A trans-phobic sign was posted outside of the women’s toilets in the University of Glasgow’s music department. It was first noticed on the 23 October and was immediately removed.
The sign, featuring the University’s name and logo, reads as follows: “This is a female toilet. If you don’t qualify as female, please use the gents’ toilet on the floor above or below. Thanks.” The sign is printed in pink text and features a symbol of a women, similar to those found on ladies toilets. The symbol was also printed in pink.
The sign received a significant amount of backlash online, with much of the disapproval directed towards the university.
When asked about the sign, a representative for the University of Glasgow told The Glasgow Guardian: “The university supports all genders. Permission was neither sought nor granted for this poster and it has been removed.”
The music department of the University of Glasgow has also denied any responsibility for the sign, despite it initially appearing they issued it.
The president of the University’s LGBTQ+ society stated: “Anti-trans campaigning is becoming increasingly aggressive and hate crimes in the UK are on the rise. It’s important that things like this don’t go unchallenged. We hope the person who created this poster is found soon.”
Every year the University of Glasgow holds a Remembrance Day for those killed as a result of transphobia. The university and their LGBTQ+ society want the day to celebrate the lives of those killed. It aims to raise awareness to the continued discrimination and violence still prevalent in the society towards Trans people. All university students are invited to join the celebration.
“Anti-trans rhetoric such as this reaffirms the confusion between sex and gender. Signs and symbols likes this should be taken strongly, and must effectively be dealt with.”
Tobias Lawrence, LGBT+ Officer, Newcastle University Student Union
Tobias Lawrence, the LGBT+ Officer of Newcastle University Student Union considers this as ‘offensive’ and ‘unacceptable.’ He said: “Anti-trans rhetoric such as this reaffirms the confusion between sex and gender. Signs and symbols likes this should be taken strongly, and must effectively be dealt with.”
