Monday 19-01-2026 - 10:59

Durham SU Gender Expression Fund

We are continuing the Gender Expression Fund for the 2025-2026 academic year! This fund aims to support access to gender-affirming products for Trans students (binary transgender, non-binary, and otherwise gender-nonconforming people) at Durham University. Trans individuals are more likely to experience financial hardship - at the Students' Union, we strongly believe that our students should receive the proper support to overcome financial barriers that might prevent them from feeling comfortable and having a sense of belonging at Durham.

Check out our Trans Recognition Policy for more details about our beliefs and work for Trans students at the SU.

While some colleges and common rooms offer their own Gender Expression Fund, it is not always accessible for all students - our fund offers an extra opportunity. The year 2025-2026 is the last year of the pilot scheme and will be evaluated and reviewed at the end of Easter Term to determine whether it can be implemented in the longer term.
 

A personal note from your Community Officer

As a working-class student who only felt comfortable to express their gender freely at university, having access to a gender expression fund in Durham was an extremely helpful and welcomed opportunity for me. As well as helping me to afford gender-affirming care as a student, the fund I accessed helped me to realise that I did belong here at Durham as a Trans person - there are people everywhere looking out for you!

It's worth mentioning that if you have never accessed gender-affirming products before, it can be daunting to experiment with your expression. Is this brand's sizing accurate? What size [product] do I get so that it isn't uncomfortable? How on earth do I even wear this? Luckily, the Trans community here at Durham (from the Durham Trans Association to Common Room Societies to the individuals in our community) is so welcoming and supportive - there is always someone to answer tricky questions that might come up when you're finding your groove.

The Gender Expression Fund is just one element of the support available at Durham, but it can be an extremely helpful resource for those just starting their expression journey, those comfortable with their expression, and all those in between!
 

What can I use the fund for?

The fund can help you with buying clothing and aesthetic items to aid gender expression. This may include products such as:

• Clothing
• Concealing Underwear
• Breast Forms
• Binders
• Packers

Trusted sources and brands for gender-affirming products often include Untag, GC2B, Spectrum Outfitters, and Zoah.

This fund does not cover medical bills or travel costs.

Please direct any additional questions regarding what you can use the fund for to sophie.l.birch@durham.ac.uk
 

How to apply

1. Submit an application via this form and let us know what item you want to purchase. You will be given the option to include a link to a new/online item or to choose to purchase second-hand items in-store.
2. The application form will go to the relevant SU staff member. Only the member of SU staff arranging collection and communication with applicants will have access to your contact details.
3. You will then be informed of the outcome of your application.

If your application is approved, there are two options:

For new/online items

• The item will be purchased for you and delivered to Dunelm House.
• Once your item has been delivered, a member of SU staff will be in contact and arrange a date and time for you to come to the Dunelm House to collect it.

For second-hand items bought in store e.g. at charity shops

• You can purchase the item yourself, but make sure to keep the receipt.
• Once you have bought the item, you can send the receipt to the designated SU staff member. You will then be asked to fill out an expense form so that a refund can be arranged.

See 'Eligibility and further guidance' below for more details about applying.
 

Eligibility and further guidance

• The Durham SU Gender Expression Fund will be a pilot for the academic years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026. The fund will be evaluated and reviewed to determine whether it can be implemented on a more long-term basis.
• This funding is available to support Trans students with accessing items that aid gender expression. For example, clothes, binders, make up, jewellery, other personal items etc.
• This fund will not cover other expenses such as medical bills or travel refunds.
• This fund is specifically available for the purpose of gender expression. Alternative financial aid from Durham University can be on this page.
• Applications will be open throughout the academic year and will be reviewed regularly.
• The deadline for the last applications for this academic year will be 21 June 2026.
• Students can apply for up to £50 per term to purchase items to support gender expression.
• Students can reapply each term – however, students who have not previously accessed the fund will be prioritised. Your reapplication will be considered if it is for an item that you haven’t previously purchased using the fund or if there has been a change in circumstances (you will not have to give any further information on your circumstances).
• Please note that delivery times for items that are ordered may vary, so exact collection dates cannot be guaranteed.
• Please note that applicants have the right to request that their personal data be deleted at any time. Just contact sophie.l.birch@durham.ac.uk if you wish to do so.

Please direct any additional questions regarding the fund to sophie.l.birch@durham.ac.ukor raise a ticket with our ASK service at www.durhamsu.com/ask