At Kent we want all our students to be able to live, work and study to the fullest of their abilities, and we want to ensure that we are removing as many barriers to that success as possible.
We recognise that transgender, non-binary and gender-neutral individuals face additional mental health pressures that are directly related to their gender identity. Many of these additional stresses are directly caused by the potential misalignment between how an individual presents in terms of clothing and appearance, and their own identity. This stress can have a direct impact upon an individual’s ability to work, study and engage in their academic commitments. A significant barrier causing this misalignment is the cost of having to purchase additional items to reduce gender dysphoria.
As part of our commitment to supporting students with their mental health, we have created the Gender Affirmation Fund. This fund is available to students who identify as transgender, non-binary or gender neutral and can be used to help support students with the costs of gender affirming items such as binders, clothing, packers, makeup, hair extensions, pouches, Stand To Pee devices, gendered religious headwear or clothing and minor cosmetic procedures such as ear piercing or for managing body hair to help individuals feel more comfortable in their own bodies.
Applications open at 9:00 on Monday 16 October and the fund is available to any student who identifies as transgender, non-binary or gender neutral and can be accessed once in your academic career. The only eligibility criteria is that you must be a registered student enrolled on any University of Kent academic programme.
Students who benefitted from the fund in the past described it as ‘a great resource for trans and non-binary students who struggle with multiple challenges’, ‘easy and non-judgemental to use’, and ‘made them feel seen’.
Please note that the fund is limited, and applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis.
Find out more about the fund and apply.
