Sustainable support for our trans community

The University of Plymouth has committed to being a long-term sponsor of Not Alone Plymouth, a trans and non-binary support group
Sustainable support for our trans community

Every year on 20 November, communities around the world mark Transgender Day of Remembrance and the University is proud to join our trans and non-binary staff, students and friends in remembering those lost to anti-trans hate and violence.

Transphobic hate crimes are still on the rise with over 350 trans people being killed due to anti-trans hatred so far in 2020 and with continued myths, misinformation and hatred spread online it has never been more important to stand up for the trans community.

To mark Transgender Day of Remembrance, alongside hosting a special online memorial, the University of Plymouth has committed to being a long-term sponsor of Not Alone Plymouth in order to provide sustainable support to our local trans community. Not Alone is an award-winning trans and non-binary support group in the South West, co-founded by University of Plymouth PhD student, Erin King. The group offer a much-needed lifeline to trans and non-binary people through support groups, social events, activism and allyship across the South West having previously been recipients of National Lottery Community Funding.

A turning point in my life

Before I started going to the group I was too anxiety-ridden to leave the house. If it wasn't for the confidence that the group gave me I never would have started University.

A Not Alone group member reflecting on the impact of Not Alone

Alongside sponsorship of Not Alone Plymouth, the University of Plymouth recently launched an LGBT+ Inclusion Taskforce to champion all aspects of University life for both LGBT+ staff and students. The taskforce will follow Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index (WEI) to ensure process, policy and practice across the institution works for everyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Taskforce is led by the University’s Head of Student Services, Alice Ludgate and the University Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Ariel Chapman and is preparing to present interim findings to the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee in February 2021.

The University of Plymouth stands with our trans and non-binary staff, students and friends around the world against transphobia and we remember those we have lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.

More information on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Plymouth is available via dedicated webpages covering annual reports, training and latest news and events. Members of staff at the University can also join the LGBT+ Staff Forum whilst students can join UPSU's LGBTQ+ Student Society.

All staff, students, contractors and visitors can report incidents of abuse, harm and hate online anonymously via the University’s Speak Up tool.

Report abuse, harm or hate

The University of Plymouth is proud to be a safe, welcoming and diverse community – our staff, students and anyone interacting with us should feel comfortable being who they are. We believe that bullying, harassment and discrimination are never okay. Any allegations of this nature (which includes sexual violence, abuse or hate) are taken incredibly seriously.

You can report an incident anonymously via our Speak Up tool.

By reporting an incident, you are helping us to maintain our friendly and safe university culture, where everyone can study, work and live free from any form of harassment.