Gender Inclusion Policy

we use the word ‘woman’ inclusively

In all our work, we use the words ‘woman’ and ‘women’ in the broadest sense, being inclusive of trans and intersex women who have existed throughout history.

However, we recognise that within historical contexts, people would not have used trans or intersex as self-descriptors, and may not have felt able to fully express or record their gender. We also acknowledge that people from different cultures have used, and continue to use, different words for these genders.

All Are welcome

In everything we do, we aim to provide an inclusive, welcoming and supportive environment for people to be who they are irrespective of their gender, and we value everyone’s unique contributions.

In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from direct and indirect discrimination and from being harassed or victimised because of gender reassignment, sexual orientation, and sex, among other protected characteristics. 

What we mean by transgender

Where this statement refers to ‘trans people’, we refer to a broad range of people whose gender does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. This may include those who are non-binary, agender, gender queer or gender-fluid.

We recognise and accept that some people’s gender does not align with their sex, i.e. they are transgender; that not everyone feels that their gender can be defined within the margins of binary gender (i.e. ‘male’ and ‘female’); and that some people are intersex.

We do not tolerate discrimination

We will not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment on the basis of a person’s sex, gender, or sexuality. This includes, but is not limited to, name-calling, derogatory jokes or gestures, intrusive or hostile questioning, refusing to use someone’s correct pronouns or name, threatening to ‘out’ someone as trans, or unwanted physical contact or violence. 

We recognise that we all make mistakes, and if appropriate we may try to encourage people who engage in the above behaviours to learn and grow. However, in the case of sustained patterns of discrimination or harassment in our in-person events or on any of our social media platforms, we will take appropriate action.