The University of Barcelona leads the fight against transphobia with a week of transformative activities

During the event, the report Perception of safety and visibility of trans and non-binary students at Catalan universities: University of Barcelona and Pompeu Fabra University* was also presented. This document, jointly written by Gaizkane Apodoka and Leiden Marín, highlights the progress in perceived safety and visibility of trans and non-binary students. The results show increasing support from faculty and administration, the implementation of
non-androcentric inclusive language and the adaptation of teaching materials to prevent misgendering. In addition, the UB has included practical examples of good practices such as the inclusion of a real gender perspective in teaching plans and the signposting of mixed gender toilets on the UB campus. However, it identifies that, despite administrative and academic advances, there is still resistance to accepting non-binary language and recommends the creation of more robust policies to ensure continued inclusion and safety.

Afterwards, Tània Navarro and Rubén Antón discussed the challenges and needs of the trans community, followed by an open debate that allowed for the sharing of experiences and personal experiences. The event was enriched with an artistic exhibition and performances by various queer figures, which promoted spaces for socialisation and visibility for trans and non-binary people's projects in the university community. The event ended with a musical party by DJ Àlex Marteen.

The main aim of the event’s organisers, which include the Vice-Rector’s Office of Equality, Inclusion and Gender, the Equality Unit, the LGBTIQ+ Working Group, the Equality Committee and the UB’s Faculty of Fine Arts, is to raise awareness on the discrimination suffered by the LGBTIQ+ community and to encourage the creation of spaces for debate and support, thus fostering a more diverse, inclusive and respectful academic environment.