Support for Trans Individuals

Transgender and non-binary students are welcome to join any of the many Kent Students' Union clubs and societies. There are some that may be of specific interest:

• Transgender and Non-Binary Student Society
• LGBTQ+ Society | Kent Students’ Union
• Queer POC Society
• LGBTQ+ Network | Kent Students’ Union

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.  

As part of our commitment to supporting students with their mental health, the University of Kent has 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.

The fund will reopen in October 2025

There is a free, confidential peer-support group run in Canterbury for all trans, intersex and non-binary gender people at the University of Kent. The Canterbury Trans Network is independent from the University, but works closely with us and is supported by us. It is run by non-binary people for non-binary people. Family and partners are welcome. The group welcomes folk in drab (birth gender mode) or dressed (preferred gender mode). No matter how you present, you will always be addressed by your preferred name.

The group meets twice a month, once on campus and once in Canterbury. On campus meeting dates are below.

Gendered and non-gendered (All Welcome) toilet and changing facilities are available across campus. Non-gendered facilities consist of self-contained cubicles with floor to ceiling doors, sinks and toilets inside. Some are accessible facilities.

The Canterbury Gender Neutral facilities map was created by the Chair of the student LGBT Network and researcher on the LGBTQIA Student Voices Project, Sid Conner

The map is being updated for 2025-26 and the new link will be available soon.

Nobody should be subjected to questioning as to why they are using a particular facility. If you are concerned that someone is either subjecting someone to abuse or harassment in toilets or changing facilities, or are abusing toilet or changing room facilities, you should contact Campus Security in the first instance, or 999 in an emergency. 

Rainbow lanyards are available for staff and students. They are a visible expression of allyship and worn voluntarily to indicate that the wearer is an Ally and is safe and approachable.

Students can collect a rainbow lanyard from Nexus or College Reception desks.

Did you know that Student Support and Wellbeing has a specalist Wellbeing Advisor who can support trans and non-binary students? If you would like to meet with them, please mention this to Reception when making an appointment, or as to see Tristan if you would prefer.