Selwyn JCR has decided to implement a Gender Expression Fund in order to help transgender and non-binary students with the cost of items that help them feel comfortable with their gender presentation, after a motion was put forward last Saturday, 29th February.

The money is intended to be spent on items such as wigs, binders and concealing underwear, products which some find to be financially inaccessible.

For now at least, Selwyn has also decided against imposing a cap on the amount of money that a student may claim from the fund. 

“No students should experience a financial barrier to being comfortable with themselves and with their gender expression,” said Oliver Schonle, JCR president at Selwyn.

“I also hope that the establishment of this fund will encourage the JCRs and MCRs of other colleges to create similar funds,” he added.

Selwyn’s Gender Expression Fund follows an example set by Clare, the first college to introduce such a fund in November. Since then, five more college JCRs have announced an equivalent: Christ's, Girton, Robinson, Jesus, and now Selwyn.

In order to use the fund, students can anonymously send their proof of purchase and bank details to the LGBT+ Officer, who passes on the bank details and amount to be paid to the Treasurer, who then reimburses the applicant directly.

While six Cambridge college JCRs have so far implemented this fund, it is very common amongst Oxford University JCRs, such as at Keble, Wadham, St John’s, Regent’s Park, Exeter, Magdalen, St Catherine’s, St Hugh’s, New, St Peter’s, and Somerville.

• Updated, 5th March, 12:02pm: This article was edited to correct the number of Cambridge college JCRs which have a Gender Expression Fund.