14 April 2021

On Friday, 26 March 2021, the Department of Communications and New Media (CNM) held a roundtable discussion on Trans and Gender Non-conforming Lives, organized together with the Gender and Sexuality Research Cluster.

In her opening remarks, Professor Audrey Yue, Head of CNM announced the launch of the Equally Inclusive plan. “The Equally Inclusive plan is in line with the Department’s mission and vision, Communication for Transformation,” said Professor Yue. “An inclusive department values diversity, equity, access and difference. An inclusive department is an innovative department. An inclusive department is a learning community that strives for a progressive and rigorous pedagogy in a leading global university.”

The first in a line-up of initiatives in the coming months, the roundtable discussion featured individuals who identify as transgender and gender non-conforming, as well as speakers who have worked closely with transgender and gender non-conforming persons.

According to NUS student Jolene Tan, focus group discussions conducted by TransNUS, a peer support and representation group for trans students at NUS, found that transgender individuals at NUS face a variety of challenges when navigating student life, including spaces such as restrooms, housing, and first-year orientation camps, and administrative processes and services. “There is diversity among trans people, and our needs should always be considered in any policy change or review,” shared Jolene on the findings of a report resulting from the focus group discussions.

Dr Yuen Shu Min, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Japanese Studies shared findings from her research on the lived realities of trans men in Japan, who often engaged in dual presentation as a means for survival in a society that doesn’t understand gender non-conforming people. According to Dr Yuen, we can learn from what other societies are doing in order to adopt best practices that will foster a more inclusive community. As shared by Dr Yuen, this will be beneficial not only for trans folks, but for everyone.

Also among the speakers was Professor Stella Tan, NUS Associate Provost of Student Conduct, who agreed that respect goes beyond lip service. On cultivating a culture of inclusiveness, Prof Tan said that instead of merely adopting a top-down approach, she believes in the importance of walking the ground and listening to students’ concerns. Prof Tan also emphasised that at the institutional level, NUS has a policy of non-discrimination in the Code of Student Conduct, which prohibits unequal or unfair treatment of an individual based on sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

The roundtable discussion was organised as part of the Department’s continued efforts to foster a culture that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion, and foster a more inclusive learning environment for our community. This event comes on the heels of the Department’s long-standing commitment to creating opportunities and spaces for dialogue among students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the larger community.

You may also be interested to read this blog post, “The Role of Universities in Trans Lives,” by Vincent Pak.