Beyond Inclusion: Developing Guidelines to Support Trans, Gender Diverse and Non-Binary Communities

Abstract

In early 2020, Edith Cowan University (ECU) identified the need for a proactive approach to supporting and affirming trans, gender diverse, and non-binary (TGDNB) students, staff, alumni, and the wider community. While there was general support and focus on LGBTIQA+ initiatives broadly at ECU, there were no existing supports to address the unique needs and raise awareness of the experiences of TGDNB people. This paper outlines ECU’s process to develop TGDNB Support Guidelines, including research, forming a working group to drive resource development, consultation from different areas within the university, a launch event, training, and ensuring the document was widely promoted and used after the launch. The paper also identifies the issues TGDNB students are facing, outcomes of the continued work to advocate for trans people at ECU, as well as the challenges we face and goals we continue to work toward. ... Beyond inclusion: Developing guidelines to support trans, gender diverse and non-binary communities by Stevie Lane & Casey Thomas is licensed under CC BY 4.0