Exeter Students’ Guild have been working with a student-led group (Gender Expression Fund Exeter) to create a non-means tested fund to support the needs of our trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students.
What does the Gender Expression Fund cover?
The fund can be used to purchase gender affirming products that could include (but is not limited to) new clothes/underwear, chest binders, breast forms, packers, wigs, affirming sports/swimwear, makeup/nail polish, and books.
The fund can also be used towards travel to medical or therapy/counselling appointments, but cannot be used to fund treatment, prescriptions, or other medical procedures.
Criteria
- Is it a gender affirming item/service (such as a name change)?
- Is it within the £80 per student, per year limit?
- Can a receipt be provided?
If you have any questions about this, please get in touch.
How does the Gender Expression Fund work?
We want the fund to be as accessible as possible, this means there are two ways you can access it.
Option 1 – Guild Ordering
- Step One: Fill out this form to apply
- Step Two: Your application will be reviewed by a student staff member in the Community Empowerment team
- Step Three: If successful, we will be in contact to order the items for you
- Step Four: We will arrange delivery to the Guild for you to collect
Option 2 – Reimbursement
- Step One: Fill out this form to apply
- Step Two: Your application will be reviewed by a student staff member in the Community Empowerment team
- Step Three: If successful, we will be in contact to confirm how you wish to use the fund
- Step Four: You will order the items/use the service and provide a receipt to the Guild
- Step Five: The Guild will reimburse you for the agreed amount
We are aiming to process applications on a Friday and within 10 working days. All applications will be treated sensitively and any information provided will remain confidential in line with our Privacy Policy.
Who is eligible for the Gender Expression Fund?
To be eligible for the fund, a student should be:
- Be a enrolled as a current student at the University of Exeter, this includes PGR, PGT and part-time students. (If you're at a Cornwall course, you can apply to The SU's fund here).
- Identify as trans, non-binary, intersex, gender diverse, or gender non-conforming and be over 18 years old.
- Have not used the full allocated amount before (with the option to justify if there is a reasonable explanation like extreme hardship, or change of circumstances, clothing size etc.)
How much is available through the Fund?
Each grant will be up to £80, per student, per year, but can be reviewed in exceptional circumstances.
The Guild has designated a total of £4000 for this fund in 2024/25.
Want to give feedback on the Gender Expression Fund?
We want this scheme to be accessible to all students who need it. Let us know if there are improvements we could make that would benefit you.
Have Your SayFAQs
Who will process my application?
A staff member from within the Community Empowerment team at the Guild.
Why do you want to know why I'm applying?
We are collecting this to help ensure we can continue to fund this longer term - it is an optional question and does not impact your application.
When will my application be processed?
Applications are only processed on alternate Thursdays. To reduce the amount of time it takes, please remember to include all relevant information in your application.
What about binders?
Some trans and gender non-conforming people choose to use chest binders (and similar) as part of how they present themselves. If you are thinking about using a chest binder, it’s important that you research for yourself about the options available. You need to understand the potential health risks (particularly if done incorrectly) and how to safely use a chest binder to help you make your decision. To get you started, here are a couple of resources: Youth Cymru and Spectrum Outfitters. If in doubt, or if you’re experiencing health implications, stop using the chest binder and seek medical advice