The Durham SU Gender Expression Fund will support Trans and gender non-conforming students at Durham reach their gender expression goals. Trans and gender non-conforming students are more likely to experience financial hardship and while some colleges already have Gender Expression Funds, not every student can access these so this fund will support those students. This fund cannot finance medical bills or travel but will fund buying clothing, aesthetic items, binders, etc that students may not be able to access otherwise. There shouldn’t be any barriers to Trans and gender-non confirming students’ education or sense of belonging at university. Trans and gender non-conforming students deserve to be able to embody their identities and fully participate in university life!

Have a look at Durham SU’s Trans Recognition policy.

Please note: the Durham SU Gender Expression Fund is a pilot for the academic year 2024-2025. The fund will be evaluated and reviewed to determine whether it can be implemented on a more long-term basis.

How to apply for the Durham SU Gender Expression Fund

1. Submit an application via this form and let us know what item you want to purchase. You will be given the option to include a link to a new/online item or to choose to purchase second hand items in store.
2. The application form will go to the relevant SU staff member. Each applicant will be assigned a code which they will retain for the academic year – this means that only the member of SU staff arranging collection and communication with applicants will have access to your contact details. Applications will be anonymised for the rest of application process.
3. Anonymised applications will be processed based on the guidance below by a member of SU staff, the SU Part-Time Liberation Officer and a representative from the Trans Association.
4. You will then be informed of the outcome of your application.

If your application is approved there are two options:

For new/online items

• The item will be purchased for you and ordered to the Dunelm House.
• Once your item has been delivered a member of SU staff will be in contact and arrange a date and time for you to come to the Dunelm House to collect it.

For second hand items bought in store e.g. at charity shops

• You can purchase the item yourself but make sure to keep the receipt.
• Once you have bought the item, you can send the receipt to the designated SU staff member. You will then be asked to fill out an expense form so that a refund can be arranged.

Application guidance

• The Durham SU Gender Expression Fund is a pilot for the academic year 2024-2025. The fund will be evaluated and reviewed to determine whether it can be implemented on a more long-term basis.
• This funding is available to support Trans and gender non-conforming students with accessing items that aid gender expression. For example, clothes, binders, make up, jewellery, other personal items etc.
• This fund will not cover other expenses such as medical bills or travel refunds.
• This fund is specifically available for the purpose of gender expression. Alternative financial aid from Durham University can be on this page.
• Applications will be open throughout the academic year and will be reviewed regularly.
• The deadline for the last applications for this academic year will be 20 June 2025.
• Students can apply for up to £50 per term to purchase items to support gender expression.
• Students can reapply each term – however, students who have not previously accessed the fund will be prioritised. Your reapplication will be considered if it is for an item that you haven’t previously purchased using the fund or if there has been a change in circumstances (you will not have to give any further information on your circumstances).
• Please note that delivery times for items that are ordered may vary so exact collection dates cannot be guaranteed.
• Please note, applicants have the right to request for their personal data to be deleted at any time. Just contact sophie.l.birch@durham.ac.uk if you wish to do so.