We're piloting the Gender Expression Fund to support students undergoing or exploring gender transition by covering the costs associated with gender expression and improving their well-being.
Especially in the height of cost living crisis, and gender clinics facing increasingly high waiting times, we hope that this measure can help to alleviate some of those burdens.
What does the Fund cover?
Grants can be used to purchase gender affirming products such as clothing, binders, packers and beauty products.
Grants can also be used towards travel to medical or therapy/counselling appointments, but we cannot fund treatment or other medical procedures.
The fund is limited to 10 students, with a fund of up to £100. Once we reach the limit, applications will close for the year.
The Union has designated a total of £1000 for this fund in 2024/25
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible for help from the Gender Expression Fund, a student should:
- Be currently registered as a UAL student
- Identify as trans, non-binary, intersex or otherwise gender diverse
- Have reasonable need for items or transport expenses to be covered by the fund
- Not be requesting items with excessive costs (e.g. custom products), unless explicitly necessary for reasons of sizing or access needs to be considered.
- Not be requesting funding for medical treatment (such as hormone therapy or surgical procedures) or to fund private counselling/therapy.
Application Process
Students applying to the fund must complete our Gender Affirming Care Fund Form.
Once the form has been submitted, it will be reviewed by our LCF Sabbatical Officer and Wellbeing and Liberation Coordinator, supported by our Advice Service and Democracy & Influencing Team.
Once a decision is made, the applicant will be informed of the outcome and payment will usually be authorised via BACS (bank transfer).
All applications are treated sensitively, and all information is kept confidential.
Why does the Fund exist?
In May 2024, former student Viktor Mikolajczyk, in collaboration with former CSM Officer Minna Ellis, proposed the Gender Affirming Care Fund, which has since become Arts Students' union (SU) policy. This fund aims to enhance access to gender-affirming care and support students facing high living costs.