Why is this important?
Amid increasing hostility and attacks on the rights of trans+ people, King’s College London must do more to guarantee the safety of trans+ students and show clear, meaningful support. Trans+ students are more likely to face homelessness, financial insecurity, estrangement from family and support networks, discrimination, and abuse. These realities have serious impacts on students’ mental and physical health, personal safety, and ability to continue their studies.
King’s has a responsibility to support students dealing with the effects of transphobia both on and off campus. This responsibility is especially urgent given the launch of the gender-critical staff network SEEN at King’s, which has raised concerns about the safety and wellbeing of trans+ students.
Campaign Asks
Name change policy
Students who have socially transitioned, or who are exploring their identity at university, must be able to change how their name appears on systems like Email and Teams. Preventing deadnaming is essential for students’ wellbeing and allows them to participate fully in university life.
Gender Empowerment Fund
The Gender Empowerment Fund, already used by over 30 universities and students’ unions across the UK, helps reduce the financial burden faced by trans+ students by supporting costs such as clothing and travel to medical appointments. This should now be delivered as a clear and tangible commitment to supporting trans+ students.
Support services at KCL
Trans+ students are more likely to experience housing insecurity, financial hardship, discrimination, and barriers to work and healthcare. A higher proportion of trans+ students are also Disabled or neurodivergent, creating additional barriers to accessing support. King’s must ensure that its support services - including Money & Housing Advice, Disability Services, Counselling and Mental Health, and Report + Support - recognise and respond to the specific challenges trans+ students face.
Support the Campaign
Want to support King's trans+ community? Sign our petition and find out about action you can take on our Instagram.