Raising the visibility of transgender people in Teesside

University staff and students came together to attend a series of events marking Transgender Week of Remembrance.

The week-long commemoration reflected the University’s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and its active opposition to prejudice.

The aim was to increase the visibility of trans people in our community and help address the issues they face on a daily basis.

A memorial tree bearing the names of people who have died as a result of violence due to their gender identity was displayed on campus throughout the week.

It formed a backdrop to a vigil on Trans Day of Remembrance, Wednesday 20 November, which included a minute’s silence, a reading out of names of trans people who have been killed, and the lighting of candles.

Other highlights included group discussions, staff training sessions and an interactive creative event for all the family at Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA). An art exhibition was also held in the University’s Constantine Gallery.

Angela Ramage, Head of Student Accommodation & Facilities and a LGBT+ Focus Group member, said: ‘We’re pleased that so many staff and students took time out to remember people who have died as a result of anti-trans violence.

‘It’s also really positive that others wanted to learn more about what it means to be trans and the issues that affect trans people.

‘Teesside is a caring and supportive University, and we want to educate people about the issues of prejudice, discrimination, and violence that affect the transgender community.’

Angela’s comments are evidenced by Teesside’s ranking of 47 in the top 100 organisations listed in the Stonewall Workplace Employers Index (WEI) 2019. The Index measures organisations’ performance and progress in LGBT+ equality and inclusion.

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• Equality and Diversity
• Inclusion
• LGBT+
• Transgender Week of Remembrance