All about me

Hey gang, my name's Joel and I'm a trans woman studying Pharmaceutical Science here at Queen's. I have recently transitioned and found myself shocked and digusted with the lack of trans support within our university and the bigotry that many of us experience on campus. As a dyed-in-the-wool activist and campaigner I am dedicated to creating the change within our institution that we deserve.

Why am I running?

Trans students have been consistently and deliberately sidelined and ignored by Queen's University. This cannot be allowed to continue. It falls on us to fight against the system that works to bring us down. Together, we will work to ensure that trans rights are seen as what they are -- human rights. Until the day there is a trans voice heard and respected in every room I will fight tirelessly against the systems that work to oppress, undermine and silence us. Student Associations are such an exciting new way for us to make lasting change, yet they have not been used to their full potential. Most students don't even know they exist. This has to change, and I strive to implement systems that will allow these roles to be used for lasting change.

My aims

Improved provision of gender-neutral and accessible bathrooms - No one should be forced to use a bathroom they're uncomfortable with. Yet for many trans students this is an all too common experience. Many buildings within Queen's have no gender-neutral facilities at all. There has been change in this regard recently, for example the many gender-neutral bathrooms within the Student's Union. More must be done. This is a small but extremely impactful change that can and should be made to support the mental health and wellbeing of our trans students. Further, there should be adequate period supplies in every bathroom at Queen's. Period.

Tailored and specific trans mental health support - Trans and nonbinary students are more likely to experience a range of mental health challenges than a typical cisgendered student. There is a complete lack of trans-specific mental health services, workshops and facilities. The issues trans students experience are totally unique and must be respected. I plan to collabarate with LGBT+ organisations such as The Rainbow Project to help faciltate trans and queer focussed events and workshops. Dedicated LGBT+ safe spaces should also be implemented to allow people a place where they feel protected and comfortable enough to be themselves.

Educate the university population about trans issues - For many trans students, bigotry and transphobia are something that they must deal with every single day. This is disgusting. 4 out of 5 trans people were victims of a hate crime in 2020. I will take every action possible to fight against this hatred. Issues such as misgendering and language that is not trans-inclusive is also a common issue. I believe the best way to fight this is to educate staff and students on trans-positive and inclusive language. Thankfully, many do this out of ignorance and not malice. As such, we can take these small steps to teach our future friends within the university how to make Queen's a safer, kinder and more inclusive society.

Be proud of yourself, and believe in what's possible.