Written by Saira Afzal
Photography by Anonymous Attendee
On Transgender Awareness Week (13-19 November), LSESU’s LGBTQ officer and LGBTQ Society held a Trans Day of Remembrance vigil to commemorate those lost to transphobic violence. The vigil, held on 20 November in the CBG Plaza, hosted multiple speakers from the student community. Mourners also held a minute’s silence and lit candles in memory of the victims.
LSESU’s LGBTQ officer, who delivered a speech at the vigil, stated the vigil’s purpose was to “honor trans people” and fight transphobic violence. They highlighted the racial aspect of transphobic violence, noting that 93% of reported murders of transgender people were of Black and Brown people. The officer also addressed mental health disparities within the queer community, explaining that Black and Brown individuals are disproportionately affected.
The LGBTQ officer criticised LSE for fostering a “hostile environment” for trans individuals, tying into a larger “culture war” against trans people in the UK. The officer highlighted how young trans people cannot access puberty blockers and gender-affirming care that they need, as well as the transphobic attitudes of UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which further stigmatises access to transgender healthcare.
They also discussed how the Conservatives were “no better”, as Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative party, “rallied” against trans people by pushing for a biological sex binary within the existing 2010 Equality Act. The officer accused LSE of being “complicit” in this culture war, through the protection of “gender critical” speakers on campus. They argued that President Larry Kramer’s “academic freedom” comments are a “hostile piece” against trans people.
According to the officer, President Kramer dismissed concerns that trans people are unsafe in terms of “physical” and “emotional” safety.
Finally, the LGBTQ officer addressed trans people in the audience by reaffirming they were “not alone”. They encouraged students to apply for the LSESU’s Gender Expression Fund, and to reach out to organisations for trans people if they are struggling and need support. They encouraged others to actively protest and stand up for trans rights on campus.
Another speaker, a trans representative from Queer Society, read out poems and song lyrics to underscore the importance of community and expression in the trans community.
Attendees held up signs with phrases “Fuck the Cis-Tem”, “Long Live The Dolls” and “End Transphobia On Campus”.
An LSE Spokesperson said:
“Our School is a place where we come together to discuss, effect change and challenge through education practices, academic research, and rigorous debate. Freedom of speech and expression for all on campus is essential to this. Our free speech policy is designed to protect and promote peaceful freedom of expression for all on campus. LSE has clear policies in place to ensure the facilitation of debates and enable all members of our community to refute ideas lawfully, and to protect individual’s rights to freedom of expression within the law. This is formalised in our free speech policy and in our Ethics Code.”
“Alongside this, LSE is committed to ensuring we have an inclusive culture of equality, diversity and respect that supports trans students and staff and promotes an environment that is free from discrimination. This is underpinned by the LSE Anti-Bullying and Anti-Harassment Policy.”
“We have recently implemented a new Report + Support system to ensure that responses to harassment allegations from both students and staff is quick and consistent. The system also provides easily accessible information on free, confidential, independent support and counselling for any LSE staff or student affected by any form of harassment or violence. We would urge anyone who has concerns to report them so they can be investigated.”
