Yesterday (23rd February), Goldsmiths students and staff received an email addressing recent transphobia on campus, including stickers and graffiti that have been seen on campus.
Yesterday (23rd February), Goldsmiths students and staff received an email addressing recent transphobia on campus, including stickers and graffiti that have been seen on campus.
The email sent to students used particularly violent language referring to trans rights issues as a ‘complex area of public discussion’ that there is a ‘need for robust and respectful debate’. This is unacceptable and harmful to students who have already been distressed by transphobia faced on and around campus.
We want our members to be aware that, as an SU, we were asked to provide information on our LGBTQ+ support networks and any other student support services we provide. As a result, we were circulated an earlier copy of this statement and were consulted on the line mentioning the SU support services. We should have spotted the transphobic language and called for its removal before the statement was released by the College.
We seek that the College holds its communications, structures and strategies to account. We ask that the College builds transparent systems of communication to ensure this does not happen again. We also hold ourselves to account and remain doubly committed to greater attention and scrutiny over the College and their responsibility and delivery of pastoral care.
We stress that trans existence and liberation is not up for debate. This College’s language does not reflect the position of the SU. It negates any intention behind their statement which is retraumatising and puts trans people's lives in danger. We strongly support the call for the College to apologise and make a follow-up statement clarifying that trans rights and existence are not a debate, or complex issue, as a matter of urgency and accountability.
This weekend, there are two counter demonstrations happening against some transphobic protest groups. More information on these demonstrations can be found here and here. We are in contact with students who wish to organise mobilising action and will provide updates.