Transgender Awareness Week

Taking action and allyship

Every year, Transgender Awareness Week takes place on 13 to 19 November, directly proceeding Transgender Day of Remembrance on 20 November. 

It is a time to learn and raise awareness about transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people, and to celebrate the achievements and contributions of trans people locally and worldwide. 

This page provides a starting point for various ways of celebrating or marking Transgender Awareness Week, including events, activities, and resources for trans people and our allies.

Getting involved

There are a number of events taking place throughout the week:

• Join ResLife for a calm, creative evening at Aquila Court on 13 November at 7pm.
• If you are able to, attend a Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil on 20 November. Vigils have been taking place on this date since 1999 to mourn and honour two black transgender women, Chanelle Pickett and Rita Hester. It occurs annually to remember lives lost through anti-transgender violence across the world. Get involved through the LGBTQ+ society, or find out more online. 

Learn about trans and non-binary experiences

We all have something to learn about the diverse experiences of trans people, in order to provide inclusive community spaces for all trans people and/or to be better trans allies. Engaging with media centring or created by trans people is a great way to learn more.

• The Library has a list of LGBTQ+ literature available in print or digitally, which includes some fantastic books by trans authors.
• The British Film Institute have curated a list of 10 great transgender films to watch.

Build knowledge on being trans inclusive

Learn more about being trans inclusive with educational resource such as:

• The university pronouns and inclusivity guidance.
• Stonewall glossary of LGBTQ+ terms.
• Trans allyship information.

Be a visible trans ally

Use Trans Awareness Week as an opportunity to show your support for trans and non-binary people by:

• Picking up/wearing a pronoun badge from 4W to help normalise pronouns not being assumed.
• Wear a Rainbow Lanyard after agreeing to the pledge.
• Use gender-neutral, inclusive language.

For information on support for trans students, take a look at Student Support's guidance and our advice for trans students living in halls.