Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV) takes place every 31 March. The day celebrates the lives and contributions of transgender and non-binary people and raises awareness of discrimination faced by trans people worldwide. TDoV was founded in 2009 by trans advocate Rachel Crandall Crocker to counterbalance Transgender Day of Remembrance, an annual observance that honours trans people who have lost their lives to violence,which we also mark at Sussex.
We are flying the Trans flag over Sussex House from Friday 28 March to Tuesday 1 April to mark TDoV.
James Ward-Lee, chair of the Trans and Non-Binary Staff Network at Sussex, said: “Trans Day of Visibility is an important day to consider the transgender people in your lives. Like anyone else, we want the healthcare we need, friends, family and workplaces who support us, and to live our lives with dignity and respect.
“It's important to consider also what a small population trans people are in comparison to the amount our lives are dissected in the media. Reading and watching media created by trans people can be a really good access point for cisgender people in learning about trans experiences, but it is important to consider your sources. I'd particularly recommend work by local charity The Clare Project, which has a resource for friends and family of trans people that would be useful for any allies to read.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Sasha Roseneil said: “With trans people coming under fierce attack globally, it is more important than ever that we at Sussex express our support for our trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students and staff, and our commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment on our campus."
Pride at Sussex
James Ward-Lee is leading Pride at Sussex, a photography and writing exhibition reflecting the experiences of LGBTQ+ staff at the University. For Trans Day of Visibility, trans and non-binary staff members are especially invited to submit some writing on their experiences and feature in the exhibition when it launches in June. Anyone who would prefer to remain anonymous is free to do so.
Support for trans and non-binary staff and students
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Our Trans and Non-Binary Staff Network at Sussex is a confidential and fully inclusive group open to all Sussex staff who identify as trans and/or non-binary. You can join the confidential mailing list by contacting: transnonbinarystaff@sussex.ac.uk. The mailing list is monitored and accessed solely by the Chair of the Trans and Non-Binary Staff Network.
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Staff members who identify as LGBTQ+ can join our LGBTQ+ Staff Network by contacting: lgbt-staff@sussex.ac.uk. The LGBTQ+ Staff Network arranges events and activities through the year. Many of their events are open to all staff, and some events are also open to students.The LGBTQ+ Staff Network is fully open to and inclusive of trans and non-binary members. The LGBTQ+ Staff Network often collaborates with the TNB Staff Network and they have delivered several events together.
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Students who identify as trans and/or non-binary, or who are intersex, can contact the Students’ Union Trans and Non-Binary Group by emailing transnonbinary@sussexstudent.com. They can also get involved with Transcend, a SU-affiliated campaign and network aimed at uplifting the lives of trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students at the University and beyond. You can contact Transcend at: transcend.sussex@sussexstudent.com.
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Students who identify as LGBTQ+ can join the Students’ Union’s LGBTQ+ Society and contact the Students’ Union officers for support or information.
Other resources and support
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The University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for every member of its community. If you or someone else has experienced behaviours such as bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse or discrimination, you can let us know using Report and Support.
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The University’s Wellbeing Support Guide contains a dedicated section signposting to a variety of LGBTQ+-specific resources.
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Students can find resources and support at the Student Centre and on the Sexuality and Gender Support and Information web pages.
Trans and non-binary e-learning
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Staff may wish to explore relevant e-learnings around Trans Day of Visibility. In addition to the mandatory Diversity in the Workplace e-learning, the University also provides courses in Trans and Non-Binary Awareness and a guide for managers on Supporting Trans and Non-Binary People at Work.