A personal article from Ross Thorne (Vice President EDI) and Lauren Atkin-Hill (former LGBTQIA+ Rep)
Over our time as students and as part of the Student Leadership Team, we have noticed an increased level of transphobia, not just within society but also at the OU, which continues to harm the wellbeing and safety of our trans students and staff.
We want to make it clear that we are committed to challenging harmful rhetoric against any marginalised group. For us, belonging is not just about being included – it is about being valued, supported, and able to show up as your full self, without fear or compromise.
We are committed to standing up for inclusion and meaningful allyship. This means ensuring that trans students are safe, seen, and supported throughout every part of their OU journey, not just in policy, but in daily practice.
In April, the Supreme Court issued a ruling on the legal definition of “sex” in the Equality Act 2010, a decision widely viewed as a setback for the rights of trans people and the broader LGBTQIA+ community. In response, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) announced a public consultation to update its statutory Codes of Practice. The response had an overwhelming response, with nearly 52,000 submissions, the most ever received by the EHRC. We are proud that Open SU submitted a formal response, voicing our concerns and standing firmly in solidarity with trans people.
During these difficult and uncertain times, the need for genuine allyship, support, and solidarity cannot be overstated. Regardless of one’s own gender identity, we must all recognise the pain this ruling has caused, and stand together in solidarity and action.
Sadly, we are aware of trans students continuing to experience discrimination, including a concerning rise in transphobia from some tutors. We could not be clearer: we do not and will not tolerate this. We will continue to speak out and stand up for any student who experiences such treatment.
If you have experienced or witnessed transphobia, we strongly encourage you to reach out, whether to Open SU, OU Pride, Individual Representation, or whichever channel you feel most comfortable using. You are not alone, and Open SU will be there to support you.
This work is ongoing, but our message is simple: belonging matters. We are committed to making that a reality for everyone in the OU community, especially those who have historically been marginalised or excluded. Together, we can build a university experience that truly lives up to its values: one where every student can thrive.