News
Progress Update - 16/07/2012 - LGBTQLibrary and Trans* mentoring.
The library has agreed to support us in creating a small LGBTQ section in the library that will be accessible to all students. We will have a non-fiction and a fiction section. It is yet unclear whether these books will be put on the library catalogue or whether they will be more like the book exchange shelf. If you have any LGBTQ themed books that you no longer wish to keep donations would be most appreciated.
The non-fiction shelf is mainly being kindly supplied by Stonewall. To make the library more accessible for disabled students we will have a virtual online library, we will be able to provide a copy of all the non-fictional books, papers and research articles. However, we will not be able to provide an exact online copy of the fictional section. The fictional section will be large online and possibly smaller in the library so no one will be missing out.
For trans* students we are currently working on creating a link between the society and Gendered Intelligence's mentoring system. The idea is to provide one-on-one mentoring sessions with a Gendered Intelligence trans mentor, to help trans students who may be struggling with managing gender issues, experiencing some of the challenges of living as a trans person in education or may have existing mental health issues which are exacerbated by being trans.
The service is paid for by funding available to help students with particular needs in Higher Education, so its free for both you and the university. In order to qualify for funding, you need a letter from a doctor confirming a mental health diagnosis as evidence of your need for mentoring (This includes ‘Gender Identity Disorder’ as well as diagnoses such as depression or anxiety), however a letter from your GP saying how your identity as trans effects your grades etc will also suffice if you are yet to get a diagnosis.
They can provide practical support with social and medical transition (such as assistance with information, name changes, referrals, etc). They can also advise on organisation and study skills, careers, housing and financial information. They provide advocacy support - to ensure your needs are met within the university by talking to academic staff or unviersity administration about any issues, either with you, with another member of the LGBT society (probably Kaye as he is the Trans* officer) or on your behalf.
The non-fiction shelf is mainly being kindly supplied by Stonewall. To make the library more accessible for disabled students we will have a virtual online library, we will be able to provide a copy of all the non-fictional books, papers and research articles. However, we will not be able to provide an exact online copy of the fictional section. The fictional section will be large online and possibly smaller in the library so no one will be missing out.
For trans* students we are currently working on creating a link between the society and Gendered Intelligence's mentoring system. The idea is to provide one-on-one mentoring sessions with a Gendered Intelligence trans mentor, to help trans students who may be struggling with managing gender issues, experiencing some of the challenges of living as a trans person in education or may have existing mental health issues which are exacerbated by being trans.
The service is paid for by funding available to help students with particular needs in Higher Education, so its free for both you and the university. In order to qualify for funding, you need a letter from a doctor confirming a mental health diagnosis as evidence of your need for mentoring (This includes ‘Gender Identity Disorder’ as well as diagnoses such as depression or anxiety), however a letter from your GP saying how your identity as trans effects your grades etc will also suffice if you are yet to get a diagnosis.
They can provide practical support with social and medical transition (such as assistance with information, name changes, referrals, etc). They can also advise on organisation and study skills, careers, housing and financial information. They provide advocacy support - to ensure your needs are met within the university by talking to academic staff or unviersity administration about any issues, either with you, with another member of the LGBT society (probably Kaye as he is the Trans* officer) or on your behalf.