UCL launches Gender Expression Fund

UCL's Portico building lit up in rainbow colours for Pride 2022 - As part of ongoing activities to support trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students, UCL has launched a new fund to help with the purchase of items that will make them more comfortable with their gender presentation. The Gender Expression Fund has been set up in recognition that a disconnect between gender identity and appearance can be a significant source of stress and anxiety for people who are gender diverse. Grants of up to a maximum of £100 are available for UCL students to buy gender affirming products such as clothing, beauty products or travel for medical or therapy appointments. Set up at the request of UCL's LGBTQ+ Student Network, the Fund is part of a  commitment to supporting trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students and staff made by UCL's President & Provost Dr Michael Spence in February 2022 . Other actions include ensuring that trans students can update their preferred name easily and quickly through the Portico system and can receive a new ID card within 10 minutes of doing so, at no extra cost for obtaining a new card, and guaranteeing that all new buildings and major refurbishments on campus will include both gender neutral and single/sex toilets. Gender neutral toilets have been provided in recent building works including the Student Centre, the Wilkins Building and the Lower Refectory. The Pool Street site at UCL, which opens this term, also includes gender neutral toilets, as will the forthcoming Marshgate site and the new neuroscience facility on Grays Inn Road.