Fall/Winter 2021-2022
Trans and Nonbinary Student Experience
This project builds on our partnership with the Sexual and Gender Diversity Office (SGDO) and previous project gathering feedback on the trans, nonbinary, and/or otherwise gender nonconforming student experience of filling out survey and form categories in UofT documentation.
In this project, the Innovation designed and facilitated design thinking sessions in which were shared to gather further insights from communities. The design thinking sessions included ideating how UofT can be more inclusive of trans and non-binary communities in key areas, including online environments, in-person group gatherings, and trans and non-binary inclusive student engagement.
What are the needs of gender nonconforming students on University documents?
Students are often queried by the University for their name and gender on items such as documentation, surveys, and more. While it may appear standard to include such queries, the standard form of name and gender categories also raise questions concerning the purpose of such identification and how it allows for—or does not—student self-determination. Through student consultation, the Sexual and Gender Diversity Office (SGDO) and the Innovation Hub partnered to gain a better understanding of trans, nonbinary, and/or otherwise gender nonconforming student communities’ identification needs and experiences, with particular consideration on the identification categories used on surveys and the Change of Name and Gender Request Form.
