreational and social sports within Leeds Sports under the same inclusive terms.
• Maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on discrimination, harassment, or bullying related to LGBTQI+ identities.

Support Measures and Facilities

The policy outlines several practical steps to support transgender and intersex students and staff, including:

• Streamlining and promoting the process for students to change their names on university IT systems, with options to display preferred names from enrolment.
• Encouraging university staff to share pronouns in academic and professional settings and providing training on pronoun use and the impact of misgendering.
• Providing tailored mental health support through the University of Leeds Counselling and Wellbeing Service for LGBTI+ individuals.
• Lobbying for increased funding for bursaries and the Gender Expression Fund to support students facing intersectional disadvantages.
• Ensuring gender-neutral and accessible changing and showering facilities are available within university sports facilities.
• Appointing a dedicated staff lead within Leeds Sport to advise on transgender and intersex inclusion.

Engagement and Education

LUU plans to engage with trans and intersex students, including representatives from the LUU LGBT+ Society and local charities, to develop educational training focused on inclusion in sport and extracurricular activities. The union will also provide inclusion training for sports committee members and staff and support mixed-gender teams to enhance participation.

Policy Review and Data Protection

The union commits to regularly reviewing the policy over the next three years to ensure alignment with national equality law. Trans and intersex student representatives will be involved in these reviews. Additionally, data protection policies will be reviewed to maintain confidentiality for trans students and staff in accordance with the Equality Act.

Raising Awareness

Annual events will be promoted to raise awareness of LGBTI+ inclusion in sport and extracurricular activities, aligning with national campaigns such as Rainbow Laces. The policy and related resources will be accessible through the Leeds University Union website.