We are greatly disappointed at the Supreme Court’s ruling last week. Trans, non-binary and gender-non-conforming people have always existed and will always exist, and their identities are valid irrespective of any court ruling.
Cambridge SU is committed to understanding, listening to, and amplifying trans voices. We will defend the human rights of all our members, and particularly, at this time of global uncertainty, of trans, non-binary, and gender-non-conforming people. We will be working to understand how we can best do this within the University and reaching out to other groups, including the NUS, in order to have a national impact.
If you or someone you know is feeling anxious, unsafe or struggling due to the current circumstances, you are not alone, and we would urge you to reach out for support. We have compiled a list of local, national and university support organisations below.
Trans rights are human rights; a denial of humanity for one is a denial of humanity for all.
Support for Students:
There is a strong community of LGBT+ students at Cambridge. Your college common room is likely to have LGBT+ and/or Trans officers who can be approached for informal advice and signposting. Your college may also have a gender affirmation fund to purchase binders, packers and other gender-affirming products. There is also an LGBT+ society who can be found here: https://www.cambridgesu.co.uk/organisation/26212/
All of the University's services can be accessed by people of all genders and sexual orientations including the Harassment and Violence Support Service: https://www.studentsupport.cam.ac.uk/harassment-and-violence-support
There are also several local and national organisations who offer support to LGBT individuals:
The Kite Trust
http://thekitetrust.org.uk/
The Kite Trust offers support for LBGTQ+ young people in Cambridgeshire under the age of 25, as well as free social groups. One to one support is available both face to face and over Skype and is a confidential service, which is tailored to your needs. The Kite Trust is a great way of accessing emotional and social support.
Dhiverse
https://www.dhiverse.org.uk/
Dhiverse are a sexual health charity based in Cambridge. They offer a wide range of support around sexual health, including counselling and testing services. Anyone can self-refer for counselling for issues around sexual health, sexuality, sexual identity, sexual relationships, sexual trauma or HIV an impacting your mental health and wellbeing. Sessions are free but donations are welcome. Up to 12 sessions are offered.
Encompass Network
http://encompassnetwork.org.uk/
Encompass Network promotes a better quality of life for LGBTQ+ people in Cambridgeshire by enabling networking and capacity building for the LGBTQ+ voluntary and community sector. They host events for LGBTQ+ people in Cambridge such as meet ups for Trans and Non-Binary people and coordinate events for LGBTQ+ history month across Cambridge.
National support networks
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
https://switchboard.lgbt/how-we-can-help
0300 330 0630 (10am-10pm)
Switchboard, is an LGBT+ Helpline, a safe space for anyone to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional well-being. They are focussed on supporting people to explore the right options for themselves.
Galop
http://www.galop.org.uk/
help@galop.org.uk
0800 999 5428 (Mon–Thurs 10am–8.30pm; Fri10am–4.30pm)
Galop is the leading LGBT+ anti-violence and abuse charity. Galop provides advice, support and advocacy to people who have experienced a hate crime, domestic abuse and sexual violence. All of its services are confidential and free. Via the website you can also access the webchat, and access information via the chatbot.
LGBT Foundation
https://lgbt.foundation/who-were-here-for
Information, Support and Advice Line: 0345 3 30 30 30
The LGBT Foundation provide a wide range of support services to lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. In particular they have a wealth of online resources.
Stonewall
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/help-and-advice
Stonewall are a UK based organisation advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and support. They also have an Information Service, which you could contact on info@stonewall.org.uk.