What is the Gender Expression Fund?
Newnham College JCR provides a Gender Expression Fund, which covers the expenses students may incur through the purchase of gender affirming products. The fund stands at £400 (as of the 2023 to 2024 academic year), though it is subject to change. It aims to relieve students of the financial burden of socially transitioning and to enable students to feel more comfortable in their gender expression and presentation, since gender affirming products can be expensive and difficult to access.
How does the fund work?
The LGBTQ+ JCR officer is mandated to manage applications and though there is a constitutionally recommended limit of £40 per individual student per academic year, this is flexible according to student necessity and the availability of funds. The limit can be modified on a case by case basis under the agreement of the JCR LGBTQ+ Officer and the Treasurer. The LGBTQ+ Officer is mandated to maintain the privacy of applicants to the fund.
Why does the fund exist?
This fund exists to alleviate the financial burden that often accompanies the expression and exploration of gender identity, making gender-affirming items accessible to students who may not otherwise have the means to purchase them, especially since many gender-affirming products are manufactured overseas and have high delivery costs.
What are gender-affirming products?
While most may be aware of some of the most common forms of gender-affirming products, such as binders and packers, these products are not the only available products that can be covered by the fund. Trans people can often experience gender dysphoria due to the feeling that gender presentation does not match their gender identity, and gender affirming products aim to alleviate gender dysphoria. There are no ‘correct’ gender-affirming products: anything that affirms your gender identity, or alleviates dysphoria is valid. If you have any questions regarding the GEF and your application, direct them towards the LGBTQ+ or Trans and Nonbinary Officer.
The GEF can be used to buy gender affirming products, which include, but are not limited to: packers, period pants, wigs, clothing, makeup and binders.
The GEF can also be used to pay for travel/transportation to appointments at Gender Clinics, as well as for hormone therapy.
How can I apply?
Before applying, we request that you read the Guide on Safe Binding Practices.
Applications can be made by filling out this form, and emailing it to the current LGBTQ+ Officer alongside the relevant receipts and proof of purchase: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14ySHZ3G2U8r0BskD6jIgHn7iHVg1xcJb4qt0OYfcck0/edit
All private information given in any application is kept safe and confidential by the LGBTQ+/Trans and Nonbinary Officer and JCR Treasurer
Newnham College JCR 