LGBTQ+ Support

When applying through UCAS applicants are advised [by UCAS] to use their legal name. This is because: 

– Successful applicants can use their UCAS offer letters or status codes to open student bank accounts 

– If applicants have granted permission, UCAS may share data with student finance 

You can add a preferred name which will be used by Trinity Laban when we get in touch with you. Please also select your preferred title. 

If you change your name by deed poll, you can change your name on UCAS yourself by logging into your account and updating your details. 

If you are coming for an audition and want us to use a name and/or pronouns which are different from the information submitted on your application, get in touch with Student Services to let us know. sse@trinitylaban.ac.uk 

Unless you inform us otherwise, we will use the information provided to us via UCAS. Please inform us or update UCAS if there are any changes to your personal details, email address, name and address, etc. 

Before you start on a course with us, we ask you to complete the questionnaire below. The more information we receive, the better we are able to meet your needs. We want to provide support and information where it is required. If you want to let us know more about how you identify you can do so here in the Support Questionnaire. 

Informing us you are Trans or Non-binary 

It is your choice whether to disclose your identity and to whom. If you inform Student Services or another member of staff that you are Trans, the information will be treated confidentially. We only communicate information to staff with your consent. 

Updating your Name and Pronouns  

You can change your name and pronouns on our internal systems with support from student services. Your (preferred) name can be on your email, student card, Moodle, student timetable and staff registers. This information can be updated at any point in your student journey. 

The only time your “deadname” will need to be used or will appear on official documentation during study is when you access official forms or letters through registry e.g. council tax, withdrawal, or programme transfers. 

Next of kin  

We understand that not all students are ‘out’ and so we will keep a record of how you would like to be referred to if we contact your next of Kin. If anything changes, we can update our system at any point.

Graduation and Certificates 

Formal documentation including your Degree Certificate and exam transcript will have your legal name on them. This is because your degree certificate is a legal document and needs to match official records. 

If you legally change your name during study, you can let us know so your record can be updated to reflect the change. 

Trans students who want documentation with their (preferred) name can request a Certificate of Attendance which they will receive alongside their Degree Certificate. If this is something you would like, please contact a Student Adviser. 

Changing your name formally can be an important part of your transition. It allows you to have your new name on all of your legal documents (excluding birth certificate). 

If you are a UK citizen there are two main ways of changing your name formally – Deed Poll and Statutory Declaration. 

More information about legally changing your name can be found on the Gendered Intelligence Website. Gendered Intelligence 

You can also apply to the Gender Recognition Panel for a Gender Recognition Certificate if you want your (acquired) gender to be legally recognised in the UK. 

There are 3 different ways (‘routes’) to get a certificate – which one you use depends on your situation. More information and the application can be found on the Government website. Apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate: Overview – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Rules on legally changing your name and gender marker differ between countries. If you are a non-UK/international student, you should always check advice issued by your own country. The appropriate government websites, embassy or high commission may be able to provide you with further information. 

Students with Tier 4 visas are required to report a legal change of name to the UK Visa and Immigration authorities. 

Identifying as trans, non-binary or questioning your gender can be very affirming, but it can also mean a lot of worry, and this can affect your mental health. It can also feel stressful to think about how our friends and family are going to respond. 

Trans people are more likely to be affected by mental health problems. Many trans people have poor mental health or experience mental distress and can find it more difficult to ask for or access the help that they need. 

If you want to access support, counselling, or advice there are services available to you at Trinity Laban and externally: 

• Trinity Laban Counselling Support is friendly and approachable, and free to all undergraduate and postgraduate students. You can find out more on our dedicated counselling support page. 

• Mermaids provide information about gender non-conforming people and have a helpline aimed at supporting transgender youth up to and including the age of 19. You can call them on 0800 801 0400. The Helpline is open Mon to Fri, 9am – 9pm (times may vary on Bank Holidays). 

• Gendered Intelligence runs a range of youth groups in London, Leeds, and Bristol for young trans people, non-binary and questioning young people aged under 21*. They also run a peer-led support group in London for those aged 18-30.  

• Mind, the mental health charity can provide support on the phone, by text or email. They also have a specific page focusing on mental health support for LGBTQI+ people and how to access it.

All students and staff are entitled to use toilets for the gender they identify with. 

Faculty of Dance: All toilet and changing facilities at the Laban Building, except some disabled toilets, are currently either male or female. 

Faculty of Music: All toilet and changing facilities at King Charles Court, except some disabled toilets, are currently either male or female. 

Laurie Grove: Male, Female and non-gendered toilet facilities are available. Changing facilities are gendered. 

Please note that conversations between student services and management to get students access to Gender Neutral Facilities are ongoing, and students will be updated when these facilities do become more widely available. 

If you have any concerns or questions about the facilities available at Trinity Laban, accessing support, updating your documentation or any other aspect of your student experience please contact student services.