The Oxford Students’ Union recognises that widespread transphobia and cisgenderism can lead to feelings of distress among trans and gender-diverse students.
We also acknowledge that expressing and embodying your gender in ways that feel good can be financially challenging, especially in light of the present cost of living.
We’ve created the Gender Expression Fund to provide financial assistance for students to purchase items that will make them more comfortable with their gender presentation and, we hope, improve their wellbeing.
Funding can be used to buy gender-affirming products such as binders, packers, breast forms, clothing and makeup. Funding can also be used to pay for transport to medical and therapeutic appointments.
Eligible students can apply for up to £50 at a time. In exceptional circumstances, you may be able to apply for up to £100. Please note, you will be asked to provide evidence of all costs you would like to claim for. You can apply in advance of or after spending.
The Union has designated a total of £400 for this fund in 2025/26.
How do you access the fund?
You can begin by submitting a response to this form.
Your application will then be reviewed by a team of administrators overseen by the President Welfare, Equity & Inclusion, supported by our Advice Service. The only time this may differ is if these people are not available, at which point another member of the Sabbatical Officer team or the CEO may assist.
Once your application has been reviewed, you will be informed of the outcomes by email (normally within 2 weeks) and asked to provide payment details
Once we have received your details, we will pay you via BACS (bank transfer) within 1-2 weeks
Why does the fund exist?
In November 2023, a motion was brought by our then Co-Chairs of the LGBTQ+ Campaign to the Student Council to mandate the creation of a centralised Gender Expression Fund. The motion referenced the OUSU 2018 Trans Report which shows evidence of higher levels of anxiety and stress in trans students, with two thirds stating Oxford has had a negative or extremely negative effect upon their mental health. However, items of clothing can exist to alleviate gender dysphoria, and access to these can have a significant impact on wellbeing and mental health.
Whilst around 25 common rooms (JCRs, MCRs or GCRs) offer some form of GEF with a range from £60 to £600 a year, many other common rooms lack any same initiative. The establishment of this fund intends to help current and prospective trans and questioning students see the Student Union as a safe, supportive and welcoming environment to explore their gender identity and expression.
Gender Expression Fund Application
If you have any questions about the Fund or your application, please email studentengagement@oxfordsu.ox.ac.uk