Statement on Edinburgh AFAF film screening

At our AGM in June 2019, UCU Edinburgh members passed a motion on Trans and Non-Binary Equality at the University of Edinburgh. This formed part of our wider work to embed UCU’s multiple strands of equality work and representation (BAME, disabled, LGBT+, migrant and women members) within the branch.

In the motion, we also committed ourselves to:

Call on the University of Edinburgh (UoE) to ensure that all events held in the name of UoE and on UoE premises are in line with the Dignity and Respect Policy and that the UoE neither host nor facilitate meetings which contain content which is transphobic, biphobic, homophobic or otherwise detrimental to the safety and wellbeing of LGBT+ staff.

Having learned of Edinburgh AFAF’s planned screening of the film Adult Human Female, we therefore wrote to the Principal to ask UoE to withdraw support for this event. We are supported by the Staff Pride Network in making this call.

Specifically, we asked for permission for this to be held in a University building to be revoked. We pointed out that the film description (then on Eventbrite but now taken down) contained content that was, “a clear attack on trans people's identities and not in line with Dignity and Respect policy.  It is specifically not, ‘expression within a framework of mutual respect’”.

The Principal’s response, declined our request, was generalised and did not engage with the specific points raised.  He also suggested we engage with the film by attending the screening.  This demonstrates a complete lack of understanding and sends a message to staff and students of a huge gulf between the University’s Trans Equality policy, with its commitment to provide, “support and understanding to those individuals who wish to take, or have taken, steps to present themselves in a gender different to their birth gender”, and what is being followed in practice. We are also aware that ours is also not the only complaint that has been dismissed in such a cavalier manner.

UCU policy is clear in that we support:

a social, rather than a medical, model of gender recognition that will help challenge repressive gender stereotypes in the workplace and in society. UCU supports trans rights and, as champions of equality, we welcome the increased visibility and empowerment of trans and non-binary people in our society.

With the University not conceding to ours and others’ demands that this screening not take place on our campus, we encourage members and others to support the two alternative events below which have been organised by the Staff Pride Network, the Students’ Association and Pride Soc and which take place at the same time as the screening.

Pride Soc Stall outside 50 George Square

Assemble from around 5.30, outside 50 George Square

Trans Solidarity Community Event (hosted by EUSA and SPN)

18.00-20.00, Lounge Bar, Teviot

Previous
Previous

2023 Election Communications

Next
Next

Overall cuts to our pensions