As we approach Transgender Awareness Week (13th - 19th November), BCUSU opens new fund to support students' confidence in their gender identity.
What is the fund?
The Gender Empowerment fund is an amount of money BCUSU has dedicated to help support students to feel confident in their gender expression.
The Fund allows trans and non-binary students, as well as those who are exploring their gender, to access to gender affirming items which they might otherwise be unable to afford.
Who can apply?
Any current BCU student looking to express their gender. We hope the fund can help as many students as possible. Each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Why have we started this fund?
The idea for the fund was raised by LGBTQ+ Society at Liberation Council in April. The Council is a regular platform for Liberation Society committees and members to give feedback and address issues.
In response to the idea your Vice President Welfare, Khadija Bashar, worked with BCUSU staff to explore the viability of starting the fund.
As a Students’ Union, it’s important we support our underrepresented communities, particularly our LGBTQ+ community when trans rights are being challenged in the UK.
The fund is starting as a pilot, with a proposed budget, allowing BCUSU to evaluate the fund for future.
For more on Liberation at BCUSU
What can the fund be used for?
To purchase items that students may face a financial barrier in accessing, to positively impact their own gender identity, self-expression and confidence. Items could include:
- Chest Binders
- Breast Forms
- Gaffs
- Packers
- Shoes
- Queer informative material
Accessing the fund
After submitting your request, the form will be reviewed by a member of BCUSU’s Activities & Representation Team.
Once reviewed, you will receive an email response to confirm or further information about your request. We aim to respond to requests within 5 working days.
Collecting items
We will order the items for you and have them delivered to the University under a staff member’s name. This will allow us to combine orders, minimise postage costs, therefore enabling more students to access the fund.
You can collect from our office in Curzon (C173), or we can arrange a minimal contact collection with one of our lockers behind BCUSU Reception (Curzon First Floor).
Safe Space
Staff involved in your fund application and item purchasing are currently part of BCU's LGBT Staff network, and are committed to confidentiality and discretion as allies to the community.
If you have questions before submitting a request, please contact our Activities & Representation Team.
Make a request
“I am beyond proud of, and excited for, the launch of the Gender Empowerment Fund. At a time in which we are seeing our Trans+ Community facing indescribable hardships, and suffering under a tense political climate, it is wonderful to see this initiative come to fruition.
“For many Trans+ people, the financial cost of gender empowering items is a key barrier in them being able to express themselves freely, and can be a barrier for them in feeling comfortable on campus. This fund is vital in easing this barrier, and supporting not only the confidence, but the emotional wellbeing of those that need it.
"With the launch of the Gender Empowerment Fund, it is encouraging to see tangible, practical support being offered to the Trans+ Community, here at BCU.”
Other relevant resources: