Hughes Hall MCR Gender Expression Fund

What is the Hughes Hall MCR Gender Expression Fund?

Launched in 2021, the Hughes Hall MCR Gender Expression Fund assists transgender and gender non-conforming students with the cost of items that make them feel more comfortable in their gender expression. While the use of items such as binders can be transformative for individuals’ mental health and experience of gender dysphoria (Julian et al., 2021; Lee, Simpson & Hare, 2018), they can be costly (Koch et al., 2019; Lenning & Buist, 2012). The Hughes Hall MCR Gender Expression Fund exists to ensure that students are not financially excluded from purchasing these items despite wishing to do so.

 

What items are covered by the fund?

Items covered by the fund include are but not limited to:

· Binders

· Packers

· Concealing underwear

· Wigs

· Breast forms

· Costs of public transport to and from gender identity clinics

Applications for items not on this list, but that support the person in their gender expression, will also be considered.

 

How much is the fund? How much can I apply for?

The fund consists of £250 and is part of the MCR annual budget.

The recommended maximum spend per student is £50.

Students requiring further financial support (in relation to their gender or sexual identity) are encouraged to get in contact with the Hughes Hall MCR Equality and LGBTQ+ Officer at mcr.equality.lgbt@hughes.cam.ac.uk.

 

How can I apply?

You can apply to the fund by emailing the Hughes Hall MCR Equality and LGBTQ+ Officer (mcr.equality.lgbt@hughes.cam.ac.uk), or by filling out this form. For hyperlink: https://www.cognitoforms.com/HughesHallMCR/GenderExpressionApplication.

Any applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. They will only be seen by the Hughes Hall MCR Equality and LGBTQ+ Officer.

Standard practice is for us to reimburse students following the purchase of items. However, if you require the money in advance, this can be rearranged with the MCR Equality and LGBTQ+ Officer.

If, for any reason, you are uncomfortable contacting the current MCR Equality and LGBTQ+ Officer, you are welcome to contact the Female and Non-Binary Welfare Officer (mcr.welfare.female.nonbinary@hughes.cam.ac.uk) or the Male and Non-Binary Welfare Officer (mcr.welfare.male@hughes.cam.ac.uk) instead.

 

Acknowledgements

In setting up this fund, Hughes Hall is following in the footsteps of various other Cambridge colleges. We would like to thank the JCR and MCR reps at these colleges for sharing their knowledge and experience of setting up such a fund.

 

References

Julian, J. M., Salvetti, B., Held, J. I., Murray, P. M., Lara-Rojas, L., & Olson-Kennedy, J. (2021). The Impact of Chest Binding in Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth and Young Adults. Journal of Adolescent Health, 68(6), 1129-1134.

Koch, J. M., McLachlan, C. T., Victor, C. J., Westcott, J., & Yager, C. (2020). The cost of being transgender: where socio-economic status, global health care systems, and gender identity intersect. Psychology & Sexuality, 11(1-2), 103-119.

Lee, A., Simpson, P., & Haire, B. (2019). The binding practices of transgender and gender-diverse adults in Sydney, Australia. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 21(9), 969-984.

Lenning, E., & Buist, C. L. (2013). Social, psychological and economic challenges faced by transgender individuals and their significant others: Gaining insight through personal narratives. Culture, health & sexuality, 15(1), 44-57.

 

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