In June last year, I was forwarded an e-mail from a trans PhD student, who was wondering how coming out might affect her academic career. Of course, I agreed to meet up with her and tell her my experiences, but with the massive caveat that as a transmasculine person, I have absolutely no idea what it would be like to be a trans woman in academia. I was surprised when she told me that I was the first trans person she had ever (knowingly) met. And so, the idea to create the Trans and Non-binary Peer Support Network was born – an inclusive group of people working in academia, who can share their experiences and support each other.
It has not been a very pleasant year for trans people in general, and those of us working in academia have had an extra layer of trouble piled onto us following the resignation of Dr Kathleen Stock from the University of Sussex. In a year where we have seen transphobic talking points move from cliques on twitter to being repeated by the Prime Minister, the idea that the transphobic theories espoused by the likes of Dr Stock are being ‘silenced’ is laughable.
Trans people throughout the University are seeing their colleagues sign letters and statements which range from offensively erasing our existence, to the downright draconian advocation of altering Equality law to exclude us, and calling for trans healthcare to come to an end. While it is clear that these sentiments are not reflected in any way by the ethos of the University (who stand firmly behind us) we still have to live day to day in a working environment where the ‘just asking questions’ culture means that all aspects of our lives are open to being picked apart in deeply upsetting ways.
What to do in the face of this current wave of oppression? Of course, I would always advocate for direct or political action, but I also think it is important to create a positive movement for trans people, and this is what the Peer Support Network is about. We want to build community and connections, and celebrate the beauty and joy of being trans.
The Trans and Non-binary Peer Support Network is open to all who are working at a Liverpool institution, be they academic or other staff. You do not have to identify as ‘trans’ to take part, we recognise that other people who are affected by binary and sexist structures in society have important contributions to make and also need our support. So, if you are trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, intersex, or questioning your gender, and you would like to be a part of our network, you are welcome!
In the year since the group was established, we have been holding monthly zoom meetings and have a Discord server for chatting and sharing information. With COVID restrictions easing, we’ve also had a board games night and a pub lunch – although our picnic lunch in Abercrombie Square was rained off! We’ve also been involved in various elements of policy making within the University and the local UCU branch. It’s really great to be giving trans staff a voice within the University.
If you would like to join the network, please e-mail me at daryl.hodge@liverpool.ac.uk.
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