Women's and Trans* Centre Committee - Year End Report

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  • 7/29/2019 Women's and Trans* Centre Committee - Year End Report

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    Following up from our interim report, the Womens and Trans* Centre (WTC) Ad-HocCommittee proceeded with the completion of any outstanding tasks under themandate and the dissemination of a survey to access the Safety and Supportconcerns of students on campus.

    MANDATE AND PROGRESS

    In line with the committee's original mandate, and following up from our interimreport, the following is a summary of our second semester work and progress on ourgiven tasks.

    FeedbackIn revisiting the mandate of this committee, the subcommittee for student feedbackcompiled a survey that would encapsulate the needs of students on campus. Theseneeds pertained to safety and support, as well as potential use of services andprograms. The subcommittee brought forward initial drafts which were edited bythe committee at large. The results of this survey will be discussed below.Operational StructureResearch and development of potential operating policies was also included in themandate. Our operations subcommittee drafted an operations policy comprised ofthe purpose of a centre, its operating parameters, and personnel structure. One ofour recommendations is that this operations policy remain a living document open torevisions and amendment until it is brought forward as a motion for approval of thecentre.Partnership and Funding ExplorationFunding and partnership options have been researched, with further work to beaccomplished by future committee members. An application for the Student LifeEnhancement Fund was submitted for a $5000 grant that would be put toward aresource library. Communication was established with the MSU VP of Finances todiscuss the logistical concern of liability insurance and the costs associated withfinding a location on campus for the WTC. Partnerships between the university, theMSU, and community organizations such as SACHA were discussed within thecommittee as possibilities.Relation to MSU ServicesThe QSCC deals directly with sexual orientation, as the principle participant inassisting the growth and development of the Queer community in the GreaterHamilton Area (QSCC Operating Policy). This leaves a gap for individuals who are ofdiverse gender identities and expressions but do not identify as queer. It isimperative to make the distinction between sexual orientation and genderpresentation and identity. Furthermore, the QSCC will operate as a safe space and

    contact point for queer people and their supporters on campus. This is a designatedspace that offers refuge and social activities for many students on campus, but doesnot sufficiently meet the needs of other women and trans* identified students, ofheterosexual orientation for example, who wish to have a safe space that do notnecessitate the distinction as a queer-focused forum. The social events and activitiesthat are aimed to be for trans* students include the Trans Friendly Swim and DragNight; however, based on the respondents that identified outside of the genderbinary, it is evident that there are students that have chosen not to access theseactivities. This may be due In part to perceptions of inaccessibility or due to the limit

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    in diversity of activities. A collaboration between the QSCC and a WTC would allowfor all women and trans* students to have access to a safe space most adequatelyrelating to their needs.

    The purpose of SHEC is to deal with student health relating sexual health, nutrition,addictions, and general health issues (stress, depression, etc). They offer peer

    support services, in correlation to said issues. This is not a service that primarilyaddresses gender issues, nor does this service serve as a central principle on genderrelated education and advocacy.

    QUANTITATIVE SURVEY ANALYSIS

    DemographicsThe data for this analysis was collected from March 8-15, 2013. We received 237respondents. From this total, 16% of respondents were men, 80% women, and 3%identify outside the gender binaries.

    From the total number of respondents, 12% were in their first year, 27% in second

    year, 20% in third, 23% in fourth, 11% in fifth year (or greater but still in undergraduatestudies), and 6% of respondents were graduate students.

    Potentiality for use of serviceInterest in using WTC potential service usage amongst first and second yearsprovide insight to the future sustainability of the service:

    72% of first year respondents and 57% of second year respondents said that theywould access a WTC as a method of learning about gender related issues.

    69% of first year respondents and 52% of second year respondents said that theywould access a WTC for training about gender issues.

    59% of first year respondents and 65% of second year respondents said that theywould access a WTC for a safe space.

    79% first year respondents and 80% of second year respondents said that theywould use a WTC in crisis situations.

    Interest in using a WTC as a method of learning about opportunities/speakers/workshops about gender related issues was high, with 87% of those identifyingoutside the binary, 65% of women, and 29% of men wishing to access this service.

    Interest in using a WTC to access training for gender issues on campus was also high,with 65% of women, 87% of those identifying outside the gender binary, and 45% of

    men wishing to access this service.

    Existing Services and GenderOf those respondents who identified outside the gender binary, 75% either do notuse the QSCC or only access their services occasionally.While 87% of those who identify outside the gender binary are aware of the servicesoffered by SHEC, 75% of these respondents never utilize said services.

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    QUALITATIVE SURVEY ANALYSIS

    Using two questions from the Safety and Support Survey; the question inquiring intostudent action following a situation involving harassment and the questionrequesting further comments on the developing of a potential WTC, four major

    themes emerged. The summary of the themes are followed by quotes from thesurvey.

    Accessibility and InclusionWithin these themes was a focus on ensuring access to services was inclusive for alland making sure that students know what options are available to them. In order topromote accessibility and inclusion, many responses indicated that we should beworking from an Anti-Oppressive framework when looking at a potential Centresmandates and also including the concerns trans* students had regarding the nameand promotion of a potential Centre.

    A Women and Trans* Centre is inherently political. I would not support acentre that is trying to be "apolitical", in an effort to create a "safe space". The

    space needs to be safe for all types of oppressed people, which means that itwill necessarily be political.

    Strongly wishing that it takes root; the fact that we have no dedicatedsupport for transgender students and faculty is something we are mandated tofix in order to foster an equitable and understanding educational community.

    I switched out of a major because of racism.

    I have been assaulted several times on and around campus. I am a man.

    I think race and disability is something that the centre should keep in mind; Ifind feminist groups on campus to be inaccessible and I think that the centreshould consider the intersection of different oppressions, not just gender.

    Education/Shifting PerspectivesThese themes came out in conversation around how to shift perspectives withinMcMaster University, as a microcosm of our society. Suggestions were made toincrease the level of comfort in addressing harassment and derogatory language,reducing fear of students to seek services and support and shift perspectives fromavoidance to acknowledgement of the state of safety on campus. Decreasing stigmaand shifting negative perceptions of women and Trans* students seeking supportwas identified as important goals that could be achieved through educational andawareness campaigns.

    I think it is essential for university services to offer a space where continuallymarginalized and oppressed peoples can go for support, community, andeducation. Likewise, a Women's and Trans center would help publicize thewomens/trans/queer struggle in a positive and enlightening manner for manyuninformed individuals - hopefully combating the harmful and violentstereotypes that exist on campus and society at large.

    I get harassed a lot on campus by guys. It would be nice to have a place Icould go and actually be treated as a human being, talk about issues of sexismon campus and ways to address them.

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    We must restructure the dominant ideologies in our society that implicitlyreinforce rape and assault. For this, we need to have seminars andpresentations for all students about these issues.

    I think advocacy/awareness would have to be an important aspect of apotential centre because increasing awareness of women's and trans* issues

    would make for a more accepting and knowledgeable community.Efficiency and Centralization of ServicesMany comments echoed a worry that the centralization of services for women andTrans* students may cause redundancy or inefficiency. The presentation of a systemsand service analysis was suggested by students, in garnering their support of thecentralization and creation of the services proposed. Also discussed were ideasaround enhanced communication between all services and clubs involved in thesetypes of services and developing unique ways to support students that do notoverlap with services like SHEC and the QSCC.

    It would be better to merge the concepts into SHEC (which already offerscounselling) and QSCC (which should, if it doesn't already, have training and

    speakers on gender issues).I am usually in more support of using what is already available, such asservices that are already set up and available, such as SACHA, there is still agreat difficulty in getting students to seek help through services off campus, asmany feel uncomfortable leaving the familiar surroundings of the campus.

    I think that though the ideas presented as part of the Women's and Trans*centre are very valuable and imperative components of a safe and acceptingcampus for allThe centralization of services and resources on campus isIMPERATIVE to ensure there is no inefficiencies in how we provide ourservices

    Moving Forward...

    Moving forward, how can we take responsibility to alter our current climate aroundviolence against women and trans* individuals and support to better suit the needsof all students on campus regardless of gender identity or presentation? Many ideascame out around this question with a strong focus on making sure that potentialservice users have a say in the development of programming. Listening to the voicesof students, particularly marginalized groups, and learning what they need was seenas an important step in moving forward. A strong sentiment conveyed in many of thecomments was one of moving the University forward. The creation of a WTC wasseen as inextricably linked to progressing McMaster forward as an ally for womenand trans* students, an active participant in the fight to eradicate violence againstwomen on campuses and a supportive environment for all students.

    Why are we the only school without one?

    There was one on the campus where I did my undergrad and it was anamazing resource and a fun, welcoming, safe space to hang out--also it offeredgreat volunteering experience and offered great opportunities to get involvedon campus.

    There needs to be a safe space and there needs to be education. Things needto change. I fully support a safe space for trans-gender students and I believe itis critical to McMaster being a modern and competitive university.

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    Given President Deane's commitment to ending violence against women oncampus, I can think of no better way to begin this commitment than theestablishment of a centre which will both help victims of violence as well asadvocate for the ending of violence against women.

    ON GOING DISCUSSIONS

    Name of the centreThe name of the centre has come up several times as a point of discussion. Someindividuals have raised concerns about the inclusivity of certain words in the title ofthe centre.

    Level of advocacyIn most discussions about WTCs, the issue of advocacy is raised. The question ofhow much or how little political work such a service would do at McMaster iscurrently up in the air.

    Gaps to be filled

    Through consultations with various services and groups, the committee has beentrying to pinpoint missing services which a WTC could offer. These issues and ideasare ongoing topics of discussion and will be looked at in more detail once operationspolicies are better established.

    RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COMMITTEE

    To ensure sustainability and the appropriate continuation of the efforts made so far,these recommendations were put forward using feedback from students both on thecommittee and through survey responses.1. It is recommended that work be put into solidifying a plan for a location. The

    locations costs (rent, hydro, cleaning staff and any other expenses) must befactored into any preliminary budget moving forward.

    2. It is recommended that the WTC contact potential partners (such as SACHA)and discuss the extent of said partnership between the University and off-campus services in the creation of the Centre.

    3. It is recommended that the WTC Committee move forward, upon gainingsupport from the SRA, by presenting this proposal to the Executive Board forfurther support.

    4. It is recommended that the WTC Operating Plan be a living document until thecreation of the Centre by the SRA, as to allow for as much flexible amendmentsto the policy.

    5. It is recommended that the WTC consider the feedback presented by the Survey

    results and form a name for the Centre that reflects the needs and concerns ofstudents.6. It is recommended that the committee expand its voting membership to more

    MSU members.

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    GLOSSARY

    Gender and Gender Identity: Separate from sex (the biologically determined, doctor-assigned idea of male/female associated with a person at birth based on hormones/anatomy/chromosomes), gender identity is the sense of yourself as male, female, amix of the two or in between, or neither. This is determined by each persons

    individual ideas, thoughts, and sense of self.

    Cisgender: Applies to individuals whose gender identity matches up with theirsex. For example, if at birth their doctor proclaimed them a girl, they continueto identify as female.

    Trans*: This is a term encompassing many different identities. Most commonlyused to refer to people whose gender identities do not match up with their sexat birth. Can apply generally to transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, andintersex individuals, as well as others. The * importantly reflects the inclusionof many varying identities, not just those traditionally considered trans.

    Gender Binary: The medically accepted and socially entrenched concept of

    gender as exactly two opposite genders, male and female, with nointersection or possibility of identification between or around.

    Oppression: The injustice coming from a social system that is put in place by unequalcontrol of power, wealth, influence, etc. by one social category of people againstanother.

    Safe space: A space where oppressed persons can speak frankly about theoppression they experience, where everyone is respected and no one is judgedbased on gender, ability, religion, race, background, etc.

    Sex positivity: An idea encouraging the healthy exploration of sexuality, sexualrelationships and sex in general. A very strong emphasis on active consent, sexualhealth, and ability to make individual choices.

    Sexual Assault: Unwanted, coerced or forcible involvement in sexual activityincluding touching , various forms of sex, and others.

    Sexual Orientation: Not linked to sex or gender identity, sexual orientation is eachpersons tendency to be interested in romantic or sexual relationships with particulargenders. Being straight means, if youre a man youre attracted to women and ifyoure a woman youre attracted to men. Gay refers to men attracted to men,lesbian refers to women attracted to women, bisexual refers to people attractedto both men and women, pansexual refers to people attracted to some or manygenders. This is a very incomplete list.

    For further questions, please contact:

    Elise MilaniMSU Services Commissioner 12/13

    [email protected]

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    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]