Our statement on the comments made by the Prime Minister and Home Secretary

We're disappointed and saddened to learn of several comments made by the Prime Minister, Home Secretary, and Science Secretary during the Conservative Party Conference over the past 2 days, targeting members of the transgender community.

Of particular concern is the announcement from the Home Secretary to 'kick woke ideology out of science', referring to the 'denial of biology and the steady creep of political correctness', the Home Secretary's claim that 'transgender women have no place in biological women's wards or indeed any safe space relating to biological women', and comments from the Prime Minister that "we shouldn't get bullied into believing that people can be any sex they want to be. They can't; a man is a man and a woman is a woman. That's just common sense".

We do not share or tolerate these views, not least at a time where now, more so than ever, environments are becoming more hostile towards members of the transgender community.

Members of the transgender community are welcome at Hallam and always will be.

Support available

If you have been a victim of a gender identity related hate crime, you can report this anonymously or with personal details to Report and Support.

If your wellbeing is impacted by this issue, support is available from the University's Student Wellbeing team.

If you are struggling or need support with gender identity, the Gender Identity Clinic (also known as the Porterbrook Clinic) offer advice, information, and peer support.

Local charities such as SAYit also offer information and peer support on issues around gender identity and the wider LGBTQ+ community.

If you want to be part of a campaign around this issue, including the Trans or LGBTQ+ Students' Working Committee, running to be our Trans or LGBTQ+ Students' Rep, or influencing how we respond to issues affecting Hallam students, please contact studentrights@shu.ac.uk.