School of Global Studies marks Transgender Day of Remembrance
The Transgender Day of Remembrance occurs on 20 November each year to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice.
The School of Global Studies marked the Transgender Day of Remembrance (20 November) with the screening of a series of short films from the lives of transgender people in contemporary Africa.
Colleagues attended ‘Exquisite gender - digital stories: transgender and intersex people in Africa’ on 17 November. The project was the brainchild of Dr Paul Boyce, Senior Lecturer in Anthropology and International Development at Global Studies.
Head of the School of Global Studies, Professor Andrea Cornwall, said: “Transgender Day of Remembrance commemorates those who die as victims of anti-transgender violence, deaths that are rarely made visible in the media, to raise public awareness of the violent prejudice and hate that makes the lives of transgender people unlivable.
"It’s an opportunity to reflect on the human cost of discrimination on the basis of gender. At Sussex, we are seeking to create a culture of zero tolerance of all forms of discrimination, and stand in solidarity with our transgender staff and students and the struggle for transgender rights.”
An audit is currently being carried out within the University to better understand the experiences of trans staff and students at Sussex.
This follows the recent publication of the University's trans-student equality guidance for staff working with students. The guidance focuses on the support available to students considering or undergoing any form of gender reassignment – and practical tips for staff who are offering support with this.
The Equality Challenge Unit - a charity working to support equality and diversity for staff and students in UK higher education - has also recently produced some revised guidance to improve the experiences of trans staff and students after consulting widely with transgender groups.