Last month, the updated Code of Practice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) was presented to parliament, following the Supreme Court's ruling on the definition of sex under the Equality Act (2010). In light of this, we wanted to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the dignity and safety of all students at Strathclyde. We will continue to strive to create a safe, inclusive environment and reaffirm our support for our trans, non-binary and intersex students and staff. Discrimination will not be tolerated at Strath Union, within our spaces, in our clubs and societies, or at our events. We would like to remind all our student members of our Code of Conduct and Equal Opportunities Policy. Both should be followed and upheld online and offline.

While the UK Parliament considers the EHRC's Code of Practice, we are working in partnership with our elected officers and the University to consider the implications of the Code. In the meantime, students and staff should continue to use the gendered spaces that align with their gender identity. In addition to gendered facilities, there are gender neutral facilities on levels 1, 2 and 8 of Strath Union, if you prefer to use these. If you experience or witness anyone being challenged or harassed on campus; experience or witness discrimination, harassment, bullying or other inappropriate behaviour on campus, you can report this through Report and Support. Any information reported will be treated with compassion and care by the small group of staff that respond to reports.

Strath Union is a place for all our members to feel included and supported, and we will continue to represent and advocate for all who are part of this community. We have always supported our trans, non-binary, and intersex members, and we will continue to do so.

We are proud of the work carried out over the last year by our trans community and allies – which was recently recognised at our annual Student Volunteering Awards. We will continue to work closely with our LGBTQ+ Equality Officer, our wider elected officer community and the LGBTQ+ Society as well as StrathPride and relevant trade unions. If you are interested in getting involved with our Trans Rights Action Group, please contact strathunion.campaigns@strath.ac.uk.

We are aware that this is an incredibly challenging time for our trans community. If you require support, please visit our Trans Hub for information about on and off campus services. Resources include:

On Campus

• Advice Hub – strathunion.advice@strath.ac.uk
• Disability & Wellbeing Service – disability-wellbeing@strath.ac.uk

Off Campus (National and Regional)

• Mermaids – 08088010400
• Switchboard – 08000119100
• LGBT Health and Wellbeing – 08004647000 (Opening hours: Tuesdays: 12–9pm, Wednesdays: 12–9pm, Thursdays: 12–9pm & Sundays: 1–6pm)
• Mindline Trans+ (Fridays only) – 03003305468
• Samaritans – 116 123, samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.org