Education has so much to campaign on. Whether it is primary school or university, we need to influence decisions taken.
Sex Education begins at an early age at Primary Schools. There is no reason why information about transsexualism could not be introduced before a child leaves for secondary education. Campaign to have information about transsexualism included for students, some of whom may themselves be transsexual.,/p>
It is important that staff are aware that their students may by transsexual, transgendered, or have some other issue relating to gender identity or sexuality. Staff must know how to deal with students who may be different. Campaign to have information available for Education Officials so that they may assist if necessary.
Most young people reach puberty during their time at secondary school. By the time of puberty, many students know whether they are male or female, or whether their is something unusual about their feelings. It can be a living nightmare for a student attending a single sex school when they feel as if they belong to the opposite sex. Campaign for issues surrounding transsexuality to be taught in sex-education lessons. Ensure schools have information about support groups left in an area where students may collect it without prying eyes.
Ensure that staff at secondary schools, social services, etc have information about the possibility of a young person having gender identity issues. Try to ensure that young students are fully supported and have options to transfer schools if they are uncomfortable and that, where possible, support groups are involved at the earliest opportunity.
Whether a student is studying for higher education certificates such as A Levels, a Vocational Course or for anything else covered by Further Education, Staff should be made aware of special needs of transgendered students. If a transgendered student has revealed themself to a member of staff they should be informed of Educational Certificates being issued in the name that the student takes the examination in. Students should be informed that if they have not transitioned and later cross the divide, that they may be able to ammend their certificates.
Students' Union, Student Services teams, Chaplaincy teams, etc must be made aware that they may, from time to time, come across students who are transgendered, and be aware of their needs. They should be aware that for the purposes of the Sex-Discrimination Act, a college is the same as an employer. A student who has transitioned is entitled to the same benefits as any other student of the same sex. Therefore, a transwoman, for example, must be allowed to use the ladies toilets and be allowed access to courses designed purely for women.
Universities and other Higher Educational Establishments often issue their own Degree Certificates. It is important that students are treated equally to other students of the same sex that student appears to be. A student must also be entitled to a Degree Certificate in the name they have adopted. If a student transitions after leaving the establishment, a University must have in place a procedure to allow that student to change their name on their certificate. To fail to allow any changes amount to sex-discrimination as that student may be prevented from finding work in their chosen sex without revealing their former identity.
Students who transition after taking GCSE or A Level qualifications must be allowed to change their certificates for the reasons above. If a qualification board has no policy, it must be contacted and asked to allow the changes. Students with Gender Identity Issues must be informed of their rights.
In Adult Education, students who are transsexual or transgendered should be encouraged to form societies at their college and universities. They should be informed of their rights during their time in education and campaign for rights for themselves and others.
Campaign on any of the above issues or other issues you may think of related to education. Mention TransActive-UK and use the law as it now stands. Information on trans issues can now be obtained from the Equal Opportunities Commission Website.