Transgender people are currently facing many issues in the UK. Multiple UK academics have spoken about ‘gender critical’ approaches to transgender people, with 54 academics signing an open letter expressing concern over potential reforms to the Gender Recognition Act to allow self-identification for gender reassignment*.

These academics, who state they are being harassed over research into transgender people, argue they are exercising their academic freedom, and disagreement is key to academia. Others disagree, and consider their work transphobic**.

In light of current event, this workshop explores whether transphobia is a problem in academia, the effect this might have on trans students and how students, universities and academics can make their spaces and research welcoming to trans people.

*https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/oct/16/academics-are-being-harassed-over-their-research-into-transgender-issues

**https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/oct/23/perspectives-on-the-trans-debate