Gender Identity
You may already know and be comfortable in your gender identity when you arrive at university, or you may find that you are questioning it or struggling with it during your time at Loughborough. ‘Coming out’ is different for every person. You should never feel you have to come out and should only do so when it is safe, and you are ready to do so.
Definitions
Gender identity is your internal sense of being a man or a woman, neither of these, both, or other gender(s). The term transgender is used to refer to individuals whose sex assigned at birth and gender identity don’t align.
Some individuals identify as non-binary – neither a man nor a woman. Not all non-binary people individuals identify as trans and not all trans people identify as non-binary.
The term cisgender refers to individuals whose assigned sex at birth and gender identity do align.
How can the University Support you?
The University offers a Trans and Non-binary Support and Advice Service. This service is led by Lisa Vine, an LGBT+ advocate, consultant and trainer based in Loughborough, who is also a Loughborough University alumna and previous Chair of Loughborough Students’ Union's LGBT+ Association.
The Student Advice and Support Service can provide practical support to help students update their name and/or gender held by the Student Loans Company, UKVI, or other external organisations.
Loughborough Students’ Union has an LGBT+ Association which provides a student-led support network for every student who identifies under the LGBT+ umbrella, as well as hosting a mix of fun and educational events throughout the year. The Association also hassocial and support groups catering specifically to trans and gender diverse students and students who are both LGBT+ and come from an ethnic minority background.
If you experience harassment due to your gender identity you can report this to the University (both named and anonymously) through our Online Reporting Tool.
What to do next?
Book an appointment with The Trans and Non-binary service
You can book a 1-to-1 appointment.
50-minute appointments are available via either a video call using Microsoft Teams or in person. You can choose how you would like to access support when you book.
Contact the Student Advice and Support Service
If you need support to update your name and/or gender held by the Student Loans Company, UKVI, or other external organisations please complete our online booking form to arrange an appointment with our Student Advice and Support Team.
Join Loughborough Students’ Union’s LGBT+ Association
You could look to join Loughborough Students’ Union’s LGBT+ Association, which provides a student-led support network for every student who identifies under the LGBT+ umbrella, as well as hosting a mix of fun and educational events throughout the year. The Association also has social and support groups catering specifically to trans and gender diverse students and students who are both LGBT+ and come from an ethnic minority background.
How can I be a good ally?
An ally is any person that actively promotes and aspires to advance the culture of inclusion through intentional, positive, and conscious efforts that benefit people.
There are lots of ways to be a good ally. GLAAD has a range of tips on how to be an ally to the transgender community.
External Resources
Last Updated: 5th September 2022